Should Osteopathy be promoted on a national scale? why?

[Lady Tokimi]

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??

 

[gerido]

??

There's always a risk of it backfiring. I think Osteopathy will gain public awareness on its own merit... No need to advertise. It will probably take a little bit of time though.

 

[mshheaddoc]

they officially don't even refer to it as osteopathy anymore ... its osteopathic medicine. As not to confuse with world views of osteopathy.

 

[Lady Tokimi]

There's always a risk of it backfiring. I think Osteopathy will gain public awareness on its own merit... No need to advertise. It will probably take a little bit of time though.

Backfiring?? how so?

 

[DD214_DOC]

Backfiring?? how so?

It could be perceived as a "second class" of medicine, much like naturopathic and chiropractic medicine. They're just, "not MD's" and I think it will always be that way. This isn't really right or wrong, it's just the way things are -- brand recognition

 

[Lady Tokimi]

It could be perceived as a "second class" of medicine, much like naturopathic and chiropractic medicine. They're just, "not MD's" and I think it will always be that way. This isn't really right or wrong, it's just the way things are -- brand recognition

Isn't it already percieved as "second hand medicine" by the MDs??

 

[DD214_DOC]

Isn't it already percieved as "second hand medicine" by the MDs??

Sometimes, but we're talking about the general public here. Most patients now probably don't really notice the DOs. If you go around advertising, they will take notice and the results could be positive or negative.

Given the AOA propoganda in the past, they would probably market DOs as some sort of superior alternative to MDs, which would most likely result in defensive counter-advertising by the AMA.

It's probably best just to leave it alone. I suspect osteopathic medicine won't be around in 50 years anyways.

 

[OSUdoc08]

Isn't it already percieved as "second hand medicine" by the MDs??

only the uneducated ones....this is precisely why more public education is needed

the educated ones only have positive things to say

 

[DrRichardKimble]

There's always a risk of it backfiring. I think Osteopathy will gain public awareness on its own merit... No need to advertise. It will probably take a little bit of time though.

It will probably take a little bit of time?? I think almost 150 years is enough time for it to get some recognition. Maybe the reason we don't have recognition ISN'T because of salty MD's, but perhaps because of our own AOA's mismanagement and poorly guided, short sighted decision making processes? The biggest problem with the AOA is that it hasn't figured out what DO's really are, a question that needs to be answered before we can market ourselves. What I mean is they tout the same "separate but equal" mentality, and off-the-cuff say things to potential students like "we do the same things as MD's... but we're better!". Or one of my favorite mantra's, "DO's have a holistic, whole body approach" and "DO's treat patients, MD's treat disease". When was the last time you went into an MD's office and started to tell him about your problem and have him say "whoa there buckaroo, I don't care about you, I only care about your disease... I'm here to treat your disease only OK, you got that?" Never, because MD's treat people too. If someone is an arrogant self centered doctor, it isn't because of the undergraduate medical degree they received, it's because they are an A$$ in real life.

One last problem I see, and has been beaten to death on these message boards, the AOA keeps opening new schools in some kind of attempt of spreading the message of osteopathic medicine. Why though, when the AOA approved residency slots decrease year after year? At the same time behind closed doors AOA bureaucrats still preach separatism, yet we depend on the ACGME programs to take around 60% of our DO graduates every year, but they still refuse the idea of a combined match?

I am very proud of my education I am receiving, but medicine is best when it isn't cloistered into sects. I just wish that the older, supposedly wiser, AOA leadership would see my side of the story. Hell, if an MD wants to do an AOA residency, let them, give them a night course in OMM that they take adjunct to their GME studies. We all live in the same world of medicine, we may as well work together.

 

[docbill]

It will probably take a little bit of time?? .... Why though, when the AOA approved residency slots decrease year after year? At the same time behind closed doors AOA bureaucrats still preach eparatism, yet we depend on the ACGME programs to take around 60% of our DO graduates every year, but they still refuse the idea of a combined match? ...let them, give them a night course in OMM that they take adjunct to their GME studies. We all live in the same world of medicine, we may as well work together.

I like your answer. It is really well done and complete. It leaves me with little to do but agree with you.

I will add that I am a fan of DO schools/training and profession. But I don't believe that there is a need for this great division between MDs and DOs. They are all practicaly the same now. DOs seem to be primary care oriented, because of less research at the Medical Schools.

