Osteoathic Medicine Concept...Please Help!!

[Sum1xxSp3ciaL]

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I apologize if my thread is inappropriate here but I?m really hoping you guys could help. I?m applying to TCOM this year and on their secondary application, there?s an essay question which asks me to explain the concept of osteopathic medicine as I understand it, and I?m limited to approximately 200 words.

Below is my answer. Could you please take a look and correct me where I go wrong?

Thank you all so very much if you could help.
**********************************

The osteopathic medicine approach was first developed by Dr. Andrew Sill, in view that the human body function was holistic. I believe the basic concept of osteopathic medicine is structured so that it falls into four main categories. First, the principles that the human body is an integrated organism, and therefore, abnormal function in one part of the body exerts unfavorable influences on other parts and on the body as a whole. Second, a complex system exists in the body that tends to provide for self-regulation and self-healing in the face of stress. Third, adequate function of all body organs and systems depends on the integrating forces of the nervous and circulatory system; and finally, the body?s musculoskeletal system plays an important role in understanding the body?s continuous effort to resist and overcome various illnesses and diseases. As a summation, I believe that based upon these main principles, osteopathic medicine postulates that any severe stress, whether it be physical, mechanical, or emotional, can cause muscle intensity, which in turn may induce responses of secondary pain and irritation throughout internal organs of the human body. Therefore in practice, osteopathic medicine involves the application of manipulative procedures to aid in tense muscles, tendons, and connective tissues to relax and allowing the body to have the ability in returning to more normal homeostatic levels.

 

[Ryan]

The osteopathic medicine approach was first developed by Dr. Andrew Sill, in view that the human body function was holistic. I believe the basic concept of osteopathic medicine is structured so that it falls into four main categories. First, the principles that the human body is an integrated organism, and therefore, abnormal function in one part of the body exerts unfavorable influences on other parts and on the body as a whole. Second, a complex system exists in the body that tends to provide for self-regulation and self-healing in the face of stress. Third, adequate function of all body organs and systems depends on the integrating forces of the nervous and circulatory system; and finally, the body?s musculoskeletal system plays an important role in understanding the body?s continuous effort to resist and overcome various illnesses and diseases. As a summation, I believe that based upon these main principles, osteopathic medicine postulates that any severe stress, whether it be physical, mechanical, or emotional, can cause muscle intensity, which in turn may induce responses of secondary pain and irritation throughout internal organs of the human body. Therefore in practice, osteopathic medicine involves the application of manipulative procedures to aid in tense muscles, tendons, and connective tissues to relax and allowing the body to have the ability in returning to more normal homeostatic levels.

The first two sentences are absolutely atrocious. Please re-work them, cut them down, or throw them out completely. At least cut out the word 'approach'. The words 'osteopathic medicine' are normally used NOT 'the osteopathic medical approach' within this context(it might be appropreate elsewhere but not here)....this also just sounds really strange or you could say 'the osteopathic approach TO MEDICINE'. The major portion of your essay is obviously copied from the mission statement of almost every osteopathic medical school as well as the AOA's website (Restate in your own words). Cut out the word 'postulates' it makes it seem like you are trying to sound smart (sorry but it isn't working). Your last sentence makes it sound like osteopathic medicine is limited to chiropractic or massage therapy...remember; the practice of osteopathic medicine is much more of a philosophy that encompasses all of medicine than OMM techniques. I am not trying to be brutal, just honest with you.

Peace and good luck!
-Ryan

 

[DeLaughterDO]

Ryan has some good points..

another one. It's Andrew STILL, not Sill. They'll crucify you if you get that wrong. Well, maybe not, but they still won't like it. Especially if Dr. Dickey here ever sees your answer. He'd probably just throw you out of his classroom.

Bring your answer down to the average person. You seem to be preaching to the OMM staff itself. And be sure to bring the whole picture together, rather than just talk about OMT. Osteopathic medicine is a complete medical practice, not just manipulation of musculoskeletal tissues.

jd

 

[Ryan]

To the OP:

Sorry, I just re-read my post and I come across a bit too blunt.. 🙁 not my intention. I was in your shoes once...good luck!

-Ryan 😀

 

[(nicedream)]

I apologize if my thread is inappropriate here but I?m really hoping you guys could help. I?m applying to TCOM this year and on their secondary application, there?s an essay question which asks me to explain the concept of osteopathic medicine as I understand it, and I?m limited to approximately 200 words.

Below is my answer. Could you please take a look and correct me where I go wrong?

