Osteopathic Medicine: A complete system of medical care with a philosophy that combines the needs of the patient with the current practice of medicine, surgery and obstetrics; that emphasizes the interrelationship between structure and function; and that has an appreciation of the body's ability to heal itself.
The Difference a D.O. Makes, 2d ed. Jones, Bob. 2001, Oklahoma City, OK: Oklahoma Educational Foundation for Osteopathic Medicine.-----The D.O.s: Osteopathic Medicine in America, 2d ed. Gevitz, Norman. 2004. Baltimore, MD: The Johns Hopkins University Press.-----An Osteopathic Approach to Diagnosis and Treatment. DiGiovanna, Eileen. 2004. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.-----Autobiography of A.T. Still. Still, A.T., MD, DO 1908.-----Philosophy of Osteopathy. Still, A.T., MD, DO 1899.
Heroes
Andrew Taylor Still, DO,MD, founder of osteopathic medicine, and Daniel B. McAuley, DO, first AOA president.
About me: The American Osteopathic Association (AOA) is a member association representing more than 67,000 osteopathic physicians (DOs). DOs are fully licensed to prescribe medicine and practice in all specialty areas including surgery. They are also trained to consider the health of the whole person and use their hands to help diagnose and treat their patients. Headquartered in Chicago, the AOA’s mission is to advance the philosophy of osteopathic medicine by promoting excellence in education, research, and the delivery of quality, cost-effective health care within a distinct, unified profession. The AOA also works to promote public health; encourages scientific research; serves as the primary certifying body for DOs; is the accrediting agency for osteopathic medical colleges; and has federal authority to accredit hospitals and other health care facilities. For more information on DOs and osteopathic medicine, visit www.osteopathic.org.
Who I'd like to meet: Featured DOs: Larry A. Wickless, DO, an AOA board-certified internist and gastroenterologist, has been named the 113th president of the American Osteopathic Association. A native of Kirksville, Mo., Dr. Wickless has practiced gastroenterology in Farmington Hills, Mich., for more than 35 years. Also an educator and mentor, Dr. Wickless is a clinical professor of medicine at the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine in East Lansing. He has served either as director or associate director of the gastroenterology training program at Botsford Hospital in Farmington Hills, which has trained 50 fellows since Dr. Wickless co-founded the program in 1977.
Karen J. Nichols, DO, an AOA board-certified internist, is president-elect of the American Osteopathic Association. This position puts her on track to becoming the first female president of the association in 2010. As one of only eight females in her graduating medical school class, Dr. Nichols takes pride in seeing the role of women in medicine grow. Currently Dr. Nichols is dean of the Midwestern University/Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine in Downers Grove, Ill. Early on in her career, Dr. Nichols helped develop policy and educate future generations of health care providers about end-of-life care issues after she became involved in a case that introduced her to the important role physicians play in the final days of terminally ill patients.
American Osteopathic Association's Friend Space (Top 29)
Medical Justice CEO and Founder Dr. Jeff Segal will appear on CNN's Lou Dobbs Tonight, Thursday night, August 6 at 7 pm (EDT). Dr. Segal is schedule to debate a trial attorney on medical liability reform.