Untill AOA works closely with AMA, and LCME accredits DO schools (and shuts down the no good ones). There is no need to bring attention to osteopathic medicine and osteopathic medical schools.

 

[dr.z]

I suspect osteopathic medicine won't be around in 50 years anyways.

If this is the case, I don't recommend that you goto DO schools.

 

[docbill]

If this is the case, I don't recommend that you goto DO schools.

Hey Zzz,
That is kind of harsh. I think JKD might of meant that in 50 years osteopathy will not be an independent body of medicine. But may actually be integrated with our bigger brothers (allo). I would not rule out that option.

 

[OSUdoc08]

Hey Zzz,
That is kind of harsh. I think JKD might of meant that in 50 years osteopathy will not be an independent body of medicine. But may actually be integrated with our bigger brothers (allo). I would not rule out that option.

osteopathy isn't

osteopathic medicine is

osteopathy is the term used before it was combined with traditional medicine

 

[ambernikel]

I suspect osteopathic medicine won't be around in 50 years anyways.

Curious...
What do you mean by this?

 

[docbill]

osteopathy isn't

osteopathic medicine is

osteopathy is the term used before it was combined with traditional medicine

My mistake. I should of clearified that. Not the practice of Osteopathy. But I was refering to Osteopathic medicine. The individual body of osteopathic physicians (AOA). Osteopathy: OMM and OPP will be practiced for years to come, and may even become more in the field of medicine (allo and osteo).

 

[DrRichardKimble]

osteopathy isn't

osteopathic medicine is

osteopathy is the term used before it was combined with traditional medicine

Let's not get off track with correcting semantics, we all know what he meant.

 

[DD214_DOC]

Curious...
What do you mean by this?

Exactly what docbill has said. The lines separating MDs and DOs will continue to blur and the percentage of DO grads who don't employ OMM will continue to increase. (What is it now, 70%+?) I think eventually OMM will either be completely debunked as a useful treatment for anything other than chronic joint/muscle problems, treatments for which are already well covered by DCs and MTs, or it will be rejected as a legitimate form of treatment by a physician. We must be honest -- the only thing that really separates DOs and MDs is OMM. The whole, "holistic" thing isn't exclusive to DOs.

Whether we like it or not, MDs were here first and are the "standard" by which all other medical practitioners are measured. If you remember your DO history, you will know that the profession never really received any recogniztion as a legitimate form of medicine until it began to adopt the practices of MDs. To maintain its separate identity, it had to cling onto what I believe to be illusory differences in the practice of medicine ("holistic philosophy") that only exist because they are said to. Now that a lot of the differences are fading and being blurred, what reason do they have to continue to exist as a separate entity?

When you reduce what's really different about DOs and MDs you're really only left with two things: (A) easier admission and (B) OMM, that most DOs don't even use. Can the profession continue to survive on this? If they try to promote differences that elevate their position above MDs, such as they follow the Hippocratic approach and whatever other garbage I've seen, do you not think there will be a serious backfire from the allo side? The last thing you want is a schism in the profession equivelant to the Catholic/Orthodox breakup.

That's why advertising is a bad idea. It may be a catalyst in the eventual merge/dissolution of osteopathic medicine.

I feel like I'm not really doing a good job explaining my point of view. Really I get the impression that the DO profession is losing its identity as a separate branch of medicine. What that means in the future, who knows? I would say some kind of merge.

 

[ambernikel]

JKDMED,
I think I do understand what you are saying. I would be against active advertising as well. Let D.O.s prove themselves by results instead of pushing it on people or forcing them to choose. I live in a heavily DO area and I know many who prefer DO over MD. But most people don't really know the difference and rarely know whether their doc is a DO or MD. They just know whether or not they are nice and effective. And that is largely based on the individual doctor. As a possible future DO, I do not want to compete with MDs. In fact, I just want to be a good doctor and competing with MDs will not help anyone.

Did you see the report on the placebo effect study? I just saw a brief thing on it but from what I gather the NIH has found that the thought of pain relief can release endorphins allowing pain relief. We all knew it, but since there is a movement towards proving the mind's effect on the body, I feel this is going to further push the "holistic" mindset.

So in this merger do you think that name changes will occur? To me, it seems like it would just be like it informally is around this area... DO or MD either one means Doctor of Medicine.

