Cross-cultural Manipulation

By Craig Reed

October 6, 2009

MSUCOM has a variety of connections with institutions across the world. One of these is with a school in Tokyo, Japan through a program called the Medical Trainer College.

“Our relationship with the school started back in 1996. I got involved early on when I was a resident and have stayed part of the program ever since,” said Dr. Lori Dillard, ’99 alumna, program coordinator. “We had nine students join us this year. In their short time here they learn OMM techniques such as muscle energy, counterstrain, myofacial release as well as the philosophy behind osteopathic medicine.”

The program is a one-week intensive study program of osteopathic manipulative medicine – most of which is taught through hands-on experience. The Japanese students who participate come with extensive experience in their country’s traditional hand-on therapies, which allow them to quickly pick up OMM techniques.

“This was my second time working with the students,” said second-year student Mayo Mitsuya. “My first year, I helped out as a translator. This year I continued to do that, but I was able to help them with the OMM as well.”

“I was acting as a partner for one of the students,” said second-year student Katie Donahue. “She knew some English, but most of our communication was through practicing the techniques. They would work on OMM from 8 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. every day It was a good review for me and a great opportunity to take what I had learned and help teach a bit.”

“While we all worked hard throughout the week, we also made time for a few fun things while they were visiting, like going to a Detroit Tiger’s game and having pizza at Dr. Lisa DeStefano’s house,” added Dillard.

“When we were in the lab together it was very clear that they were very patient-centered,” continued Mayo. “For instance, it was very important to them to not move the patient into any position that they felt might be uncomfortable for them even if the technique might produce a better result. It’s a different viewpoint on what it means to be patient-oriented.”

“Even though we were teaching them, they were teaching us as well,” added Katie. “They showed us a picture of one form of OMT training in another part of the world. One of the things I like best about OMM is that you may not always have medical equipment available, but you always have your hands and can make a difference with them wherever in the world you might be.”