week 1: History and Philosophy of Osteopathic Medicine

Question 1

Osteopathy by Stills

Answer 1

Osteopathy is compounded of two words,
osteon, meaning bone, pathos, [or] pathine, to suffer. I
reasoned that the bone, ‘Osteon,’ was the starting point
from which I was to ascertain the cause of pathological
conditions, and so I combined the ‘Osteo’ with the ‘pathy’
and had as a result, Osteopathy.”

Question 1

“On June 22nd, 1874, _______

Answer 1

I flung to the breeze the banner of
Osteopathy.”

Question 2

Modern definition of osteopathy

Answer 2

Osteopathic medicine is a philosophy of health care and a distinctive art, supported
by expanding scientific knowledge; its philosophy embraces the concept of the unity
of the living organism’s structure (anatomy) and function (physiology). Its art is the
application of the philosophy in the practice of medicine and surgery and all its
branches and specialties. Its science includes the behavioral, chemical, physical,
spiritual and biological knowledge related to the establishment and maintenance of
health as well as the prevention and alleviation of disease. Osteopathic concepts
emphasize the following principles: 1) The human being is a dynamic unit of function;
2) The body possesses self-regulatory mechanisms, which are self-healing in nature;
3) Structure and function are interrelated at all levels; 4) Rational treatment is based
on these principles.

Question 3

Osteopathic Philosophy - The Four Tenets

Answer 3

• The body is a unit; the person is a unit of body, mind, and spirit
• The body is capable of self-regulation, self-healing, and health maintenance
• Structure and function are reciprocally interrelated
• Rational treatment is based upon an understanding of the basic principles of
  body unity, self-regulation, and the interrelationship of structure and function.

Question 4

__________first state to recognize full practice rights for DO’s

Answer 4

1896, Vermont first state to recognize full practice rights for DO’s

Question 5

1910 Flexner Report concequences

Answer 5

• Closure or merger of 126 medical schools – 75% in existence

allopathic main model of healthcare

Question 6

Spanish Flu” Pandemic

Answer 6

DOs had better patient outcomes

Question 7

WWII Era and Afterwards

Answer 7

Ironically, many remained at home and took care of wives / children of those overseas
– Enhanced public view of DO’s as full-service physicians
* 1946, Pres Truman signs public law 604 allowing DO’s as medical officers within Navy
* 1947, DOs authorized to provide care at VA facilities as physicians and surgeons
* 1948, DOs granted appointments to U.S. Public Health Service Corps
* 1956, DO’s granted Federal Recognition to service as physicians in the military with
passage of HR 483 into law by Pres Eisenhower; blocked further 10 years
* May 3, 1966 Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara authorized commissioning of DOs in
Military Medical Corps
* July 13, 1966, Harry J. Walter, DO sworn in as 1st Lieutenant in US Air Force

Dos granted many rights

Question 8

1961-62 – The California Merger

Answer 8

1962 - Qualified and consenting D.O.s were conferred M.D. degrees
– About 2,000 D.O.s converted their degree to M.D.
– No additional training/education was required, only an administrative fee of $65
– New degrees only recognized within California & specialists unable to practice as such
– D.O.s would no longer be licensed in the state

Question 9

1974 –

Answer 9

California Supreme Court reverses portion of merger referendum
– Licensure of D.O.s resumes in California

Question 10

Consequences of the California Merge

Answer 10

• 1961-62 – The State of California, supported by the California Medical
  Association (CMA), had decided that D.O.s were equally qualified and able
  to exchange their D.O. degree for an M.D. degree.
  – As a result, D.O.s were now eligible for ACGME-accredited postgraduate training and
  service in the armed forces.
• 1966 – First D.O. commissioned as officer in the medical corps of the U.S.
  Armed Forces

Question 11

Osteopathic Medicine:

Answer 11

– A complete system of medical care practiced by physicians with an unlimited license that
is represented by a philosophy that combines the needs of the patient with the current
practice of medicine, surgery and obstetrics. Emphasizes the interrelationship between
structure and function, and has an appreciation of the body’s ability to heal itself

Question 12

Classical Osteopathic Philosophy Health

Answer 12

1. Health is a natural state of harmony
2. The human body is a perfect machine created for health and activity
3. A healthy state exists as long as there is normal flow of body fluids and nerve activity

Question 13

Classical Osteopathic Philosophy disease

Answer 13

1. Disease is an effect of underlying, often multifactorial causes
2. Illness is often caused by mechanical impediments to normal flow of body fluids and nerve activity
3. Environmental, social, mental, and behavioral factors contribute to the etiology of disease and illness

Question 14

• Osteopathic Principles and Practice (OPP)

Answer 14

–A concept of health care supported by expanding scientific knowledge that
embraces the concept of the unity of the living organism’s structure (anatomy)
and function (physiology.)
–Emphasizes the 4 tenets of osteopathy
* The class and the learning

Question 14

Classical Osteopathic Philosophy Patient Care

Answer 14

1. The human body provides all the chemicals necessary for the needs of its tissues and organs
2. Removal of mechanical impediments allows optimal body fluid flow, nerve function, and restoration of health
3. Environmental, cultural, social, mental, and behavioral factors need to be addressed as part of any
   management plan
4. Any management plan should realistically meet the needs of the individual patient

Question 15

Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT):

Answer 15

Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT):
–The therapeutic application of manually guided forces by an osteopathic
physician (U.S. usage) to improve physiologic function and/or support
homeostasis that has been altered by somatic dysfunction.
* The manual techniques or procedure

Question 16

Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM):

Answer 16

Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM):
–The application of osteopathic philosophy, structural evaluation and manual
osteopathic techniques in the diagnosis and management of the patient.
* The history, the exam, the procedures, and the plan