AOA president, KCOM alum introduces presidential theme on Missouri campus
Posted: November 4, 2009
Making a special return trip to his alma mater after his appointment as president of the American Osteopathic Association, Larry Wickless, D.O., ’67, spent a sunny Friday afternoon sharing information about the association to a full classroom of students, faculty, and staff at the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Dr. Wickless introduced his presidential theme, “Leading Change: Building a New Foundation for the AOA,” in Mehegan Classroom and then gave his audience the opportunity to ask questions.
He began his address by highlighting some background features about the organization, including a mention of its 40,793 members. Because the osteopathic profession is growing, and due to the predicted shortage of at least 100,000 physicians by 2025, the association has several important goals that must be modified for the future.
Dr. Wickless said that the association must ensure cost effectiveness, strengthen the osteopathic profession, advocate improvements in healthcare, gain practice rights abroad, and gain awareness. As part of an increased effort to gain awareness, he encouraged students to become active AOA members and attend D.O. Day on Capitol Hill, which 1,600 students and supporters attended in March 2009.
He explained that although changing the healthcare system seems daunting, AOA members play several key roles, including lobbying, serving on committees, and attending hearings. And in a move to promote international expansion, Dr. Wickless highlighted the international activities of the AOA, including the Osteopathic International Alliance, which he helped to start, involvement with the World Health Organization, and DOCARE, a medical outreach organization.
Before Dr. Wickless became president, he served as a Michigan-based physician specializing in internal medicine and gastroenterology for 35 years. A Kirksville native, Dr. Wickless served on the AOA Board of Trustees for nine years before gaining his new leadership position.