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My Path to Osteopathic Medicine – The Journey that Shaped My Approach

by msk-direct | 19 Nov, 2024 | Others | 0 Comments

The Early Years – Discovering an Interest in Medicine

My first hands-on experience in sports medicine happened in high school when I took a sports medicine class. Working in the training room and being on the field with athletes confirmed my interest in health and sports. When I entered college, I majored in biology and following the pre-med track felt like the obvious path, but I started questioning whether I was pursuing medicine for me—or for my parents’ dreams. 

During college, I looked at a range of fields including physical therapy, chiropractic medicine, and pharmacy, but physical therapy resonated strongly. I even started working in a PT clinic as a volunteer, shadowing and working part-time to see if it was the right fit. PT gave me a solid foundation, and I loved the hands-on work, but I realized I still had questions that required a deeper medical perspective.

The Decision to Pursue Osteopathic Medicine

While I was considering different health fields, I got exposed to osteopathic medicine through my cousin, who was a family medicine resident. The osteopathic approach to medicine, with its focus on manual medicine, health, and healing resonated with me. It was an approach that valued the body’s ability to heal itself given the right environment. Unlike traditional allopathic (MD) programs, which focus heavily on disease, the osteopathic curriculum emphasizes health, symmetry, and alignment—concepts that aligned with my interest in understanding the underlying factors that impact recovery.

I remember finally realizing in my senior year that I wanted to pursue medical school with a focus on osteopathic training. Choosing osteopathic medicine allowed me to combine the best of both worlds: the hands-on skills I admired in PT, and a deep, medical understanding of how the body functions and heals.

The Osteopathic Experience – A Hands-On Approach to Healing

Osteopathic medical schools are unique because they incorporate hands-on training from day one. For someone like me, who values understanding and movement, this was a perfect fit. Working directly with patients and developing a “tactile appreciation” for their symptoms and conditions early on was invaluable. Osteopathic training taught me how to connect with patients in a way that goes beyond what you can get from books or screens, and I firmly believe it’s one of the best ways to stay grounded as a physician.

For anyone considering a career in medicine, especially those who want to blend practical skills with deep medical knowledge, osteopathic medicine is an invaluable path. It’s not something you can fully grasp from online learning alone; you have to experience it to appreciate its impact.

Looking Back with Gratitude

Reflecting on my journey, I’m grateful I listened to my instincts and chose the osteopathic route. Without it, I may not have discovered physiatry and sports medicine. This path allowed me to approach rehabilitation in a way that emphasizes a whole-body perspective, incorporating the knowledge and techniques that help people feel better, move better, and live better.

If you’re thinking about a career in medicine or want to learn more about osteopathy, I encourage you to explore it with an open mind. It’s a field that teaches you to see the person as a whole, beyond just the symptoms, and that’s a perspective that has enriched my practice every day.

If you want to hear more please listen to this episode on the Talking Rehab Podcast!