Thank you all so very much if you could help.
**********************************

The osteopathic medicine approach was first developed by Dr. Andrew Sill, in view that the human body function was holistic. I believe the basic concept of osteopathic medicine is structured so that it falls into four main categories. First, the principles that the human body is an integrated organism, and therefore, abnormal function in one part of the body exerts unfavorable influences on other parts and on the body as a whole. Second, a complex system exists in the body that tends to provide for self-regulation and self-healing in the face of stress. Third, adequate function of all body organs and systems depends on the integrating forces of the nervous and circulatory system; and finally, the body?s musculoskeletal system plays an important role in understanding the body?s continuous effort to resist and overcome various illnesses and diseases. As a summation, I believe that based upon these main principles, osteopathic medicine postulates that any severe stress, whether it be physical, mechanical, or emotional, can cause muscle intensity, which in turn may induce responses of secondary pain and irritation throughout internal organs of the human body. Therefore in practice, osteopathic medicine involves the application of manipulative procedures to aid in tense muscles, tendons, and connective tissues to relax and allowing the body to have the ability in returning to more normal homeostatic levels.

Again, just being honest - this needs some major reworking. As others said, you focus entirely on OMT - in my opinion that's a minor part of osteopathic medicine in practice. You need to dicuss the osteopathic PHILOSOPHY. Also the grammar is poor. Check your comma usage. You list the "four main categories" making each category a sentence, until you get to the third and fourth which you separate by a semicolon - that's incorrect. I'd scrap the whole categories and function thing anyway. It's also strange to refer to human body function being holistic. Osteopathic medicine's approach to medicine is holistic.

 

[anntems]

I think your approach is good, but could use some restructuring. The question asked you to describe Osteo. as you understand it. Your work sounds like you took a lot of different Osteopathic medical school brochures, and stole their bullet point presentations. I would suggest making it a little more informal, and take it from your perspective. Bring it down a notch, pretend you are describing it to a professor who works in the humanities. Don't make it so dumb that a 4 year old can understand it, and don't make it so complex that that the administrators think you can't think for yourself and must copy off of books. Hope this helps... I also agree with the others on changing that first sentence, it seems quite unthoughful.

 

[Richie Truxillo]

The osteopathic medicine approach was first developed by Dr. Andrew Sill, in view that the human body function was holistic. I believe the basic concept of osteopathic medicine is structured so that it falls into four main categories. First, the principles that the human body is an integrated organism, and therefore, abnormal function in one part of the body exerts unfavorable influences on other parts and on the body as a whole. Second, a complex system exists in the body that tends to provide for self-regulation and self-healing in the face of stress. Third, adequate function of all body organs and systems depends on the integrating forces of the nervous and circulatory system; and finally, the body?s musculoskeletal system plays an important role in understanding the body?s continuous effort to resist and overcome various illnesses and diseases. As a summation, I believe that based upon these main principles, osteopathic medicine postulates that any severe stress, whether it be physical, mechanical, or emotional, can cause muscle intensity, which in turn may induce responses of secondary pain and irritation throughout internal organs of the human body. Therefore in practice, osteopathic medicine involves the application of manipulative procedures to aid in tense muscles, tendons, and connective tissues to relax and allowing the body to have the ability in returning to more normal homeostatic levels.

I won't comment on the obvious typographical errors since the others already did. However I would like to offer a suggestion to strengthen your essay. I think they are looking for an "Osteopathic Medicine in your words" definition. In my 4 year stint at interviewing at many many MD and DO schools, I have found that DO schools are more interested in your personality than most MD schools. As such you should use the opportunity to let your personality shine through. What I mean by this is that not only should you give a definition of Osteopathic medicine in your answer but relate it to how you would use it. Your answer is too structured (following the First, Second, Third, Lastly convention ). Start out with something like this:

"Osteopathic medicine is founded on the belief that the body has an inherent ability to heal itself. By recognizing that each individual consists of a mind, body and spirit, one can capitialize on the human body's regenerative abilities to better promote health and wellness."

Afterwards put in something about OMT and how you can utilize it as another "Tool in your arsenal" so to speak. Finally, be sure to somehow relate to your reader that you believe this philosophy fits your practice philosophy. By doing so, you have effectively related to your reader that you not only understand the main idea of Osteopathic medicine, but you have thought through it enough to relate it to yourself. DO schools want motivated people with vision. This will allow you to let your own vision shine through. 🙂

Ok, that's just my two cents, take it or leave it! My best to you in your application cycle and good luck! Never give up!

Regards,
-Richie 🙂

 

[BayesianDoc]

Afterwards put in something about OMT and how you can utilize it as another "Tool in your arsenal" so to speak.

Exactly, remember that osteopathic medicine has changed greatly since it was founded. An osteopath can approach a problem with either pharmacological agents, surgery, or manipulation. I believe a there is a 4th way via behavioral modifications (lifestyle, diet, stress, etc.).