 

[DD214_DOC]

So in this merger do you think that name changes will occur? To me, it seems like it would just be like it informally is around this area... DO or MD either one means Doctor of Medicine.

That I could only venture a guess about. My guess would be that the degrees and names would stay, but both branches would be governed by a single body, the AMA. I don't really see why they would "do away" with the D.O. degree, but there wouldn't be a reason to keep a second equivelant degree, particularly if the curricula are standardized between both schools.

Don't know on this one, but given above I imagine we'd have just MDs again.

As an aside, I don't really have anything against DOs. I was diehard DO for awhile, but most was a result of my rationalizing the possibility of attending a DO school instead of a US MD school. With maturity I was able to give a more objective look towards the DO schools and realized I don't really care about OMM and probably would hate wasting the time to learn it. Does this mean I should choose IMG MD over US DO? I don't know, that's the $250,000 question I'm trying to answer.

 

[dr.z]

That I could only venture a guess about. My guess would be that the degrees and names would stay, but both branches would be governed by a single body, the AMA. I don't really see why they would "do away" with the D.O. degree, but there wouldn't be a reason to keep a second equivelant degree, particularly if the curricula are standardized between both schools.

They may still keep the DO degree even if the two merged. Look at dental schools, you can earn D.D.S. or D.M.D which is basically the same. They still keep both degrees around.

 

[cfdavid]

This is a tough issue. I can see an arguement for the promotion of an awareness for osteopathic medicine. But, and promotion could be interpreted as a promotion OVER the "alternatives" (i.e. MD's), and that would not be good.

I really do think that the best way to promote the profession is to continue matriculating quality people, training them well, and instituting a sense of awareness that, being a minority physician group, each individual DO needs to be an ambassador of sorts. It's a "burden" that DO's really do carry, as minorities.

That being said, leadership skills should be something they screen for. That's what will advance the profession.

 

[docbill]

I agree with you on the leadership and ambassador needs. But "THEY" opened 4-5 new schools in 2-3 years. That has got to dillute the quality somewhat by having less qualified people. Also ambassadors work with other ambassadors not refuse to because they are independent.

 

[ambernikel]

They may still keep the DO degree even if the two merged. Look at dental schools, you can earn D.D.S. or D.M.D which is basically the same. They still keep both degrees around.

I really think that they would. I would like to see this happen where the two come together but there is still a bit of distinction.

 

[DD214_DOC]

They may still keep the DO degree even if the two merged. Look at dental schools, you can earn D.D.S. or D.M.D which is basically the same. They still keep both degrees around.

Well, that's a bit different. I'm not a dental student so I think I may be wrong, but I believe the only difference between the DDS and DMD is that one is in Latin and the other isn't, sort of like the difference between the B.A. and A.B.

 

[Doctor Bagel]

I agree with you on the leadership and ambassador needs. But "THEY" opened 4-5 new schools in 2-3 years. That has got to dillute the quality somewhat by having less qualified people. Also ambassadors work with other ambassadors not refuse to because they are independent.

Yep, and it already is diluting the quality. Average mcat's for incoming d.o. students have decreased in the past few years, something that is not going to enhance the image of osteopathic medicine.

 

[nvshelat]

The thing is, osteopathic medicine isn't much different than allopathic - the curriculae in both schools are the same, save one class. Therein lies the problem. If there isn't much difference, then people begin to wonder why exactly two branches of medicine exist. Since DO schools are easier on average to get into, osteopathic hospitals have lower quality than allopathic ones, (there was a study done somewhere abt this, the reason being that osteopathic hospitals dont have much $), so few osteopaths exist, and so many osteopaths match into allopathic programs, it is (and will be) seen by many as second tier. Then, insurers will show preference to MDs over DOs, and once that happens, game over.

If osteopathic medicine can be promoted as being different somehow than allopathic, and therefore better, then it should be touted - otherwise, if it tries to assimilate into mainstream medicine, osteopathic medicine is doomed.

 

[MD Rapper]

x

 

[cfdavid]

The thing is, osteopathic medicine isn't much different than allopathic - the curriculae in both schools are the same, save one class. Therein lies the problem. If there isn't much difference, then people begin to wonder why exactly two branches of medicine exist. Since DO schools are easier on average to get into, osteopathic hospitals have lower quality than allopathic ones, (there was a study done somewhere abt this, the reason being that osteopathic hospitals dont have much $), so few osteopaths exist, and so many osteopaths match into allopathic programs, it is (and will be) seen by many as second tier. Then, insurers will show preference to MDs over DOs, and once that happens, game over.

