OMED26 Celebrates Growth and the Future of the Osteopathic Profession

Nevada, among the fastest-growing states for osteopathic physicians, hosts the AOA's annual conference featuring Olympian Chaunté Lowe, live clinical simulations and a residency fair

CHICAGO and LAS VEGAS, Oct. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Osteopathic Association (AOA) will convene osteopathic physicians, medical students and health care leaders Oct. 22-25 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas for OMED26, its annual Osteopathic Medical Education Conference. The meeting comes as the profession reaches a record size: more than 218,000 DOs and osteopathic medical students, according to the AOA's 2026 Osteopathic Medical Profession Report.

Guided by the theme, "Your Career. Your Path. Your OMED," attendees can customize their experience to support their unique professional development goals. OMED offers more than 200 hours of educational programming and the opportunity to earn up to 60 CME credits in person, with OMED On-Demand available through Dec. 31 for additional flexibility.  

"OMED is a unique experience where the osteopathic profession comes together from every specialty to learn from one another and strengthen the whole-person approach to care," said Richard R. Thacker, DO, MACOI, President of the AOA. "The connections and experiences shared at OMED help physicians serve patients and communities long after the conference ends."

Conference highlights include:

• A main stage keynote from Chaunté Lowe, Olympic bronze medalist and breast cancer survivor.
• "Coffee and Conversations: Putting Patients First," a main stage panel with physician leaders from CVS Health, Rush University System for Health, Fountain Life and the U.S. Air Force.
• Live medical simulations led by the Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine, with six clinical scenarios staged on the exhibit hall floor the mornings of Friday, Oct. 23, and Saturday, Oct. 24.
• A residency fair connecting osteopathic medical students with training programs nationwide.
• An awards ceremony honoring the 2026 AOA award recipients on Saturday, October 24 at 4 p.m.

"OMED brings those in the profession together for a meaningful conference where innovation and commitment to high-quality patient care take center stage," said Peter B. Ajluni, DO, chair of the OMED Council. "Whether attendees are building new relationships, strengthening clinical skills or preparing for the next stage in their career, OMED provides a unique opportunity to learn and grow with colleagues and celebrate the distinct philosophy of the osteopathic profession."

For more information or to register, visit www.omed.osteopathic.org.

About the American Osteopathic Association 

As the nation's leading voice for osteopathic medicine, the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) represents more than 218,000 osteopathic physicians (DOs) and medical students, championing public health, scientific research, and the highest standards of DO certification. For over a century, the AOA has advanced whole-person healthcare, shaping the future of the osteopathic profession and ensuring its founding principles remain a vital force in modern medicine. 

To learn more about DOs and the osteopathic philosophy of medicine, visit www.osteopathic.org or to find a DO in your area visit www.findado.osteopathic.org

SOURCE American Osteopathic Association