Osteopathic medicine featured in Verywell Health; Ray L. Morrison, DO, recognized by ACOS

Through the achievements of its members and leaders, the osteopathic medical profession continues to grow and make meaningful impacts on patient care, education and advocacy. Below, read about recent highlights in the profession, including media coverage of osteopathic medicine’s distinct approach to whole-person care and the honoring of a leader whose contributions have advanced surgical education and professional governance.

Osteopathic medicine’s expanding impact highlighted in national feature

A recent article published by Verywell Health highlighted the distinctiveness of osteopathic medicine, drawing attention to the holistic, whole-person methods osteopathic physicians use to approach patient care. While both DO and MD degree programs require similar training and licensing, the piece noted that DOs emphasize whole-person care—a model that resonates deeply with patients.

In the article, San Diego-based psychotherapist Christina P. Kantzavelos, LCSW, shared that she chose a DO physician because she values the holistic and integrative approach to care. “I’ve found that DOs often approach medicine with more curiosity and a greater willingness to listen to the patient’s lived experience, rather than relying solely on labs or textbooks,” Kantzavelos told Verywell Health.

AOA President Robert G.G. Piccinini, DO, D. FACN, described to Verywell Health how he personally practices whole-person medicine. In one case, a patient was referred to him for dementia. After reviewing medical records and speaking with the patient and his family, Dr. Piccinini ordered additional testing, which ultimately revealed a brain tumor.

“DOs are trained to look at the whole patient, beyond symptoms, to understand well-being,” Dr. Piccinini told Verywell Health.

The article also spotlighted several notable DOs, including J.D. Polk, DO, NASA’s current chief health and medical officer, and Capt. Sean Barbabella, DO, who serves as physician to President Donald Trump. According to the AOA’s 2024 Osteopathic Medical Profession Report, the number of DOs in the United States has more than quadrupled over the past three decades, with a 70% increase in the past 10 years alone.

Looking ahead, AOA President-elect Richard R. Thacker, DO, MACOI, emphasized the importance of this growth. “Osteopathic schools are expanding rapidly, which is incredible for our profession as well as healthcare because the national shortage of physicians remains an issue for years to come,” he said.

Ray L. Morrison, DO, recognized by ACOS for significant contributions to osteopathic medical profession

Ray L. Morrison, DO, recently received the 2025 Guy D. Beaumont Jr. Award of Academic Excellence from the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons (ACOS). This annual honor is bestowed upon an individual who has demonstrated outstanding organizational leadership and excellence in improving the quality of osteopathic surgical education, according to the ACOS.

Dr. Morrison has been a driving force in championing the interests of physicians and patients. A respected figure in AOA governance, Dr. Morrison serves as Speaker of the AOA House of Delegates. His leadership within the AOA’s House of Delegates has been instrumental in shaping policy development and advocacy, significantly contributing to the future of osteopathic medicine nationwide. Outside of organizational leadership, Dr. Morrison’s impactful work in medical education has made significant advances for osteopathic medicine. As the founding and current dean of Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine-Louisiana (VCOM-Louisiana), Dr. Morrison mentors and supports future osteopathic physicians.