Dr. Giaimo will represent one-tenth of all U.S. physicians, and one-quarter of all U.S. medical students
July 19, 2021 – Joseph A. Giaimo, DO, MACOI, FCCP, was inaugurated as the 125th president of the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) on July 17 in Chicago. An osteopathic physician who is AOA board certified in internal medicine, pulmonary medicine, and sleep medicine, Dr. Giaimo has been working in private practice in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, for more than 30 years. He ascended to the role of president during the annual AOA House of Delegates meeting, which commences his one-year term.
Dr. Giaimo assumes leadership of the growing physician association following a year defined by a global pandemic, significant technological change, and social unrest in much of the country.
“The osteopathic approach, which emphasizes empathic, patient-centered care, has never been more relevant,” said Dr. Giaimo. “Osteopathic physicians are a growing force in U.S. health care today, and our organization stands ready to support the 168,000 osteopathic physicians (DOs) and osteopathic medical students as they manage the pandemic recovery and the monumental vaccination effort.”
Doctors at the Forefront of Care
Osteopathic physicians, many of whom are on the front lines of care, have been instrumental in managing the health and wellness of the nation during a challenging year. Trained to focus on mental and physical wellness, DOs also oversee medical care for the nation’s Olympic athletes, NASA astronauts, those who serve in the uniformed services, and former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden.
“Our body-mind-spirit approach is why the osteopathic profession has grown so dramatically in the past three decades, and why DOs are asked to serve in some of the most prestigious positions in the country,” said Dr. Giaimo. “Osteopathic medicine is recentering care in our nation’s health care system. I am so proud to be part of this tradition and this community.”
Osteopathic medicine was founded on the belief that all systems in the body are interrelated, each working with the other to heal in times of illness. Currently, DOs account for approximately 11% of all physicians in the United States and 26% of U.S. medical students. They are pediatricians, OB-GYNs, internists, anesthesiologists, psychiatrists, oncologists, family medicine physicians, emergency medicine physicians, dermatologists, plastic surgeons, ophthalmologists, cardiothoracic surgeons, and more.
In the last three decades, the number of DOs has grown by nearly 300%. There are now 37 colleges of osteopathic medicine located on 58 campuses. In 2021, nearly 7,500 new physicians graduated from osteopathic medical schools, bringing the total number of DOs to 134,901, the highest number in history.
#DOProud
“Our overarching message this year will be ‘DO Proud,’ ” said Dr. Giaimo. “We will honor our distinctiveness and celebrate the professional accomplishments of our physicians and students. Advocacy and support for telehealth will also be part of my platform.”
Dr. Giaimo, the son of an osteopathic family physician who helped found a community hospital, is a proud graduate of the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed his residency and fellowship training at Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine, and later joined the Navy Reserve where he was attached to a mobile fleet hospital unit stationed in the U.S. and abroad. Dr. Giaimo attained the rank of commander.
Dr. Giaimo has served the osteopathic profession throughout his career. He has been an active member of the AOA Board of Trustees since 2008, and previously served as president of the Florida Osteopathic Medical Association (FOMA). Additionally, Dr. Giaimo remains active in his local community by serving as president of the Palm Beach County American Lung Association and Leadership Palm Beach County.
About the AOA
The American Osteopathic Association (AOA) represents more than 168,000 osteopathic physicians (DOs) and osteopathic medical students; promotes public health; encourages and funds scientific research; serves as the primary certifying body for DOs; and is the accrediting agency for colleges of osteopathic medicine. To learn more about DOs and the osteopathic philosophy of medicine, visit www.osteopathic.org.
About the AOA House of Delegates
The AOA’s House of Delegates, comprised of more than 500 delegates representing osteopathic state medical associations, specialty societies, residents, fellows, and students from throughout the country, meets annually in July to set organizational policies for the American Osteopathic Association and elect its board of trustees and officers.
