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William Anderson, DO, FACOS


WILLIAM G. ANDERSON, DO, former President of the American Osteopathic Association, is a founding member of the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine's Board of Directors. Dr. Anderson is a leader in the profession and has held leadership positions including the President of the American Osteopathic Foundation, President of the Michigan Osteopathic Association, President of the Wayne County Osteopathic Medical Association and is a member of the Board of Directors of the American Osteopathic Association and has served on AOA President’s Advisory Council for many years. Dr. Anderson is a Professor of Surgical Services and Senior Advisor to the Dean of Michigan State College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Dr. Anderson serves as a role model for all osteopathic students in serving not only their patients but also their community at large. Dr. Anderson began his professional career in the practice of medicine and surgery in Albany, Georgia where he practiced as a family physician for six years. During this time, Dr. Anderson was the founder and first president of the Albany Civil Rights Movement, which spearheaded the Movement in Southwest Georgia. As a leader in the Albany Movement and a community leader, he worked closely with other leaders including Dr. Martin Luther King, Rev. Ralph David Abernathy and Mrs. Rosa Parks, to advance not only the health but also the general well-being of all the residents of his Albany community.

After completing pre-med education at Fort Valley State College, Dr. Anderson enlisted in the United States Navy. Dr. Anderson attended Hospital Corpsmen’s School on the Island of Samar in the Leyte Gulf, and became a fully qualified hospital corpsman and was assigned duties in a naval clinic and hospital. Dr. Anderson completed his training in General Surgery in Detroit Michigan where he conducted a successful group surgical practice until 1984. He earned his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Degree from the Des Moines University/College of Osteopathic Medicine. He is certified in General Surgery and a Fellow in the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons.

Dr. Anderson was married to the late Norma Dixon of Atlanta, also a civil rights leader. Dr. Anderson and Norma published "Autobiographies of a Black Couple of the Greatest Generation," published in 2004, and whose proceeds go to fund the American Osteopathic Foundation's Minority Scholarships.

Dr. Anderson is the proud father of five children, three of whom have followed him into careers in Osteopathic Medicine. He has a daughter who is a Librarian and a second daughter who is Project Training Leader of Professional Development for the State of Georgia, and is a professor at Kennesaw State University. Four grandchildren are in the medical field as well. Dr. Anderson is also the proud great-grandfather of three.

Dr. Anderson has received 12 Honorary Degrees and he lectures at many colleges and universities on matters related to the practice of Osteopathic Medicine and Civil Rights. Michigan State University presents annually, the Slavery to Freedom Lecture Series, which has been named, for Dr. Anderson. This year the series celebrates its 21st year.

Dr. Anderson has no disclosures.