Dr. A.T. Still was a visionary whose challenges to the status quo extended beyond the practice of medicine. He was a fervent believer in extending opportunities to all and an early supporter of bringing women and minorities into the profession.

Women in osteopathic medicine

Dr. Still commented, "I opened wide the doors of my first school for ladies…Why not elevate our sisters’ mentality, qualify her to fill all places of trust and honor, place her hand and head with the skilled arts?" Few career paths were open to women at those times. The first class to convene at the American School of Osteopathy (ASO) in 1892-1893 included women.

The number of female D.O.s rapidly increased and in 1920, women formed the Osteopathic Women’s National Association (OWNA). OWNA saw many changes as World War II neared. The decline in women applicants to osteopathic colleges declined from 25 percent of all entrants in 1900 to 5 percent by 1940.

Once the war ended, and scholarships were set up as incentives to increase the number of female applicants, the numbers went up. By the 1960s, women began returning to the nation’s medical schools.  In 1988 The National Osteopathic Women Physicians Association (NOWPA) was formed, and by 1998, women accounted for 38% percent of total enrollment in osteopathic colleges.

Women historically have risen to positions of prominence in osteopathic medicine. One of the first was Louisa M. Burns, D.O., who graduated from the Pacific College of Osteopathy in 1903 and became the foremost researcher in osteopathic medicine.

In more recent times, Barbara Ross-Lee, D.O., became the first African-American woman to be appointed dean of a U.S. medical school—the Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Ross-Lee is a former member of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services National Advisory Council of the Bureau of Health Professions.

Minorities in osteopathic medicine

The American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) plays a critical role in encouraging women and persons of color to enjoy the rewards of a career in osteopathic medicine. AACOM was among the first of 37 organizations to join the Health Professionals for Diversity, a group of medical professionals that promotes affirmative action within the medical profession and educational institutions.

In 1998, African-Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders represented [ ] percent of total enrollment in osteopathic colleges.

Cuban-born Marcelino Oliva, D.O., was the first minority-group president of the AOA serving from 1988-1989. During his term, Dr. Oliva launched a major initiative helping states with low D.O. populations. The effort included increased public relations support, physician placement assistance, educational program development and assistance in government relations.

William G. Anderson, D.O., was the first African-American president of the AOA (1994-1995). Dr. Anderson has been a champion of civil rights. As a founder and first president of the Albany Movement, he took part in hundreds of civil rights marches and worked side-by-side with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. Anderson is also a member of Physicians for Social Responsibility.