Women who led the way: Celebrating early osteopathic innovators

The history of osteopathic medicine is filled with pioneers who shaped the profession through leadership, innovation and dedication. Among them, two women stand out as early trailblazers who not only advanced osteopathic medicine, but also broke barriers for other women in the field. Their contributions helped define the osteopathic medical profession, while paving the way for future generations of osteopathic physicians.

Jeanette “Nettie” Bolles, DO (1862–1930): Trailblazing osteopathic graduate and groundbreaker

A female trailblazer in the field of osteopathic medicine, Jeanette “Nettie” Bolles, DO, was one of five women to graduate from the American School of Osteopathy’s (ASO) first class in 1894. After graduation, private practice wasn’t the only thing on her mind; Dr. Bolles became heavily involved in the growth of osteopathic medicine. In the same year of her medical school graduation, Dr. Bolles became the first editor and publisher of the Journal of Osteopathy, a monthly journal published by ASO that ran until 1964.

In 1897, Dr. Bolles became the founding president of the Western Institute of Osteopathy and the first vice president of the American Association for the Advancement of Osteopathy, now known as the AOA. Her leadership skills also made Dr. Bolles the perfect candidate to serve as the founding president of the Associated Colleges of Osteopathy, now the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM). Toward the end of her life, Dr. Bolles was honored with the AOA’s Distinguished Service Award in 1925.

Edythe Ashmore, DO (1872–1953): OMT advocate and AOA leader

In the early twentieth century, Edythe Ashmore, DO, helped to popularize osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT). A prominent figure in the osteopathic world, Dr. Ashmore graduated from what was then known as the Dr. S.S. Still College of Osteopathy (now the Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine) in 1901.

From 1904-1909, Dr. Ashmore collected over 1,200 case reports from the osteopathic profession and published them as supplements to what is now the Journal of Osteopathic Medicine. She was appointed as vice president of the AOA in 1906 and again in 1911. Dr. Ashmore furthered her studies in 1911 by attending the Los Angeles College of Osteopathy, deepening her knowledge of osteopathic medicine.

In 1916, she was nominated as the director of the department of osteopathic techniques at the ASO located in Kirksville, Missouri, where she taught osteopathic techniques in clinics. In her teachings, she advised students not to simply mimic Dr. Still, but to also use their own insights. Her greatest contribution to the osteopathic world was in 1915, when she published Osteopathic Mechanics. This publication was an important contribution to the early osteopathic literature because many non-osteopathic scientists read and recognized it.

Looking back, moving forward

As we conclude this series celebrating historic DOs to Know, their stories and legacies are powerful reminders of the enduring impact of osteopathic medicine and the profession’s pioneers. Their dedication to patient-centered care, education and advocacy continues to inspire today’s DOs and osteopathic medical students, ensuring that the profession remains rooted in its founding principles as it evolves to meet modern health care challenges.

Related reading:

National Women Physicians Day spotlight: The AOA’s dynamic female leaders

2 historical artifacts reveal new details about A.T. Still, MD, DO, and the early years of osteopathic medicine