In July, the House of Delegates for the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) unanimously reaffirmed their support of an AsMA Resolution that was originally published in 2021 and titled, “Vital Nature of Board-Certified Physicians in Aerospace Medicine.”

This resolution highlights the continued need for physician leadership on clinical teams. As physicians represent the highest level of training and certification in any specialty, their replacement by mid-level providers lacking this level of expertise is inappropriate. AsMA will continue to advocate against any non-physician expansion of practice that reduces a physician’s role in leading medical care.

With their recent vote, the AOA has again committed to the following policy statement: “The American Osteopathic Association recognizes the unique contributions and advanced qualifications of Aerospace Medicine professionals; and specifically opposes any and all efforts to remove, reduce or replace Aerospace Medicine physician leadership in civilian, corporate or government Aerospace Medicine programs and aircrew healthcare support teams. The AOA will advocate against further Aerospace medicine mid-level provider scope of practice expansions that threaten the safety, health, and wellbeing of aircrew, patients, support personnel and the flying public.”