Let’s get excited

#ProudDO spotlight: ‘As DOs, it’s our responsibility to honor our profession’

What makes you a #ProudDO? AOA president John W. Becher, DO, wants to know.

By Kate Samano Email Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Proud to be a DO

When AOA President John W. Becher, DO, took office in July, he invited DOs and students alike to share what makes them proud of their calling. His #ProudDO campaign has sparked many enthusiastic responses, and some common themes have emerged. Many DOs, whether they're students, new to practice or retired, take pride in staying connected to one another and to their patients. Watch #ProudDOs share their stories at OMED 2015. Share your #ProudDO story on Facebook, Twitter, or by email at touchpoint@osteopathic.org.

We share a common foundation: Osteopathic principles and practice

Evan L. Gray, OMS II (right), works with the aid organization Pilotos Solidarios to help provide care to patients in rural Argentina.

“To many patients and laymen in the world, the distinction between MDs and DOs may be small. As DOs, it’s our responsibility to honor our profession and practice what we learn, both in medical school and through interactions with patients, so we can continually improve. We must take all aspects of a patient’s health into account; these aspects combine to make a person who they truly are. Don’t just cover up symptoms. Fix the problems so the same symptoms don’t arise again.” -Evan L. Gray, OMS II, Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine in East Lansing, via email

Photo provided by Evan L. Gray, OMS II

We stay connected

Sam Urick, DO (left), and Robert George, DO

"I'm a #ProudDO because our conferences allow us to learn up-to-date clinical information as well as reconnect. Great to see my dean, Dr. Robert George—a great asset to our profession. A gentleman and a scholar." -Sam Urick, DO, via Twitter

We treat the whole person, not just symptoms

The AOA's brand awareness campaign is focused on the unique, whole-person care that DOs provide. Learn more about this multiyear, multimillion-dollar effort at DoctorsThatDO.org.

Our partnerships with patients go beyond the exam room

Augustine L. Perrotta, DO

"As a physician, [my proudest career accomplishment] is being able to help cure patients with acute leukemia, certain lymphomas, especially Hodgkin disease, and testicular cancer. Many of these patients have gone on to achieve great things and give back to their communities. I still keep in touch with some of them, having formed a personal relationship." -Augustine L. Perrotta, DO

We bring health care where it's most needed

Share what makes you a #ProudDO on Facebook and Twitter or by emailing touchpoint@osteopathic.org.

We do great things

This #ProudDO story of Col. Arthur Wittich, DO celebrating his retirement was shared on the AOA's Facebook page.

Col. Arthur Wittich, DO, is just one example of the many osteopathic physicians going above and beyond in their careers and lives. He retired after serving for 44 years as a medical officer in the Army. He was the oldest soldier in the U.S. Army Military District of Washington and the most senior doctor in the Army, where he helped bring an estimated 10,000 babies into the world.

Photo courtesy of The United States Army

1 comment

Abolish Aparthied

Apr. 1, 2016, at 1:48 pm

Dr. Love, we are proud of you! However as good as you are, in Canada, they do not recognize the AOA residencies and the AOA (and ABMS)board certifications in applying for the medical license. You will have the rights to care for a Canadian Prime Minister while in Texas, but, in Canada they say you are not qualified. I have written to politicians at the AOA and Washington for the past five years with no results to focus on this issue.
But, the Canadian Residencies and Canadian Board Certifications are good enough to obtain a medical license in the USA (make no mistake Canadian Medical schools and residencies are not any better than the AOA system)!
I urge all of you to write to all of your local and federal politicians to fix this apartheid practice.

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