AOA House of Delegates

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Third Week of July Annually

MAOPS Delegates

A MAOPS AOA Delegate is a MAOPS and AOA member who represents the organization at the national level at the annual House of Delegates of the American Osteopathic Association (AOA). This is the policy making body of the AOA and the osteopathic profession.

MAOPS Delegates attend the annual House of Delegates meeting and provide a voice for Missouri DOs on national policy. Delegates attend reference committees where policy is reviewed and the actual House of Delegates where policy is debated and formally voted on.

Becoming a MAOPS Delegate to the AOA House of Delegates

The MAOPS Leadership Development Committee (LDC) reviews applications of those MAOPS members interested in serving as an AOA Delegate from Missouri. Applications are typically submitted by individuals, but can also be submitted by MAOPS committees, district affiliates, and the Board of Trustees. From applications submitted, the LDC makes recommendations to the Board of Trustees which approves the delegate slate.

Student delegates are selected by their respective schools: KCU-KC; KCU-Joplin, and ATSU-KCOM.

MAOPS is allotted a specific number of delegates by the AOA based on Missouri membership in the AOA. This can change annually, but it is typically 13-15 delegates, and we typically take three alternate delegates.

MAOPS officers automatically are delegates to the AOA per bylaws. The rest of the delegate slate is filled with interested and qualified members. The LDC considers the following when nominating delegates each year:

• • District/geographic distribution
  • Specialty
  • Enthusiasm and interest level
  • MAOPS and AOA membership required

Expectations of an AOA Delegate

• MAOPS and AOA membership is required. District affiliate membership is recommended and preferred.
• Proficient email use.
• Attendance at one or more conference calls prior to the AOA House of Delegates to review resolutions.
• Caucus meeting attendance at the AOA House of Delegates as announced by the President.
• AOA reference committee service and/or reference committee meeting attendance as delegated by the Missouri Caucus Chair.
• Full AOA House of Delegates session attendance.
• Willingness to review resolutions and reports prior to the AOA House of Delegates.
• Ability to stay abreast on the issues to be debated as they have a responsibility for establishing policies for the entire profession.

Expenses Associated with Service

MAOPS provides lodging and a stipend for Missouri physician delegates fulfilling all obligations at the AOA House of Delegates. Student delegate expenses are covered by the respective COM. Spouses/significant others are encouraged to come to Chicago with delegates, but expenses will be the responsibility of the delegate.

Contact MAOPS Executive Director Brian Bowles for more information.