About Us

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The American College of Osteopathic Obstetricians & Gynecologists is dedicated exclusively to women's health care. The ACOOG traces its origins to 1934 when a group of practicing obstetricians in the osteopathic profession met in Wichita, Kansas and formed an association.  An osteopathic OB/GYN is committed to the physical, mental and emotional health of women.

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.

D.O. 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.

There Is A Difference!

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 D.O.s 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, D.O.s offer their patients the most comprehensive care available in medicine today.

That's Not All

As a member of ACOOG, an osteopathic OB/GYN has undergone rigorous training. After four years of medical school, they complete four years of specialty training in obstetrics and gynecology.   They may also elect to 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, D.O.s must pass special oral and written examinations, and while in practice they are examined by the American Osteopathic Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology for continuous certification.  An osteopathic OB/GYN must also continue the educational process through courses, seminars, practice assessments, and teaching.