The American Academy of Osteopathy is an osteopathic medical society with a focused educational mission. Founded in 1937, the AAO was established to teach, advocate and research the science, art and philosophy of osteopathic medicine, emphasizing the integration of osteopathic principles, practices and manipulative treatment in patient care. the AAO's Convocation attractes more than 1,000 registered attendees, mostly practicing osteopathic physicians, residents, and medical students. The majority of physician attendees specialize in family medicine and other primary care fields, and many attendees are believers in complementary and alternative medicine.