Understanding the Relationship Between the AOA, AOIA, and OPAC
The American Osteopathic Association (AOA) serves as the primary professional organization for osteopathic physicians and medical students. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the AOA focuses on education, research, and advancing the profession, but is limited in its ability to engage in political campaign activity.
To expand advocacy efforts, the AOA established the American Osteopathic Information Association (AOIA), a 501(c)(6) organization. This structure allows for broader engagement in advocacy, including activities that are restricted for 501(c)(3) organizations, such as more direct involvement in political and legislative affairs.
Building on this foundation, the AOIA established the Osteopathic Political Action Committee (OPAC), a federally registered political action committee, or "PAC." OPAC enables members of the osteopathic profession to pool voluntary contributions to support the election and re-election of candidates for federal office who align with osteopathic priorities.
Together, this structure allows the osteopathic profession to operate effectively across education, advocacy, and political engagement:
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AOA (501(c)(3)): Education, research, and professional advancement.
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AOIA (501(c)(6)): Advocacy and policy engagement.
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OPAC (PAC): Political support for federal candidates - champions for the osteopathic profession.
This coordinated framework ensures the profession can advocate for meaningful healthcare policy while remaining fully compliant with federal law.
How does OPAC help me as a student member? OPAC is the sole political action committee advocating on behalf of all members of the osteopathic profession at the federal level. Specifically, OPAC identifies and supports the election and re-election of pro-physician candidates to the U.S. Congress who support your position on the issues most important to our members, their patients, and the osteopathic profession. OPAC advocates for policies that address student debt, residency slot availability, and other key legislative priorities.
