Osteopathic Physicians Vote to Develop Postpartum Depression Continuing Medical Education

7/21/2003

From: Catherine Schneider of the American Osteopathic Association, 312-202-8039; 800-621-1773, ext. 8039

CHICAGO, July 21 -- At its recent annual business meeting, members of the American Osteopathic Association's House of Delegates supported the need to raise awareness of postpartum depression.

With 10 percent of new mothers suffering from this type of depression, the American Osteopathic Association encourages members to participate in continuing medical education programs on the condition. In addition, the association will develop a speakers bureau on the subject, as well as endorse the use of screening tools for detection of the disorder.

The AOA represents approximately 49,000 osteopathic physicians (D.O.s), promotes public health, encourages scientific research, serves as the primary certifying body for D.O.s, and is the accrediting agency for all osteopathic medical colleges and health care facilities. The AOA's House of Delegates, comprised of more than 500 D.O.s and osteopathic medical students from across the country, meets annually in July to set organizational policies and elect new officers.