Request for Input: Osteopathic Medical Stakeholders and Guardians

Your input is needed! At the recent 2019 United States Osteopathic Medical Regulatory Summit, it was called for a statement(s) defining osteopathic distinctiveness. The below statement was developed for all involved in osteopathic medical education (students, residents, attending physicians, etc.) But, there is a need for a more concise version and one specific to pre-medical students and advisors. 

Please review the statement and forward any feedback and suggestions to [email protected] by November 30, 2019.

The Distinctive Practice of Osteopathic Medicine

Osteopathic Physicians/Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs) are fully qualified, United States-trained physicians who embrace a philosophy that emphasizes comprehensive health care of the whole person, and the dynamic interaction between the body, the brain, disease, treatment and optimal health. This model moves beyond a strictly reductionist approach to care of a disease, disordered enzymatic or cellular interactions, individual body parts or a potential singular target for medical treatment.

Since the osteopathic medical tradition emerged in the late 1800s, DOs have practiced an empathetic approach that focuses on connecting with patients, contextually partnering with patients to promote health, prevent injury and to diagnose and treat disease. DOs are trained to connect body, mind and spirit, and to judiciously employ all of the evidence-based-methods of modern medical and surgical diagnosis and treatment.

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DOs are trained to recognize the important role of the musculoskeletal system and structure-function relationships, and receive additional training in hands-on diagnosis and treatment, including osteopathic manipulative treatment. They are well versed in nonpharmacological, complementary and alternative therapies in patient care. DOs are doctors who specialize in you!