If osteopathic medicine can be promoted as being different somehow than allopathic, and therefore better, then it should be touted - otherwise, if it tries to assimilate into mainstream medicine, osteopathic medicine is doomed.

Yes, but remember that the one class is a big part of the philosophy of osteopathic medicine. Keep in mind the evolution of the profession. As traditional medicine has proven to become SO much more reliable and efficacious, the DO profession has incorporated all of those modern practices.

However, (and I'm no OMT expert), osteopathic manipulation is still a big part of the osteopathic philosophy. Just like any organization, the AOA has become self perpetuating. This applies to the AOA, AMA, or NBA for that matter. And so, often times, the leadership of these "organizations" have a vested interest in maintaining separate status.

That being said, I'm not suggesting that OMT is not a legitimate and effective treatment for certain disease states. But, being considered to be a central theme to osteopathic medicine (however not central in the realities of most DO's practices), yet not even being taught by MD programs (other than perhaps being offered as an elective), it remains logical that the two entities remain separate.

So, either DO's drop OMT, or MD's pick it up (in terms of mandatory training). Otherwise, the two will remain independent.

Also, it's very important to remember the role that DO's have played in our healthcare system. They are often in primary care settings in underserved or rural areas. This is true to a higher percentage of DO's than MD's.

 

[DrRichardKimble]

...so many osteopaths match into allopathic programs, it is (and will be) seen by many as second tier. Then, insurers will show preference to MDs over DOs, and once that happens, game over.

If osteopathic medicine can be promoted as being different somehow than allopathic, and therefore better, then it should be touted - otherwise, if it tries to assimilate into mainstream medicine, osteopathic medicine is doomed.

The part about insurers showing preference for MD's is ludicrous, given the current CMS regulations regarding reimbursement of practitioners. Since the Blue's and other private insurance companies follow lock step with the fed, this part of your argument is negated.

The second part that I respectfully disagree with is the attitude that we should in fact promote osteopathic medicine as "better than allopathic", isn't this already what the AOA touts? Doesn't this further segregate and divide an already challenging world of medicine? MD's wouldn't take too kindly to such an advertising campaign, nor would I as an osteopathic physician.

 

[dr.z]

Well, that's a bit different. I'm not a dental student so I think I may be wrong, but I believe the only difference between the DDS and DMD is that one is in Latin and the other isn't, sort of like the difference between the B.A. and A.B.

For your information:

What is the difference between a DDS and a DMD?

The DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) and DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine) are the same degrees. The difference is a matter of semantics; dentists who have a DMD or DDS have the same education. Universities have the prerogative to determine what degree is awarded. Both degrees use the same curriculum requirements set by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation. State licensing boards accept either degree as equivalent, and both degrees allow licensed individuals to practice the same scope of general dentistry (ada.org).

 

[nvshelat]

The part about insurers showing preference for MD's is ludicrous, given the current CMS regulations regarding reimbursement of practitioners. Since the Blue's and other private insurance companies follow lock step with the fed, this part of your argument is negated.

The second part that I respectfully disagree with is the attitude that we should in fact promote osteopathic medicine as "better than allopathic", isn't this already what the AOA touts? Doesn't this further segregate and divide an already challenging world of medicine? MD's wouldn't take too kindly to such an advertising campaign, nor would I as an osteopathic physician.

You're right - currently, insurers don't reimburse based on quality of care. But in the future, they might. If there are studies like the one I mentioned which show osteopathic hospitals as providing lower quality of care than allopathic, and insurers base their reimbursement on such studies, then there might be trouble.
Secondly, if osteopathic medicine isn't touted as better than allopathic, but rather just different, then people will wonder, Well how exactly is it different? Esp. given the things I mentioned earlier. The conclusion is that it isn't really much different at all*, so why should it be promoted at all? Rather, what should be promoted is a merger of osteopathic and allopathic.

