[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 48 (Tuesday, April 22, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S3460]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE IN MICHIGAN

 Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, I would like to make my colleagues 
aware of an important anniversary in the history of health care in 
Michigan. Precisely 100 years ago today, osteopathic physicians became 
licensed to practice medicine in Michigan.
  Michigan was the fourth State to legalize the practice of osteopathy 
and, according to the Michigan Association of Osteopathic Physicians 
and Surgeons, today has the largest number of osteopathic practitioners 
in the Nation. For the past 100 years, osteopathic physicians have 
served the people of Michigan by developing therapeutic and diagnostic 
methods of treating disease to accompany traditional medical 
procedures.
  The philosophy of osteopathy was first articulated by Dr. Andrew 
Taylor Still, a physician from the State of Missouri. Dr. Still's 
teachings guide today's osteopathic physicians as they integrate 
standard medical practices with the body's natural systems for 
regulating and healing itself, especially the largest of these, the 
musculoskeletal system.
  People from every corner of Michigan have benefited from the care of 
osteopathic physicians, who can be found in disciplines ranging from 
family practice to surgery. We are truly grateful for the commitment to 
quality care made by these doctors--the members of the Michigan 
Association of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons, the Michigan 
Osteopathic Hospital Association, the Michigan Women's Osteopathic 
Auxiliary, the Michigan Osteopathic Medical Assistance Association, and 
the Michigan Osteopathic Guild Association.
  I know my colleagues join me in offering best wishes and 
congratulations to the osteopathic physicians of Michigan, who have 
served the community with dedication and compassion for the past 100 
years.

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