Think of it this way: we will be whatever we are. I believe the abandonment of OMM and osteopathic philosophy by DOs is due in part to their busy schedules but also due to the desire to conform to conventional medicine. It is no secret that many DOs out there would rather be MDs, not because MDs are any better but because MDs are the most readily identifiable physicians to the American public. I, and some others, propose that to confer the sole "MD" degree to our graduates will destroy our profession. However, a strong argument can be made that the DO/MD degree will stregthen our profession for several reasons. First, DOs instantly acquire physician status in the eyes of the American public. Even those who are not previously aware of what DOs do will know who we are by the MD initials, so there's no need to spend millions of dollars on lame campaign strategies - got milk? got DOs? Second, the DO/MD degree will give new lukewarm graduates the courage to practice "osteopathically" without the fear of appearing "alternative." With the recognized physician status, lukewarm DOs can feel free to practice medicine the way it ought to be practiced, without the motivation to practice in such a manner so as to appear more MD-like. I think it's odd that some DOs shun OMM like the plague while at the same time, there are MDs out there very comfortable with practicing some forms of manipulations. Could it be that the practice of manipulations unmasks DOs and open them to criticisms and questions of their credentials by the American public, ignorant of the DO degree, while the same practice doesn't affect MDs with their guaranteed physician status??? Third, why should a small segment of physicians fully trained and qualified to practice medicine and surgery allow themselves to remain in anonymity without a good reason? Having the "MD" as part of our degree is simply a convenience for public identification, but the "DO" still gives us a unique affiliation with the osteopathic school of philosophy. The dual degree will in no way compromise or weaken our profession. It will serve only to afford us more comfort room to be who we truly are...with guaranteed physician status. Sometimes, less is not more, but more is more, and if DOs in fact do more, let their qualifications be reflected in their degree.