DO bridges neurology, education and the osteopathic philosophy

Mark Bailey, DO, PhD, has had a remarkable journey from a psychology major in Mississippi to a renowned osteopathic physician and academic leader. Dr. Bailey and his career exemplify the power of passion and purpose. With a PhD in anatomy and a career that has spanned private practice, academia and leadership roles, Dr. Bailey has continuously embraced the principles of osteopathic medicine to enhance patient care and train the next generation of osteopathic physicians.

In our edited Q&A, Dr. Bailey shares insights into his path to osteopathic medicine, his transition from private practice to academia, and the intersection of neurology, pain medicine and holistic care. Osteopathic medical students will find inspiration and guidance in Dr. Bailey’s advice for building a fulfilling career in neurology and beyond.

Tell us about your path to becoming an osteopathic physician.

I am a native Mississippian. I was a psychology major at Millsaps College in Jackson, where I became interested in brain structure and function. Afterwards, I obtained a PhD in anatomy with an emphasis on neuroanatomy/neurophysiology from the University of Mississippi Medical Center. A desire to pursue more clinical-oriented work, rather than solely bench research, made me think about becoming a physician.

Several good friends from my hometown had gone into osteopathic medicine and I respected them enormously. Additionally, the anatomy department at Western University of Health Sciences/College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific (WesternU/COMP) had faculty that were well-known in anatomy circles.

Osteopathic medicine in general appeals to anatomists. It has a basis in structure and function. The strong reputation, my mentors and the expertise of the anatomy department at WesternU/COMP were all influential elements in my decision to attend their program and, on a larger scale, influenced my choice to become an osteopathic physician.

While enrolled, the school allowed me to become more involved in the anatomy lab. I was offered the chance to be more hands-on by assisting my classmates in lab, and I was exposed to patient-centered training and philosophy.

After 13 years in private practice, what brought you back to academia as a professor of neurology and anesthesiology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)? 

The issue with private versus academic medicine is obviously multifactorial. I have always been interested in medical education and helping train young physicians. After 13 years in private practice, I was given an opportunity within the department of neurology at UAB. They were looking to bring on a pain specialist.

At that time in my life, my children were grown and gone, and I had a desire for a change in lifestyle. Academic medicine has its pros and cons, and at that stage in my career, the pros outweighed the cons. The specific advantages that caught my eye were no call, great academic benefits and an opportunity to train the next generation of physicians.

My current title with UAB is professor of neurology and anesthesiology, with appointments in both departments.

You have served as president for both the Alabama Osteopathic Medical Association (AOMA) and the American College of Osteopathic Neurologists and Psychiatrists (ACONP). How would you describe your time in these positions, and how do we encourage more DOs to become active in their state and national osteopathic associations?

These were both very rewarding experiences, and I encourage all DOs to participate in their parent organizations. It is important to be involved with the osteopathic community at the state level, and during my tenure as president of the AOMA, I was able to represent the interests of osteopathic physicians in Alabama and advocate for osteopathic philosophy and perspectives. My time there gave me valuable experience in policy development, advocacy and networking with other osteopathic leaders across the state.

When you are involved with these organizations, it allows you to build relationships and collaborate with other state medical associations to strengthen the voice of osteopathic medicine. Participation also provides an avenue for “giving back” to the organizations that helped you succeed. We all truly stand on the shoulders of giants and should be both mindful of and grateful for their contributions.

As for the ACONP presidency, this aligned closely with my personal interests and passions. This is an excellent organization, and I have enjoyed the social and educational aspects of being involved at the national level with them.

I recommend that all DOs get involved and make their presence known at the state and national levels. You can reach out to established osteopathic physicians who can help introduce you and get you involved with these organizations. Attend meetings and volunteer for speaking or presentation opportunities. Pursue leadership roles over time; start small and work your way up through the organization.

Active involvement in osteopathic associations will benefit you in not only your individual professional development, but will also aid in advancing the collective voice of the osteopathic community.

Tell us about your experience serving on the American Medical Association’s (AMA) CPT® Editorial Panel.

I served as an advisor on the CPT® Editorial Panel for many years and provided an osteopathic perspective to proposed CPT code changes and updates. The CPT Editorial Panel is charged with maintaining the CPT code set through revising, updating or modifying CPT codes, descriptors, rules and guidelines.

Following an invitation from the AMA, I began to serve on the panel itself in 2024. This is a four-year appointment with a one-time renewal opportunity at the conclusion of my first term.

While CPT codes are well known to physicians, how these codes came to be and how they are modified or updated is not well known. The largely unrecognized work that the CPT® Editorial Panel performs is an honor to be a part of. Maintaining a relevant and updated coding system is crucial for various functions within our health care system, including research, public health, quality measurement and physician payment.

How do you see osteopathic medicine principles intertwining with neurology and pain?

Several attributes intertwine osteopathic medicine and neurology. Almost all neurologic and pain conditions have components that are appropriately managed with osteopathic diagnosis and treatment. The mindset of treating the patient rather than the disease entity serves both fields equally well.

As osteopathic physicians, we are good at physical exams and adept at assessing musculoskeletal issues through techniques like palpation and range of motion testing. This clinical acumen is highly valuable in evaluating neurological and pain-related conditions. We bring a holistic approach by focusing on treating the whole person, rather than just isolated symptoms. This philosophy aligns well with the complex, multifactorial nature of neurological disorders and chronic pain.

Overall, my osteopathic training and principles combined with my expertise in neurology and pain management have allowed me to provide more comprehensive, patient-centered care. This synergy also enhances my ability to educate and mentor the next generation of clinicians.

What advice do you have for current osteopathic medical students who are interested in specializing in neurology?

In general, neurology is a rapidly evolving field that should be considered by all medical students. I would encourage clinical rotations with a busy neurologist to help decide if this is an area of strong interest. If there is a neurology interest group on campus, this is also a great way to gain exposure. I also encourage reaching out and participating in the ACONP. Attending a meeting and getting to meet members would be very beneficial. I know from personal experience that they are welcoming of such interest.

Neurology requires a particular problem-solving, diagnostic mindset. It entails developing elegant, unifying diagnoses for complex neurological presentations. If this is the type of intellectual challenge and clinical reasoning that appeals to you, neurology may suit you well.

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