*disclaimer: I base this on shadowing DOs and MDs in internal medicine, ED, and my PCP - as w/ anything else, it could be subject to variation

 

[Andrew_Doan]

After completing allopathic training through medical school, internship, and residency, I now realize that allopathic physicians can miss the mark. Allopathic medicine focuses in treating symptoms and pushing drugs that biotech companies push on to us. It's sad.

One of the major illnesses I deal with is diabetes and retinopathy manifestations.

I can laser the patients eye until it turns into a prune, but without life-style modifications, better nutrition, implementation of excercise, and medical treatment of diabetes, physicians will not help the patient fight diabetes.

Nutrition plays a major role in illnesses, yet the allopathic physician receives little training in this area. We spend little time with our patients talking about nutrition. The leading cause of death and morbidity is now iatrogenesis from surgery and treatments. Consider this article written by one of my friends:
http://www.infinityhealthsolutions.org/content/view/17/1/

I think osteopathic medicine is right on in emphasizing: preventative medicine, health, nutrition, and holistic care.

 

[Doctor Bagel]

After completing allopathic training through medical school, internship, and residency, I now realize that allopathic physicians can miss the mark. Allopathic medicine focuses in treating symptoms and pushing drugs that biotech companies push on to us. It's sad.

One of the major illnesses I deal with is diabetes and retinopathy manifestations.

I can laser the patients eye until it turns into a prune, but without life-style modifications, better nutrition, implementation of excercise, and medical treatment of diabetes, physicians will not help the patient fight diabetes.

Nutrition plays a major role in illnesses, yet the allopathic physician receives little training in this area. We spend little time with our patients talking about nutrition. The leading cause of death and morbidity is now iatrogenesis from surgery and treatments. Consider this article written by one of my friends:
http://www.infinityhealthsolutions.org/content/view/17/1/

I think osteopathic medicine is right on in emphasizing: preventative medicine, health, nutrition, and holistic care.

What an insightful post, Andrew. It reminded me of why I was drawn to medicine in the first place. From this and your other posts here, I can tell that you must be a great physician.

 

[truckibear]

MD Rapper posted this in the allo forum: "I keep hearing about more and more DO schools opening up... are there any plans to open up new MD schools?

At this rate, I wonder if there will be a day (say 50 or 60 years from now) when about half of the doctors in the US are osteopathic physicians as a result of rapidly opening schools."

I think it's great that osteopathic medicine continues to grow. I feel that having less competitive applicants compared to MD schools is partially a result of the lack of awareness and knowledge about osteopathic medicine. Many very well educated people are completely unaware that DOs even exist (hence Gevitz' thesis on osteopathic medicine). Promoting osteopathic medicine may have consequences but I see the positives as well. The latter of which include informing patients that they have a choice in choosing a doctor that prefers to treat patients holistically and that will put less emphasis on writing prescriptions. Many people I've met respond very well to the ideas of osteopathic medicine. One DO told me that she's had patients drive out of their way just to see her for OMM. If more people were aware, applicant pools would increase, DO numbers would become more competitive, and DO reputation would improve. A good portion of MDs and MD applicants know that DOs exist but have no idea what it's about. I will admit that I fell into this category a couple years ago. Think about it... everytime I have ever heard anything negative about DOs it came from someone who didn't know or had a bad experience with a DO (usually MDs, but there are bad MDs just as there are bad DOs). Point is, I have also heard from innumerable MDs who hold great respect for their DO colleagues, whom they regard as great doctors. If you are a great doctor, no one cares about the two letters that come after your name. Look at the trend of things... people believe in the benefits of yoga, pilates, chiropractors (read the amazing stories in Chicken Soup for the Chiropractor's Soul), organic foods, etc. Having worked in a pharmacy (where patients constantly lamented being on 5-6 medications at once and don't get me wrong, I am not saying that pills don't have their place in medicine because they do), but I can say that if given the choice, a greater majority of people would definitely prefer a more wholesome kind of medicine and that's what I feel osteopathic medicine is about 🙂

 

[truckibear]

The second part that I respectfully disagree with is the attitude that we should in fact promote osteopathic medicine as "better than allopathic", isn't this already what the AOA touts? Doesn't this further segregate and divide an already challenging world of medicine? MD's wouldn't take too kindly to such an advertising campaign, nor would I as an osteopathic physician.

