A year in review: The DO’s top 10 stories of 2023

As we bid farewell to another year, The DO team is excited to look back at a handful of our most popular articles from the past 12 months. These pieces, many of which were written by very talented DOs and osteopathic medical students, provided us with thoughtful new perspectives and fostered meaningful connections. Each article is a testament to the diverse voices that make up The DO’s ever-growing family.

As we reflect on these top 10 narratives of 2023, we also look ahead to next year with anticipation and enthusiasm. Here’s to a new chapter filled with discovery, growth and continued celebration of the osteopathic medical profession!

1. DOs and MDs: What are the true differences?

As a part of his regular column, The DO Distinction, Brian Loveless, DO, evaluated a study that examined whether patient outcomes were different among DOs vs. MDs. The study found no discernable difference between the care provided to patients. As Dr. Loveless stated, the study proved that DOs are not inferior to MDs. Dr. Loveless concluded the piece with a call to action for his fellow DOs: “I don’t think that the distinctive care provided by osteopathic physicians […] is inconsequential. And I challenge the osteopathic profession to continue to prove it.”

2. Is there a doctor on board? Ethical and legal considerations for in-flight emergencies

Although in-flight emergencies are rare, they do happen. Darren Dillard, DO, lays out the ethical and legal ramifications that physicians should consider before offering medical assistance while they are at 30,000 feet in the air.

3. AOA responds to ‘The View’ regarding misleading comments

On the Nov. 27, 2023, episode of “The View,” a host made disparaging comments regarding DOs and their qualifications, most notably implying that DOs are not medical doctors. AOA President Ira P. Monka, DO, and AOA CEO Kathleen S. Creason, MBA, sent a letter to the show’s producers to set the record straight. “As practicing physicians, DOs are held to the same standards as MDs by state licensing boards and specialty certifying boards,” reads the letter.

4. 11 great holiday gifts for doctors and med students in 2023

The DO’s gift guides are always a fun highlight! Stephanie Lee, OMS IV, and Tristan Hazebrook, OMS IV, scoured the internet for the best gifts to share with doctors and med students during the 2023 holiday season.

5. The DO schools on U.S. News’ best medical schools list for 2023-2024

The 2023-24 lists of the best medical schools in the United States, released by U.S. News and World Report, include a wealth of schools of osteopathic medicine. Of the schools ranked for research and primary care, 16 and 15 DO schools, respectively, made the list. Also, the lists of the medical schools producing the most graduates practicing in primary care, rural areas and underserved areas included many osteopathic medical schools. The full lists are available on the U.S. News and World Report website.

6. Fewer physicians are pursuing emergency medicine

Jerry Balentine, DO, and Joseph Leary, DO, tackle the decrease in physician interest in emergency medicine, the potential reasons behind the decline and the possible implications for the specialty’s future.

7. The doctor is out: How much vacation time do physicians need?

Practicing medicine is, without a doubt, incredibly challenging. As Deanah Jibril, DO, writes, physician burnout has been on the rise over the past few years. In this article, Dr. Jibril investigates work-life balance and how physicians can avoid career-induced exhaustion.

8. Reflections on the ‘Barbie’ movie and its impact on women in medicine

As the highest-grossing film of 2023, Margot Robbie’s “Barbie” smashed the box office this summer. Striking chords with viewers of all ages, “Barbie” also resonated with Jeanne Rupert, DO. After struggling for equality and respect, Dr. Rupert stressed how important it is for marginalized groups to look after each other. Drawing inspiration from the empowering speech made by America Ferrara’s Gloria, Dr. Rupert writes, “I (and all the other women who have persisted in medicine as a career) have made it this far because of the ways we support and help each other.”

9. Reminiscing after retirement: The joys and dangers of looking back

The Back Nine column by Daniel J. Waters, DO, MA, always offers insightful looks at a retired physician’s perspectives. In this piece, Dr. Waters reflects on both the power of reminiscing while also reminding former doctors to “try to stay focused on what’s coming at you and not what you’ve passed.”

10. Food from the soul: A history of African American culture and nutrition

Soul food has a rich history rooted in African traditions. Alexander Ford, DO, RD, shares how enslaved Africans modified traditional dishes, such as gumbo and fufu, during slavery out of necessity. Dr. Ford also explains the correlation between the diminished nutritional value of these foods and their connections to higher rates of chronic diseases and shorter life spans among Black Americans.