Evolution

Timeline: The history of osteopathic medicine

Trace the osteopathic medical profession’s roots from the 1828 birth of its founder, A.T. Still, MD, DO, to today.

From the opening of the first school of osteopathic medicine in 1892, the profession has flourished. There are now over 121,000 U.S. DOs, representing roughly 11% of the physician workforce. The vision of A.T. Still, MD, DO, who emphasized preventive care and treating the whole person, not just the disease, lives on today as one in four U.S. medical students are enrolled in a college of osteopathic medicine.

During National Osteopathic Medicine Week (April 18-24, 2021), The DO is examining the roots of our fast-growing profession.

Explore the history of osteopathic medicine from Dr. Still’s birth in 1828 to the present day. See the osteopathic medicine timeline below:

2 comments

  1. Murray Goldstein D.O.

    Very very well done. I suggest you need to include the following because it was an important step in the recognition of osteopathic physicians in the federal service:
    1953 The first osteopathic physician is appointed a commissioned medical office in the US Uniformed Services-the US Public Health Service.

  2. Terry Walters

    My great-great grandfather’s eldest son, Thomas Mathison, was a DO in St. Louis MO, from about 1878 until sometime before his death in 1912. I’ve been attempting to find information about him, with no luck. At that time (early to mid 1870s) what would a young man do in order to become a Doctor of Osteopathy? Where would he have studied, etc.
    Thanks in advance for any help you can offer.

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