In the past 30 years, the AOA's main concern has been EQUALITY with MDs, never an attitude that DO is better than MD (as far as I am aware). The past three decades have been characterized by an endless battle to achieve the same practicing rights and consideration that allopathic medicine has been given. Gevitz notes that as "legislators proposed new regulatory agencies, the DOs responded as they had traditionally. In their congressional testimony they expressed their concerns over certain provisions in pending bills, pledged to help the programs be successful, and worked to ensure that in whatever bills were enacted DOs would be treated exactly the same as MDs."

 

[DrRichardKimble]

Secondly, if osteopathic medicine isn't touted as better than allopathic, but rather just different, then people will wonder, Well how exactly is it different? Esp. given the things I mentioned earlier. The conclusion is that it isn't really much different at all*, so why should it be promoted at all? Rather, what should be promoted is a merger of osteopathic and allopathic.

*disclaimer: I base this on shadowing DOs and MDs in internal medicine, ED, and my PCP - as w/ anything else, it could be subject to variation

I think we agree, and are just saying it in different ways. From what I see in my exposure to "clinical practice" the vast majority of osteopathic medicine is no different from allopathic medicine. As far as AOA approved hospitals, I think they are going away little by little (for better or worse). The ones that are around and are successful, by in large, are now both AOA accredited as well as JCAHO accredited.

 

[DrRichardKimble]

In the past 30 years, the AOA's main concern has been EQUALITY with MDs, never an attitude that DO is better than MD (as far as I am aware). The past three decades have been characterized by an endless battle to achieve the same practicing rights and consideration that allopathic medicine has been given. Gevitz notes that as "legislators proposed new regulatory agencies, the DOs responded as they had traditionally. In their congressional testimony they expressed their concerns over certain provisions in pending bills, pledged to help the programs be successful, and worked to ensure that in whatever bills were enacted DOs would be treated exactly the same as MDs."

Please don't misinterpret what I am saying. I am simply recognizing the obvious. When the former AOA president stands in front of you and innacurately portrays a medical climate that is perhaps only existent in his mind, those firmly rooted in the world of reality like myself often have rightful disagreements.

My opinion follows... The senior level AOA diplomats have little interest (currently) in listening to the concerns of their students. They do however have no problem taking our money through tuition.

Ponder this for a moment...

The AOA is charged with both regulatory body duties (managing their graduate medical education slots, medical schools, etc.) They also hold a regulatory position over their own AOA hospitals, often taking the place of JCAHO.

The AOA is also a political action group for it's members. Lobbying congressman, urging for regulatory reforms in the federal government, etc.
Can anyone else see the conflict of interest here?

The AMA by contrast is only a political voice for it's members. Accreditation for allopathic GME is done by the ACGME, standardizing medical school curriculum is done by the LCME, and accreditation for hospitals is done by JCAHO and other organizations.

How is it that the AOA can wear all of these hats and expect to do each job flawlessly? They can't in my opinion. Another reason I think the AOA needs to streamline their Mission Statement.

 

[Coach]

Promoted across the nation? No

In North Dakota? yes

 

[DD214_DOC]

For your information:

What is the difference between a DDS and a DMD?

The DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) and DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine) are the same degrees. The difference is a matter of semantics; dentists who have a DMD or DDS have the same education. Universities have the prerogative to determine what degree is awarded. Both degrees use the same curriculum requirements set by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation. State licensing boards accept either degree as equivalent, and both degrees allow licensed individuals to practice the same scope of general dentistry (ada.org).

That's exactly what I said smart guy.

Dentariae Medicinae Doctor = Doctor of Dental Medicine.

Just Like Medicinae Doctor = Doctor of Medicine or Artium Baccalaureus = Bachelor of Arts.

 

[DD214_DOC]

I think osteopathic medicine is right on in emphasizing: preventative medicine, health, nutrition, and holistic care.

But do DO's really receive any additional education in nutrition and preventative medicine? I haven't noticed a huge difference between MD and DO in practice and I think I have been around enough to form a general opinion.

 

[Taus]

But do DO's really receive any additional education in nutrition and preventative medicine? I haven't noticed a huge difference between MD and DO in practice and I think I have been around enough to form a general opinion.

