1. Osteopathic Physicians in America: Why We Are Who We Are

2. John R. Gimpel, D.O., M.Ed. VP for Clinical Skills Testing NBOME jgimpel@nbome.org jgimpel@nbome.org Associate Professor of Family Medicine Georgetown University School of Medicine Assistant Professor of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine and Family Medicine Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine

3. Osteopathic Medicine An innovative system of diagnosis and treatment with two major emphases: 1. Highlights the treatment of physical ailments while emphasizing the normalization of body structures and functions 2. Emphasizes the importance of health and well being; body, mind and spirit

4. Osteopathic Medicine  A comprehensive and scientifically- based school of medicine that embraces a whole-patient oriented philosophy

5. Classic Osteopathic Philosophy Organized with respect to health, disease, and patient care. Ward, R.C., Foundations for Osteopathic Medicine, 2002 Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins.

6. Health 1. Health is a natural state of harmony. 2. The human body is a perfect machine created for health and activity. 3. A health state exists as long as there is normal flow of body fluids and nerve activity.

7. Disease 1. Disease is an effect of underlying, often multifactorial causes. 2. Illness is often caused by mechanical impediments to normal flow of body fluids and nerve activity. 3. Environmental, social, mental, and behavioral factors contribute to the etiology of disease and illness.

8. Patient Care 1. The human body provides all the chemicals necessary for the needs of tissues and organs. 2. Removal of mechanical impediments allows optimal body fluid flow, nerve function, and restoration of health. 3. Environmental, cultural, social, mental, and behavioral factors need to be addressed as part of any management plan. 4. Any management plan should realistically meet the needs of the individual patient.

9. Four Key Principles of Osteopathic Philosophy 1. The body is a unit; the person is a unit of body, mind and spirit. 2. The body is capable of self-regulation, self-healing, and health maintenance. 3. Structure and function are reciprocally interrelated. 4. Rational treatment is based upon an understanding of the basic principles of body unity, self-regulation, and the interrelationship of structure and function.

10. Editorial- My Own Osteopathic Mission Statement  Osteopathic physicians recognize that medicine is not science, but a “science-using” profession  Osteopathic physicians are awestruck by the body’s innate healing abilities and the dignity and humanity of each person

11. Editorial- My Own Osteopathic Mission Statement  DOs are enamored by anatomy and physiology, with a healthy skepticism towards pharmacology and a respectful mistrust of unproven technologies  DOs regularly integrate health promotion and disease prevention into their approach to patient care

12. Editorial- Defining Characteristics of Osteopathic Medical Education While there has been an increasing collaboration with the allopathic medical schools and GME programs, osteopathic medical schools maintain several interesting distinctive elements…

13. Editorial- Defining Characteristics of Osteopathic Medical Education  Less reductionist approach- a generalist philosophy contributing to a larger percentage of graduates entering generalist (primary care) disciplines  Greater emphasis on palpatory and other clinical skills, with regular and intensive practice in touch and OMM/OMT

14. Editorial- Defining Characteristics of Osteopathic Medical Education  Smaller academic health centers and community hospitals foster the following: Higher percentage of education and training coordinated by generalist (primary care) faculty and faculty who are driven by education and clinical care as opposed to research as their primary motivator Preceptorships (apprentice model) vs. predominantly hospital-based clerkships

15. Editorial- Defining Characteristics of Osteopathic Medical Education  Generally a more favorable view toward complementary and alternative health care practices  More nimble and adaptable curricular models  Emphasis on doctor-patient communication and body-mind-spirit approach

16. Editorial- Defining Characteristics of Osteopathic Medical Education  Meets the needs of the American healthcare physician workforce  A more $ignificant “value” for America

17. Editorial- Defining Characteristics of Osteopathic Medical Education  Growth potential that may be limited only by our own leadership, integrity, and cohesive development of a mission that focuses on what we do well, always putting the interests of the patient before those of our own…