Stefan Hagopian, DO, FAAO

About Stefan Hagopian, DO, FAAO

Stefan Hagopian, DO, practices traditional osteopathic medicine in both primary care and as a specialist, where he serves patients of all ages with a wide range of needs. He teaches at osteopathic schools, residencies, and CME groups; and conducts research in clinical anatomy and embryology. This combination has enhanced his teaching, especially where decades in practice alongside regular lecturing have improved the breadth and depth of insights – as well as communication skills.

Dr. Hagopian was the first person selected by James Jealous, DO to form the faculty group to teach the Biodynamic Approach to Osteopathy. In the tradition of the osteopathic profession, it is with much gratitude that Dr. Hagopian continues to teach this Biodynamic curriculum, as he has done consistently since the late 1990’s. Also in the tradition of our profession, Dr. Hagopian has been developing other teachings that are based on his own research and experience.

From an early age Dr. Hagopian was interested in teaching about growth and healing. He had studied in some of the arts and sciences of exercise, physics and health before entering the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine in Maine in the early 1980’s. At this time, Dr. Jealous was living in Maine and was still in his first office practice location, but he was already demonstrating clinical results that would impress any observer. He had not yet begun teaching regularly, so what started as mentoring for the student doctor in the office evolved into a great friendship. They worked together in diverse explorations and in the development of coursework for study groups. In those early years their relationship facilitated collaboration and learning with outstanding elder teachers like Anne Wales DO, Herbert Miller DO, Robert Fulford DO, Rollin Becker, DO, and Viola Frymann DO – efforts that would lead to research projects, unique teachings, and organized programs that continue to this present day.

In addition to teaching small groups locally, Dr. Hagopian has lectured before large audiences internationally, and in the US for the AOA (American Osteopathic Association), AAO (American Academy of Osteopathy), OCA (Osteopathic Cranial Academy), SCTF (Sutherland Cranial Teaching Foundation), OCC (Osteopathic Center for Children – San Diego), OPSC (Osteopathic Physicians & Surgeons of California), and a number of universities – mostly the western states’ colleges of osteopathic medicine. He has served on the boards of teaching and research foundations, recently as an elected member of the AAO Boards (Trustees and Governors), seeking to advance the osteopathic skills of practicing clinicians and health care educators.