About International Osteopathic Medicine

Osteopathic medicine, as practiced in the United States, continues to gain recognition throughout the world. The American Osteopathic Association has assigned responsibility for international activities to the Bureau on International Osteopathic Medical Education and Affairs (BIOMEA). The Bureau, which was founded in 1998, oversees activities including:

• Monitoring of licensing and registration practices in countries outside of the United States, particularly as it affects osteopathic medical education, and advancing the recognition of American-trained DOs.
• Contact with the World Health Organization (WHO), the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and other international health organizations.
• An international seminar and poster session at the AOA's annual convention.
• Distribution of information on international activities of interest.
• Distribution of information about the AOA and American osteopathic medicine to interested parties outside of the U.S.
• Coordination of international activity with osteopathic medical students, colleges of osteopathic medicine and interested specialty colleges.

COM International Activities Survey

In an effort to expand opportunities for the international osteopathic profession, the AOA’s Bureau on International Osteopathic Medical Education and Affairs (BIOMEA) conducted a survey of all colleges of osteopathic medicine (COM) and their programs and activities in international student clinical electives, medical outreach, and professional interactions with international organizations. 

As the osteopathic profession continues to expand its international reach, the sharing of this information among different osteopathic bodies becomes more and more important. The intent of this survey is to help raise awareness of opportunities and interactions for osteopathic students and physicians in the international community. Read the survey results.

The Bureau strives to maintain the most current information, and therefore this document will be revised on a regular basis. If your COM has any changes or updates please, e-mail them to Joshua Kerr, BIOMEA Secretary, at jkerr@osteopathic.org or complete the survey.

Please note: this information is self reported by representatives at each college of osteopathic medicine; accurate reporting is the responsibility of each COM.

International Practice Rights

Osteopathic physicians currently have unlimited practice rights in roughly 45 countries, with partial practice rights in several more. Learn more by visiting the International Licensure page.