In the mid-1800s, Dr. Andrew Taylor Still observed significant gaps in conventional medical practices. His dissatisfaction led to a groundbreaking approach to healthcare that emphasized the interconnection of the body’s systems. By 1874, Dr. Still had introduced a new philosophy of care: the belief that the body’s structure and function are interrelated and that optimal health relies on addressing these connections.
David Fuller, DO, FAAO, FNAOME, professor and second-year course director of the Osteopathic Principles and Practice course at PCOM, explained that Dr. Still recognized that each individual has a unified mind, body and spirit.
“He also acknowledged that everyone’s body has an inherent ability to heal itself,” Fuller said. “Dr. Still emphasized that optimal health can best be achieved by addressing the neuromusculoskeletal systems in patient care.”
Building on these principles, Dr. Still developed a sophisticated method of hands-on
diagnosis and treatment that complemented traditional medical care. This innovative
approach laid the foundation for the field of osteopathic medicine. In 1892, Dr. Still
established the first osteopathic medical school. The movement continued to grow,
and in 1899, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM), became the third osteopathic
school in the United States.
Osteopathic medicine has expanded significantly since those early days. “There are now nearly 40 osteopathic colleges with over 50 teaching locations across the United States,” said Kristie Petree, DO, associate professor and chair of osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) at PCOM South Georgia. “These colleges are educating more than 34,000 future osteopathic physicians, which is more than 25 percent of all U.S. medical school students.”
PCOM has grown to become a leader in osteopathic medical education. In addition to its main campus in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, PCOM operates two locations in Georgia. PCOM Georgia, located in Suwanee, Georgia in the metro Atlanta area, opened in 2005. PCOM South Georgia, located in Moultrie, opened in 2019.
“Our graduates are well-trained in all aspects of modern medicine, across all medical and surgical specialties with a foundation in osteopathic medicine,” Petree said.
This training, Petree explained, includes recognizing the body, mind and spirit as a single unit, capable of self-regulation and self-healing. This incorporates the use of hands-on osteopathic diagnosis and treatment to maximize the health of patients integrated into a comprehensive approach that includes the full scope of the practice of medicine and surgery, she added.
Fuller and Petree encourage prospective students to learn more about osteopathic medicine in general and PCOM in particular. Osteopathic medicine offers a holistic approach, integrating modern medical practices with the foundational principles established by Dr. Still. This philosophy resonates with the growing demand for patient-centered, comprehensive care.
“Our past is meaningful and interesting,” Fuller said. “and our future is bright.”
For those considering a career in medicine, osteopathic medicine offers a unique opportunity to approach healthcare holistically, addressing not only symptoms but also the underlying causes of illness. PCOM’s strong tradition and comprehensive curriculum prepare students to excel in this ever-evolving medical field. Aspiring DOs will find a rewarding path that emphasizes the art and science of healing.
Learn more about osteopathic medicine and PCOM’s DO programs to begin your journey toward a fulfilling career in healthcare.
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