Lessons from osteopathic training 

By Alexis Coslick, DO, MS, Johns Hopkins Medicine 

My path to medicine was a winding road, and I started my medical school application process considering both allopathic and osteopathic programs. There are two training paths to become a licensed physician in the United States: allopathic or osteopathic. Allopathic medical schools provide the more common traditional degree of earning a Doctor of Medicine (MD), whereas osteopathic students earn a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO). While both could have led me to where I am today, osteopathic training was the right fit for me. 

My less traditional route is due to my interests that preceded medicine with career aspirations in a sports-related field. However, after I decided to pursue medicine, I knew sports would remain a key component of my career, which enabled me to blend the two in the field of sports medicine. 

Osteopathic training prepared me well. The philosophy of a holistic approach and understanding the mind-body-spirit connection has enabled me to understand all factors that may influence recovery from injuries. This can be present in comprehending a high-level athlete’s determination and setbacks that impact recovery. At the same time, it opened my eyes that the goals of other patients may be to heal to play with their grandkids, walk their dog, or simply perform daily activities. 

In addition, there’s a skillset that is taught in DO programs called osteopathic manipulative medicine/treatment (OMM/OMT). This is a hands-on approach that includes techniques that are often used by physical therapists and chiropractors. The knowledge of these techniques and the ability to perform these treatments is beneficial to physicians specializing in musculoskeletal and rehabilitation medicine, since it gives them a greater understanding of adjunctive treatments used by referral sources to help with pain and to aid the recovery process. 

As medicine becomes increasingly subspecialized, it’s always important to go back to the fundamentals and appreciate the interconnectedness of the many intrinsic and extrinsic facets that make up a person, their illnesses/injuries, and the best treatment approach for each patient. 

In summary, osteopathic medicine has equipped me with valuable skills and perspectives that can benefit all clinicians, regardless of their training path. MDs can learn from DOs by integrating an appreciation of the mind-body-spirit connection, as emphasized in osteopathic philosophy, which encourages a deeper understanding of the unique goals and challenges each patient faces. Additionally, familiarity with hands-on treatments such as osteopathic manipulative medicine can broaden a physician’s toolkit for managing musculoskeletal and rehabilitative conditions and facilitate collaboration with allied health professionals. Ultimately, blending these osteopathic principles with traditional allopathic training can enhance patient-centered care, foster meaningful doctor-patient relationships, and promote more comprehensive healing for every person. 

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This piece expresses the views solely of the author. It does not necessarily represent the views of any organization, including Johns Hopkins Medicine.