 The board is one of 18 medical specialty certifying boards of the American Osteopathic Association Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists approved by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA), and was established in 1954.The AOBPMR is one of two certifying boards for physiatrists in the United States.The other certifying authority is the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, a member board of the American Board of Medical Specialties.