Radman, I agree that his approach is "interesting" (I also don't like his "Clowns Crunching Backs" approach...I don't think anyone feels that way, except maybe pre-meds).
However, it's historically true that DO's worked very hard to be considered equal to MD's, and finally it has been achieved. Dr. Harvey's point is that he's not entirely happy with that development, he would like DO's to be "set apart" by manipulation and by their "holistic" approach. Whether that holistic approach is real or not is debatable.
In my view, there are three main types of DO's:
1) The MD-wannabes: They wanted to become MD's in the US but couldn't, and didn't want to go offshore so they "settled" for a DO degree. They consider OMT a nuisance that robs them of true study time and have no intention of either using OMT in practice and are embarrased to admit they're DO's. They're usually bitter and hate their school regardless of which DO school they attend.
2) The I-just-want-to-be-a-doctor crowd: They just want to become physicians, and either an MD or DO will do. They don't care for stereotypes or prestige, and many times they will choose DO simply because it gives them the opportunity to become physicians and learn manipulation too.
3) The A.T.Still reincarnations: They're DO nuts who believe DO's should have nothing to do with allopathic medicine. OMT doesn't need to be proven, just believe it in and be quiet. Luckily, this group is a dying breed.
Dr. Harvey seems to belong to a group that's somewhere in between #2 and #3 (leaning more towards #2, though). It's true that finally DO's are equals, but I don't think we should now work to reverse that and differentiate ourselves. Many people think of Chiropractors as non-physicians that only treat spinal problems (back pain in particular). If DO's begin to emphasize OMT above all else, I'm afraid people will think DO's aren't complete physicians but a different "flavor" of chiropractor. OMT is such a small part of a DO's practice that it shouldn't be the entire defining factor. In fact, OMT is many times not even used by DO's in practice. Why emphasize to the public a part of osteopathic medicine that's not used often or at all? DO's are surgeons, ob/gyns, dermatologists, radiologists, internists, etc. that receive a different training than MD's and therefore a different degree. Let's emphasize the similarities instead of the differences (the differences are becoming less and less).
Similarities breed brotherhood. Differences breed conflict.
Idiopathic...right behind you. Let me find my big red nose first....
