OOA Advocacy Remains Focused on Osteopathic Medicine

The recent Republican primary runoff for Oklahoma governor between Gentner Drummond and Mike Mazzei served as another reminder that elected leadership changes, but the mission of the Oklahoma Osteopathic Association does not.

The OOA’s responsibility is clear: We advocate for osteopathic physicians, osteopathic medical students, patients and the future of osteopathic medicine in Oklahoma. That commitment is not dependent on who occupies the governor’s office, who controls the Legislature or which political party holds power.

Elections are an important part of our democratic process, and individual physicians will have different political views and support different candidates. As an association, however, our focus must remain on the issues that directly affect the practice of medicine and the ability of physicians to provide high-quality patient care.

That means building productive relationships with elected officials from across the political spectrum. It means educating policymakers about the distinctive role of osteopathic physicians and making certain the voice of Oklahoma’s DOs is heard when decisions are made at the state Capitol and within state agencies.

Our advocacy priorities remain centered on protecting physician-led health care, reducing unnecessary administrative burdens, improving access to care, strengthening Oklahoma’s physician workforce, supporting osteopathic medical education and preserving a regulatory environment in which physicians can put patients first.

The OOA does not have the luxury of participating in government only when our preferred candidates hold office. Effective advocacy requires us to work with every administration and every Legislature. We will support policies that strengthen osteopathic medicine and patient care, and we will respectfully oppose proposals that we believe could weaken them.

Oklahoma has one of the strongest osteopathic traditions in the nation. Our physicians serve in communities large and small, with a particularly important presence in rural Oklahoma. Our medical students represent the next generation of that legacy. Protecting and advancing their ability to serve patients must remain bigger than any single election.

Campaigns end. Administrations change. Legislators come and go. The mission of the Oklahoma Osteopathic Association remains.

No matter who holds public office, the OOA will continue to be at the table, continue to build relationships and continue to advocate for the physicians and students we represent.

Our focus is osteopathic medicine. Our responsibility is our members and their patients. Our commitment does not change with an election.

We are stronger together. We are DO Proud.