Osteopathic Physicians To Meet With Michigan Legislators

Released: February 14, 2006

LANSING — Governor Jennifer Granholm signed a formal proclamation declaring February 16-22, 2003, Michigan Osteopathic Medicine Week. The week has been designated to increase public awareness and understanding of the osteopathic profession and the day-to-day activities of an osteopathic physician. The week-long event will also provide activities and opportunities for osteopathic physicians, students and auxiliary members from throughout the state to connect with their legislators to discuss health issues. Michigan Osteopathic Medicine Week is coordinated by the Michigan Osteopathic Association and the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (MSUCOM.)

Events scheduled to commemorate the Michigan Osteopathic Medicine Week include a state legislator/osteopathic physician "shadow day" where legislators and D.O.s will be paired together to allow legislators the opportunity to observe an osteopathic physician at work. In addition, osteopathic physicians will accompany legislators on visits to free and indigent care clinics in several locations throughout the state. The MOA and MSUCOM will host a legislative health screening where osteopathic students and physicians will provide health exams to legislators and their staff. Finally, MSU's Third Annual Visiting Minority Faculty Lecture Series will feature former MOA and American Osteopathic Association president William Anderson, D.O., a friend and colleague of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

"Our goal in hosting and celebrating Michigan Osteopathic Medicine Week is to give both our legislators and the public at large a better understanding of the practice of osteopathic medicine, and its approach to treating patients not just symptoms," said Susan C. Sevensma, D.O., MOA Board of Trustees and chair of the Michigan Council of Osteopathic Physicians.