ACOOG's Story
A Legacy of Excellence
Our Story: From Humble Beginnings to a Legacy of Excellence
The American College of Osteopathic Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOOG) was born out of vision, courage, and an unwavering commitment to advancing the practice of osteopathic obstetrics and gynecology. Our story begins in 1934, when a small but determined group of physicians, encouraged by Dr. Perrin T. Wilson — then President of the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) — came together with a shared purpose: to elevate the standards of obstetric care within the osteopathic profession.
At the heart of this founding group was Dr. Margaret Jones of Kansas City, a remarkably talented obstetrician and gynecologic surgeon who answered the call to establish what would become ACOOG. In an era when osteopathic physicians faced significant professional and legal obstacles, and when formal obstetrical training was difficult to obtain — with many seeking instruction in Europe or Mexico — these pioneering physicians laid the groundwork for an organization that would shape the future of women's healthcare.
The Early Years
By 1936, the College had formally adopted a constitution and bylaws, with a clear mission to improve the practice of obstetrics through the osteopathic approach. At their meeting in New York, 27 members gathered alongside the AOA to share knowledge, present research, and elect new leadership. Topics such as maternal mortality and innovations in labor management were at the forefront of discussion — reflecting the College's early commitment to clinical excellence.
In 1937, the College took a bold step forward by establishing the Professional Development Committee and recommending that formal standards and qualifications be required of those wishing to be recognized as specialists. Annual dues were set at $5, and membership requirements were updated to include five years of obstetrical practice and a minimum of 200 deliveries — a testament to the College's dedication to professional rigor.
Perseverance Through Adversity
The College's early decades were not without challenges. During World War II, membership dwindled to as few as 15 active members, yet those who remained continued to press forward. In 1942, Dr. Gleason introduced a uniform record system for obstetrical patients — a pioneering step toward standardized patient care. By 1943, the Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology was officially born and received formal recognition from the AOA Board of Trustees, marking a landmark moment in the history of osteopathic specialty medicine.
In the years following the war, dedicated leaders such as Dr. Delle Newman and Dr. Homer Sprague fought tirelessly to protect and grow the College, even in the face of opposition from those who sought to limit the scope of osteopathic surgical practice. Their perseverance ensured that ACOOG members would ultimately be recognized for their full scope of gynecologic surgical training and expertise.
A Legacy That Endures
From those humble beginnings — a treasury balance of $232.76 and a handful of courageous physicians — ACOOG has grown into a nationally recognized organization dedicated to the advancement of osteopathic obstetrics and gynecology. We honor the legacy of our founders by continuing to uphold the highest standards of clinical excellence, medical education, and professional development for osteopathic OB/GYN physicians across the country.
Today, ACOOG remains committed to its founding mission: to serve, educate, and inspire the next generation of osteopathic obstetricians and gynecologists — just as those first intrepid souls did nearly a century ago.
ACOOG Membership
As a member of ACOOG, an OB/GYN has undergone rigorous training. After four years of medical school, they complete four years of residency training in obstetrics and gynecology. They may also complete an additional three year fellowship in the subspecialties of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Reproductive Endocrinology/Infertility, Gynecologic Oncology, or Female Pelvic Medicine Reconstructive Surgery.
To merit certification in obstetrics and gynecology, DOs must pass special oral and written examinations, and while in practice they are evaluated for continuous certification. Certification is maintained through a combination of continuing education, practice assessments, and teaching. Board certified members obtain the title of Fellow and may use the FACOOG credential.
What Does Osteopathic Mean?
Osteopathic Medicine
In 1874, Andrew Taylor Still, MD, DO developed Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Still, a Civil War physician, became dissatisfied with the effectiveness of 19th century medicine after the great personal tragedy of losing 3 children to meningitis and another to pneumonia. He believed that many of the medicines of the day were useless or even harmful. His inability to save his family, coupled with his grim experiences as a war doctor, led Still to reject most of what he had learned about medicine and search for new and better methods.
Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT)
Osteopathic medical schools emphasize the "whole person" approach to medicine. Osteopathic physicians receive extra training in the musculoskeletal system and embrace a philosophy of health rather than simply treating disease. This gives DOs a therapeutic and diagnostic advantage over those who do not receive additional training.
Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) is part of every osteopathic physician's training. By combining this with all other medical and surgical procedures, DOs offer their patients the most comprehensive care available in medicine today.
DO Means DOctor
Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) have a four year undergraduate degree. They complete four years of medical school and a 3-5 year residency in their chosen specialty. They must then pass state licensing examinations in order to practice and pursue specialty board certification.
Osteopathic Pledge of Commitment
As members of the osteopathic medical profession, in an effort to instill loyalty and to strengthen the profession, we recall the tenets on which this profession is founded: The dynamic interaction of mind, body and spirit; the primary role of the musculoskeletal system; the preventive medicine is the key to maintain health. We recognize the work our predecessors have accomplished in building the profession. We will commit ourselves to continuing that work.
I pledge to:
- Provide compassionate, quality care to my patients
- Partner with them to promote health
- Display integrity and professionalism throughout my career
- Advance the philosophy, practice and science of osteopathic medicine
- Continue life-long learning
- Support the profession with loyalty in action, word and deed
- Live each day as an example of what an osteopathic physician should be