[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 16]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 22778]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                   NATIONAL OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE WEEK

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. TED STRICKLAND

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 15, 2001

  Mr. STRICKLAND. Mr. Speaker, 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.
  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 focus on treating the whole person and not just their symptoms, the 
nation's osteopathic physicians 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 everywhere will explore multidisciplinary 
perspectives on end-of-life care, the ethical debate of pain management 
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 southeast Ohio and all Americans. 
Overall, more than 100 million patient visits are made each year to 
D.O.s. As fully licensed physicians, D.O.s are committed to serving the 
needs of rural and underserved communities. That is why D.O.s make up 
15 percent of the total physician population in towns of 10,000 or 
less.
  Osteopathic physicians are certified in nearly 60 specialties and 33 
subspecialties. They complete similar requirements set for M.D.s, and 
must complete and pass: four years of medical education at one of 19 
osteopathic medical schools; a one-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 congratulate the over 3,300 D.O.s in 
Ohio, the 416 students at Ohio University College of Osteopathic 
Medicine (located in my district), 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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