125 years of osteopathic medicine: Profession gears up to celebrate

In October 1892, the American School of Osteopathy—the first-ever osteopathic medical school—opened in Kirksville, Missouri. Led by founder Andrew Taylor Still, MD, DO, the school’s inaugural DO class of 21 students matriculated five women—a medical school rarity in the late 19th century.

Almost exactly 125 years later, attendees at OMED 2017 in Philadelphia can take a step back in time to experience Kirksville—the birthplace of osteopathic medicine—via an immersive, virtual reality experience provided within a traveling museum exhibit from A.T. Still University and the Museum of Osteopathic Medicine. The exhibit will be live Oct. 7-9; OMED runs Oct. 7-10.

Virtual reality

Exhibit attendees will receive virtual reality headsets that they can use to take a 360-degree immersive tour of the original schoolhouse and classroom narrated by “A.T. Still” himself. Additional tour stops throughout the city of Kirksville include Dr. Still’s gravesite and historic downtown Kirksville, which hasn’t changed much since A.T. Still’s day.

Visitors can then take the headset home with them and use it to watch other 360-degree videos available on the internet, but the supply of giveaway headsets will be limited, so early arrival is encouraged. The tour will also be available on a large screen that does not require a headset for viewing.

In addition to the immersive virtual reality experience, the exhibit will feature artifacts spanning 125 years of history that tell the story of A.T. Still, the first osteopathic medical school and the profession’s incredible growth. These include a life-size display of Dr. Still’s vest, pants, boots and walking stick.

Find the exhibit in the Pennsylvania Convention Center’s Experience Zone (Exhibit Hall), booths 1035 and 1134. Look for a large banner emblazoned with “125 Years of Osteopathic Heritage.”

Flash sale: Get $125 off OMED registration

Beyond offering the chance to celebrate the profession’s history, OMED 2017 will be full of opportunities for education and networking, including peer-to-peer learning meet-ups in the new Braindates Lounge. Don’t miss out—practicing DOs, register during the 125th anniversary flash sale, which has been extended to Sept. 8, and you’ll save $125 off the current full OMED registration rate. Register today and secure your discount using the code ANNIVERSARY. Residents can receive $50 off the full resident registration rate with the code HOLIDAY.