The American Academy of Osteopathy is an individual membership osteopathic medical society with a focused educational mission. Members are predominantly osteopathic physicians (Doctors of Osteopathy, or D.O.s) and osteopathic medical school students who have a high degree of interest in osteopathic principles and practice, including the art and science of osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT). The Academy welcomes membership of allopathic physicians (M.D.s) who share an interest in learning the osteopathic philosophy.

The mission of the American Academy of Osteopathy is to teach, advocate, and research the science, art and philosophy of osteopathic medicine, emphasizing the integration of osteopathic principles, practice and manipulative treatment in patient care.

The Academy is one of 22 practice affiliates of the American Osteopathic Association in Chicago, the parent organization of the osteopathic profession. All osteopathic physicians (DOs) are educated in the basic principles of osteopathy and are trained in the use of osteopathic manipulative treatment as part of the curriculum in colleges of osteopathic medicine and postdoctoral training in AOA-approved institutions. While some Academy members specialize in osteopathic manipulative medicine, the majority integrate the practice of OMM in a variety of osteopathic medical specialties.

DOs are fully-licensed physicians in all 50 states and the U.S. Armed Forces. While osteopathic medical practice is in the mainstream of health care today, the specific delivery of osteopathic manipulative treatment continues to be misunderstood and under appreciated for its therapeutic benefits in the context of total health care management. It is from this perspective that the Academy speaks of osteopathic manipulative medicine as complementary medicine.