The 2026 Osteopathic Medical Profession Report indicates a notable increase in the number of osteopathic physicians (DOs) across all 50 states, with a significant portion of the workforce comprised of individuals aged under 45.
CHICAGO, Oct. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The just-released American Osteopathic Association’s (AOA) 2026 Osteopathic Medical Profession (OMP) Report marks a significant milestone: for the first time, women constitute the majority—50.2%—of osteopathic physicians practicing in primary care. This figure shows an increase from 49.6% in 2025.
This shift is largely fueled by younger practitioners. Specifically, among primary care DOs aged 35 and younger, women represent 55.4%. Overall, women now account for 46.1% of all DOs in active practice, with over 50,000 female DOs under the age of 45 currently in the field—a first in the history of the profession.
Highlights from the 2026 OMP Report
- 151,240 DOs are currently in active practice, a substantial increase from 63,121 in 2010.
- 55% of practicing DOs focus on primary care specialties.
- 41,001 students are enrolled in osteopathic medical schools, representing a record high and over 25% of all U.S. medical students.
- A record 93.2% of DO seniors successfully matched in the 2026 NRMP Main Residency Match.
- The number of DOs has risen in every state and Washington, D.C. this year.
“The growth we’re observing among women and younger physicians is promising for the future of osteopathic medicine,” remarked AOA President Richard R. Thacker, DO, MACOI. “As more women enter the field, particularly in primary care, patients benefit through a wider array of perspectives centered on the whole-person care that characterizes our profession.”
Geographic Growth Trends
The most significant increases have occurred in states with historically fewer DOs. Louisiana reported the highest growth at 13.8% year-over-year, trailed by Idaho (11%), Nevada (10.4%), New Mexico (9.7%), and Arkansas (8.6%). Over the past five years, Arkansas has seen its DO population nearly double—a 92.9% increase since 2021, significantly surpassing the national average increase of 31%.
Currently, six states host more than 10,000 DOs, with Texas and Michigan joining California, Florida, Pennsylvania, and New York on this list.
“Osteopathic physicians are responding to patient needs in various communities,” said Dr. Thacker. “In primary care, a patient might visit with a single concern but can leave having addressed their overall health. As our profession expands into more areas, access to such comprehensive care increases.”
Conclusion and Future Outlook
The full 2026 OMP Report is accessible on the AOA website, where you can find more detailed insights into the osteopathic profession’s growth and the changing dynamics impacting healthcare delivery.
About the American Osteopathic Association: The AOA stands as the foremost advocate for osteopathic medicine in the United States, representing over 218,000 osteopathic physicians (DOs) and medical students dedicated to promoting public health, scientific inquiry, and excellence in DO certification. For more than a century, the AOA has championed whole-person healthcare, ensuring that the foundational principles of osteopathic medicine are a vital influence in contemporary healthcare.
For further information aboutDOs and the osteopathic medical philosophy, please visit Osteopathic.org or seek a DO in your vicinity at findado.osteopathic.org.