who specialize in delivering comprehensive primary care for patients of all ages, genders, and addressing all parts of the body (family physicians).

As of April 2012, 6,344 osteopathic family physicians held active certification with the AOBFP.

[3] Initial certification is available to osteopathic family physicians who have successfully completed an AOA-approved residency in family medicine, two years of practice, successful completion of written and oral exams, and chart review.

Since March 1997, if a physician does not recertify every nine years, their board certification status expires.

For an osteopathic physician to be board-certified in any specialty, they must be AOA members, pay certification fees, and complete at least 120 hours of continuing medical education in a three-year period.