Here at PCOM we take year long class called OPP (Osteopathic Practice and Principles). So, yes, we do receive additional training in the aforementioned categories. Whether it translates into practice is up to the individual. This is a key point to remember. An allopath can easily practice using "osteopathic principles". That has nothing to do with OMM, it is simply a philosophy that is maintained when approaching patients/cases. While the allopath wasn't specifically trained to practice in that fashion, it is in that individuals nature to practice in that way. The same point remains true for DO's. If it is in their nature to practice according the "osteopathic philosophy" with which they were taught, they will do it. If not, so be it, they will develop their own style/philosophy to follow, just as the allopaths who practice osteopathically do.

The take home message here: To each his/her own

 

[OSUdoc08]

But do DO's really receive any additional education in nutrition and preventative medicine? I haven't noticed a huge difference between MD and DO in practice and I think I have been around enough to form a general opinion.

The only blanket difference is OMM.

MD and DO schools teach varying degrees of nutrition and preventive medicine.

 

[-Goose-]

That's exactly what I said smart guy.

Dentariae Medicinae Doctor = Doctor of Dental Medicine.

Just Like Medicinae Doctor = Doctor of Medicine or Artium Baccalaureus = Bachelor of Arts.

Its Doctor of Medical Dentistry....

 

[dr.z]

That's exactly what I said smart guy.

Dentariae Medicinae Doctor = Doctor of Dental Medicine.

Just Like Medicinae Doctor = Doctor of Medicine or Artium Baccalaureus = Bachelor of Arts.

At least I got into DO schools without any problem.

 

[Andrew_Doan]

But do DO's really receive any additional education in nutrition and preventative medicine? I haven't noticed a huge difference between MD and DO in practice and I think I have been around enough to form a general opinion.

DO's do receive additional education in this matter, however, in practice, these DOs are still influenced by the same drug industry that push the newest and latest meds. Our society needs to find more effective ways to teach people about health and preventative medicine. I've seen too many patients suck up hundreds of thousands of dollars in ICU and medical bills, only to be admitted to the hospital again, and again. As a medical intern, I often admitted patients suffering from chronic heart disease, diabetes, COPD, and strokes. All four of these diseases can be prevented through lifestyle modifications. None of these diseases can be prevented with drugs.

As physicians, it is important not to forget the foundations of proper nutrition, excercise, and healthy lifestyle.

 

[Daddydoc]

If Osteopathic Medicine really wants to advertise on a national basis without advertising, they need a TV series. This series could be about a brilliant DO who uses OMM with every patient he sees, improving their lives and problems. He would also be the best doctor aroung in every aspect of medicine (of course he would know more than any specialist). He would always know what was wrong with his patients and cure them. Of course, he would have to overcome a lot of obstacles from jealous and petty MDs. If Osteopathic Medicine did this, then everyone who watched TV would know what a DO is and what they do. People believe anything they see on TV.

 

[DD214_DOC]

I actually started writing a screenplay based on a student who ends up as a DO. Eventually I got tired of writing it and ended it as abruptly as I end other things I get tired of writing -- with the Earth suddenly exploding without cause.

 

[Daddydoc]

I actually started writing a screenplay based on a student who ends up as a DO. Eventually I got tired of writing it and ended it as abruptly as I end other things I get tired of writing -- with the Earth suddenly exploding without cause.

You know, that would probably solve most of our problems with healthcare.

 

[Pikevillemedstudent]

You're right - currently, insurers don't reimburse based on quality of care. But in the future, they might. If there are studies like the one I mentioned which show osteopathic hospitals as providing lower quality of care than allopathic, and insurers base their reimbursement on such studies, then there might be trouble.
Secondly, if osteopathic medicine isn't touted as better than allopathic, but rather just different, then people will wonder, Well how exactly is it different? Esp. given the things I mentioned earlier. The conclusion is that it isn't really much different at all*, so why should it be promoted at all? Rather, what should be promoted is a merger of osteopathic and allopathic.

*disclaimer: I base this on shadowing DOs and MDs in internal medicine, ED, and my PCP - as w/ anything else, it could be subject to variation

Please provide this study of lower quality at osteopathic hospitals.

Here's one osteopathic hospital that is doing very well.

http://www.usnews.com/usnews/health/best-hospitals/directory/glance_6411182.htm

 

[Lady Tokimi]

hrmm it seems like this thread has been oscillating between osteopathy and osteopathic medicine. Some people are sayin that osteopathic medicine should be promoted but the question concerns osteopathy, i believe that this is the process of applying OMM applications.......