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700+ Voices for OME: AACOM’s Largest Advocacy Day Yet

Published September 21, 2026

By AACOM Government Relations and Health Affairs

Advocacy GME Healthcare Workforce Osteopathic Recognition Rural Medicine

On September 17, 2026, AACOM and hundreds of advocates from across the osteopathic medical education community met with Congress as part of AACOM Advocacy Day, the largest in the event’s history.

More than 700 advocates from 74 osteopathic medical school campuses came together to call for Congress to act on bipartisan legislation focused on fairness in residency selection, expanded clinical training opportunities and a stronger physician workforce, particularly in rural and medically underserved communities.

"Record participation is worth celebrating, but what matters most is what such strong participation represents, an osteopathic medical education community that is increasingly engaged, united and ready to advocate for the patients and communities we serve. When our students, educators, physicians and leaders share their experiences directly with Congress, they humanize the challenges facing our medical students and physician workforce."

-AACOM President and CEO Robert A. Cain, DO

Day One Highlights: Congressional Champions, Policy Priorities and Advocacy Training

On September 16, 2026, hundreds of osteopathic medical students, residents, educators and leaders were inspired by remarks from U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R-MT), U.S. Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) and U.S. Representative Aaron Bean (R-FL). AACOM's Government Relations and Health Affairs team also equipped advocates with practical advocacy tools, including an in-depth webinar covering the two priority bills and key talking points, along with a simulated congressional meeting.

Day Two Highlights: Advocates Take Osteopathic Priorities to Congress

On September 17, 2026, more than 550 advocates participated in more than 250 congressional meetings across 44 states, asking their Members of Congress to support two critical osteopathic policy priorities. Advocates called on Congress to:

Promote fairness in graduate medical education through the Fair Access In Residency (FAIR) Act, H.R. 2314 / S. 2715, which would increase transparency and help ensure osteopathic medical students receive fair consideration in the residency selection process.
Expand community-based clinical training through the Community TEAMS Act, H.R. 3885 / S. 3989, which would support clinical rotations in rural and medically underserved communities, helping strengthen the physician pipeline and expand access to care.

Keep the Momentum Going

Advocacy Day may be over, but there are still ways to make your voice heard. Help build on the momentum of AACOM’s largest Advocacy Day yet by continuing to advocate for the osteopathic medical education community.

Take Action Today

Visit the AACOM Action Center to urge your elected officials to cosponsor the bipartisan, bicameral FAIR Act, H.R. 2314 / S. 2715 and Community TEAMS Act, H.R. 3885 / S. 3989. It only takes a few minutes to send a message and help keep these priorities in front of Congress.

FAIR Act Community TEAMs Act

Share Your Support

Join hundreds of advocates speaking out for AACOM’s policy priorities. Use our social media toolkit to share ready-to-use graphics and messages with your networks.