STUDENT AMERICAN ACADEMY OF OSTEOPATHY (SAAO)

SAAO MISSION

The Student American Academy of Osteopathy (SAAO), formerly UAAO, has been organized by students of the accredited U.S. osteopathic medical colleges under the auspices and guidance of the American Academy of Osteopathy (AAO) for the purposes of helping osteopathic medical students:

1. To acquire a better understanding of osteopathic principles, theories and practice to include:
1. helping students attain a maximum proficiency in osteopathic structural diagnosis and treatment;
2. fostering a clear concept of clinical application of osteopathy in health and disease; and,
2. To improve public awareness of osteopathic medicine so that the community may better take advantage of the benefits provided by the complete health care concept of osteopathic medicine.

Any student of an American Osteopathic Association-accredited osteopathic medical school, or an osteopathic medical school pending AOA accreditation, may become a member of the SAAO. 

Upcoming Events 2024-2025

• September 20-22: AAO at OMED24
• October 15: October Journal Club
• March 25-26: SAAO Board of Governors at Convocation 2025
• March 26-30: Convocation 2025

Events at Convocation 2025

• LBORC Research Forum
• LBORC-NUFA Poster Presentation Session
• A. Hollis Wolf Competition (PPT download)
• Mentorship Program (Thursday & Friday)

HISTORY OF SAAO

The American Academy of Osteopathy was founded in 1937, and then in 1949, Drs. George W. and Thomas L. Northup met with Dr. Angus Cathie and initiated the first student AAO group. In order to accord increased recognition to the groups of inquiring students, the bylaws of the AAO were amended at the annual meeting in Chicago, July 1959, to provide status for the Undergraduate Academies as Component Societies of the Academy of Applied Osteopathy (now the American Academy of Osteopathy).

In 1982, the forerunners of the current SAAO council wanted to provide a vehicle for communication among the colleges and the AAO. They also felt it would be more beneficial to unite the student component societies under one cohesive voice. Today, there is an active SAAO membership of over 5,000 members under the guidance of the Academy.

We wish to thank the local chapter advisors and the American Academy of Osteopathy for their ongoing support and dedication. Without their guidance and direction, this organization would not be as successful as it is today. Many former SAAO members have gone on to leadership roles in the Academy.

Core Competency Capstone for DOs (C3DO)

The NBOME has been working with various COMs to develop the C3DO. Learn more about this new initiative: