[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 16]
[Senate]
[Page 22259]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                   NATIONAL OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE WEEK

 Mr. BOND. Mr. President, November 11-17 is National 
Osteopathic Medicine Week, a week when we recognize the more than 
47,000 osteopathic physicians, D.O.s, across the country for their 
contributions to the American healthcare system. This year, we 
celebrate D.O.s commitment to preventative medicine and end-of-life 
care. I am especially pleased these festivities are taking place in my 
home State of Missouri.
  During National Osteopathic Medicine, NOM, Week, D.O.s and patients 
celebrate the benefits of preventative health care by looking at the 
simple things that can be done to live healthier lives. As physicians 
who treat people, not just symptoms, the nation's D.O.s are dedicated 
to helping maintain health through a whole-person patient-centered 
approach to healthcare. And, within that principle, they recognize 
death as the legitimate endpoint to the human lifecycle and respect the 
dignity and special needs of both patients and caregivers.
  During NOM Week, D.O.s across the country will explore 
multidisciplinary perspectives on end-of-life care, the ethical debate 
of pain management and physician-assisted suicide and ways to remove 
communications barriers in the physician-patient relationship at end of 
life. Activities also educate Americans about end-of-life care and 
related topics, such as advances in pain management, cultural 
sensitivities toward final stages of life, organ donation, advance 
directives, and end-of-life care options and financing.
  For more than a century, D.O.s have made a difference in the lives 
and health of my fellow citizens in Missouri as well as all Americans. 
Overall, more than 100 million patient visits are made each year to 
D.O.s. Osteopathic physicians are committed to serving the needs of 
rural and underserved communities and make up 15 percent of the total 
physician population in towns of 10,000 or less.
  D.O.s are certified in nearly 60 specialties and 33 subspecialties. 
Similar to requirements set for M.D.s, D.O.s must complete and pass: 4 
years of medical education at one of 19 osteopathic medical schools; a 
1-year internship; a multi-year residency; and a State medical board 
exam. Throughout this education, D.O.s are trained to understand how 
the musculoskeletal system influences the condition of all other body 
systems. Many patients want this extra education as a part of their 
health care. Individuals may call 866-346-3236 to find a D.O. in their 
community.
  In recognition of NOM Week, I would like to congratulate the over 
1,700 D.O.s in Missouri, the 616 students at the Kirksville College of 
Osteopathic Medicine, 871 students at the University of Health Sciences 
College of Osteopathic Medicine and the 47,000 D.O.s represented by the 
American Osteopathic Association for their contributions to the good 
health of the American people.

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