April is Missouri Osteopathic Medicine Awareness Month
Posted: April 1, 2020
April is Missouri Osteopathic Medicine Awareness Month, by order of a proclamation signed earlier this year by Missouri Gov. Mike Parson.
The proclamation recognizes A.T. Still, DO, founder of osteopathic medicine, for in 1892 establishing the first osteopathic medicine school in the world. That school is now A.T. Still University’s Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine. In 1897, Missouri Gov. Lon Stephens signed a bill legalizing practicing rights of osteopathic physicians. The Missouri Association of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons (MAOPS) was founded the same year.
There are 34 accredited osteopathic medical schools providing instruction in 32 states today.
“Whereas, osteopathic physicians are one of the fastest growing segments of health care professionals in the United States. Many osteopathic physicians fill a critical need by practicing in rural and other medically underserved areas. In Missouri, there are over 2,000 osteopathic physicians practicing throughout the State…,” Parson’s proclamation says.
“By combining all other appropriate medical options with OMT (osteopathic manipulative treatment) and a holistic approach to diagnosing and treating a patient, osteopathic physicians offer the most comprehensive care available in medicine today.”