by Dr. Dennis Petersen, D.O.
Osteopathic Medicine is celebrating its 120th anniversary in the United States. In reality, the Osteopathic Profession began in the late 1800’s. It was founded by Dr. Andrew Taylor Still, who pioneered the concept of wellness and stressed such “innovative” measures as eating properly and keeping fit.
As Still looked for answers, he began to observe the interdependence of the body’s structure and function, and concluded that normal structure was a pre-requisite for normal function. By 1892 the first school of osteopathy was chartered and a profession was born.
The College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, located in Pomona, had its first class of students enter into academia in 1978. The college achieved University status 10 years later. C.O.M.P. is now Western University of Health Sciences and offers many health profession disciplines.
Because all medical doctors and D.O.’s are physicians and surgeons in the United States, some patients may not be aware of a difference or may not find it important, they evaluate a doctor based on the care they receive.
When considering a physician for yourself and your family, keep in mind a doctor that will care for you, answer all of your questions, evaluate your medications and order appropriate tests to determine the need for accurate treatment.
Dr. Dennis Petersen graduated from Western University of Health Sciences in 1985 and completed his internship at Sun Coast Osteopathic Hospital, 1983-1984, and have been practicing Family Medicine in Temecula since 1989. For questions on this article or to make an appointment, call (951) 506-3112.