Originally posted by Aaron Earles
It seems that many of the people that want the name change are hoping that it will bring more recognition to their profession.
Aaron
When it comes down to public relation, name could be the most important thing to consider? In case we are going to do it, hope that we are able to give our best shot at it. We had lost quite a head start already forfeiting a valuable "trade mark" aka M.D. What would happen if MDs would have to, for whatever reason it might be, change their degree to Doctor of Allopathic Medicine or AD? I bet that every DO probably knows the answer from the first handed experience that he/she is having now.
As a rookie here, most of the introduction to Osteopathic Medicine that I encounter, always emphasize "Osteopaths do this, allopaths do that..." Even though I don't really understand the explanation that well, I just do what Romans do in Rome by calling you all DOs. But I have always insisted in my posts that you all and MDs surely look alike, just like an identical twin. Is it possible that the statement may have irritated a lot of high-spirited minds here? The only difference that I have noticed is that MDs rarely mention allopathic philosophy of their profession much.
It is true that name is not that important in a legitimate medical practice. Competency and self confidence will be the things that I will rely on. When the time comes for me to be a DO, I may not even bother to try to explain my professional background in medicine at all. If it is irrelevant now, why not let it be then. The way it goes, no DO has ever had any problem with name yet...... until somebody starts to talk about public relation.........So why would I bother....?
I don't intend to campaign for anything here. I admit though that I have a habit of rooting for any underdog team too much. Vote any way you want, please. Too bad that there was no choice for an abstain. It would tell us more.
Best of luck to you all.