Osteopathic Philosophy

[kundog223]

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I was told that most allopathic physicians have a holistic view of health without having gone through an osteopathic program. So, is it reason enough to want to go to an osteopathic medical school because of the holistic, preventative philosophy that they teach?

 

[TexasTriathlete]

It is against the law for an allopathic physician to have a holistic view of health and medical treatment.

 

[cyclohexanol]

I was told that most allopathic physicians have a holistic view of health without having gone through an osteopathic program. So, is it reason enough to want to go to an osteopathic medical school because of the holistic, preventative philosophy that they teach?

If you are asking because you are trying to decide between allopathic and osteopathic, the answer is NO; treating the patient is not unique to osteopathic medicine. If you believe that it is unique, I have a bridge you can buy.

If you are asking because you want to know what to say in an interview, or write on your application, the answer is yes (if you are willing to tell them what they want to hear).

Don't drink the kool-aid.

 

[cyclohexanol]

It is against the law for an allopathic physician to have a holistic view of health and medical treatment.

This is only partially correct. It is only against the law for an allopathic physician to do so if they are not supervised by a DO, ND, or ancient chinese medicine specialist. As long as one of those signs off on the treatment, its alllllll goooooooddd.

 

[DragonWell]

I was told that most allopathic physicians have a holistic view of health without having gone through an osteopathic program. So, is it reason enough to want to go to an osteopathic medical school because of the holistic, preventative philosophy that they teach?

Unfortunately, I would have to say the answer is no, since in my experience, DO schools don't teach a holistic, preventive philosophy. I keep waiting for that class where we learn anything about preventive medicine, nutrition, or counseling patients, and now that 3/4s of my pre-clinical education is over, I am coming to the conclusion that this class doesn't exist. The AOA gets a lot of mileage out of marketing DOs as "holistic", but when it comes down to it, I think many allopathic schools have actually made more of a commitment to exposing their students to holistic/preventive medicine than have DO schools.

It is, however, reason enough to go to a DO school to learn OMM. This will give you an extra tool to use in diagnosing and treating patients, and if you choose later to learn preventive or "holistic" medicine, will integrate very well into your practice.

 

[Lokhtar]

It is against the law for an allopathic physician to have a holistic view of health and medical treatment.

Yup, there are a few brave allopathic souls that break the law and learn the patient's name. I've heard rumors of an underground black market that specializes in selling their organs after they've been 're-educated' by the AMA.

 

[MaximusD]

Unfortunately, I would have to say the answer is no, since in my experience, DO schools don't teach a holistic, preventive philosophy. I keep waiting for that class where we learn anything about preventive medicine, nutrition, or counseling patients, and now that 3/4s of my pre-clinical education is over, I am coming to the conclusion that this class doesn't exist. The AOA gets a lot of mileage out of marketing DOs as "holistic", but when it comes down to it, I think many allopathic schools have actually made more of a commitment to exposing their students to holistic/preventive medicine than have DO schools.

It is, however, reason enough to go to a DO school to learn OMM. This will give you an extra tool to use in diagnosing and treating patients, and if you choose later to learn preventive or "holistic" medicine, will integrate very well into your practice.

We've already had that at PCOM 😉

 

[JaggerPlate]

If you are asking because you are trying to decide between allopathic and osteopathic, the answer is NO; treating the patient is not unique to osteopathic medicine. If you believe that it is unique, I have a bridge you can buy.

If you are asking because you want to know what to say in an interview, or write on your application, the answer is yes (if you are willing to tell them what they want to hear).

Don't drink the kool-aid.

I'm interested in this bridge .... let me know how much you're looking for.

 

[spicedmanna]

I'm interested in this bridge .... let me know how much you're looking for.

$38K/yr, give or take, for four years, with substantial future income potential after 7 yrs... $12K if you are in state. 😉

 

[spicedmanna]

Okay, serious now... Go to the school that fits you the best and whose program will prepare you best for residency, both clinically and in terms of matching.

 

[BCLumas]

It is against the law for an allopathic physician to have a holistic view of health and medical treatment.

LOL!

 

[mastamark]

I think the history of Osteopathic Medicine alone opens the door for a more preventive style of care. Learning Osteopathic methods in med school teaches how to correct somatic disfunctions, but the fact that those issues are discussed in such leads to preventative thinking. I hear that the majority of our respective future practice is learned outside of the classroom and on our own. I don't think it is necessary to take a class on preventive medicine. Once you learn medicine and begin to practice it, a good physician will integrate ways of preventing illness and injury.

 

[Dr JPH]

Sorry to rain on your parade, but there is no such thing as an "osteopathic philosophy".

I would be happy to explain in more detail but have already done so numerous times over the past 8 years. Try a search.

If you still have questions I will aggravate the carpal tunnel a bit to teach all you youngin's the truth.

 

[TexasTriathlete]

I think you are mistaken. DO's treat the whole person. MD's treat only the symptoms. As a DO resident, you should know this.

 

[RockfordWF]

I was told that most allopathic physicians have a holistic view of health without having gone through an osteopathic program. So, is it reason enough to want to go to an osteopathic medical school because of the holistic, preventative philosophy that they teach?

You were told wrong.