D.O. or Do Not: The Osteopathic Physician's Journey for Premed & Medical Students

Send us a textToday we will interview Sean McMilan, the president of the AOAO, which stands for the American Osteopathic Academy of Orthopedics.  He will discuss why he feels orthopedics is a great specialty and what being a DO brings to the profession.  He will talk about his own difficult journey and how he pays it forward, helping Osteopathic Physicians accomplish their dream!  What a great episode!

Send us a textDr Wunderler is a wonderful human being!She started her career as an Orthopedic Surgery resident but left when she found that the specialty was not for her.  She loved sports and shifted gears going into Family Practice with an fellowship in sports medicine.She now works for Harley Davidson. . . A dream job!But there is a dark side to the story.   Learn about SUDC and a time when two physicians came home from dinner to find their young daughter was not breathing!A difficult story and what the good doctor has done to remember her daughter, Vienna!

Send us a textA member of the Board of Governors for the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons, Dr. Sogunro feels that she was "born to be a D.O."She will share with us her journey from growing up in Africa, to moving to Connecticut at 13 with a dream of becoming a physican.When she became saddened as a trauma surgeon taking care of victims of gang violence, she pivoted to breast surgery where she felt she could make a deeper impact.What an impressive woman and Osteopath!  Don't miss this one!

Send us a textIn today's episode we have the pleasure of speaking to Dr. Anna Levy, D.O.   Dr. Levy is an oncologist who works in the very specialized area of liver related cancers.  Dr. Levy is Medical Director of Hepatobiliary Malignancies and the Hepatic Artery Pump Infusion Program, based at the R.J. Zuckerberg Cancer Center.   Dr Levy is  is Board certified in Internal Medicine, Hematology, and Medical Oncology.  She is  Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell Health Medical School.  Dr. Levy earned her medical degree at the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine followed by an Internal Medicine Residency at the Christiana Care Health System and ultimately completed her fellowship in Medical Oncology and Hematology at the Long Island Jewish Medical Center.Dr. Levy will delve into the life of an oncologist and the difficulties treating very sick patients.  She will discuss the difficulties of work life balance and how her family and home life allow her to “keep her cup full."  Dr. Levy will discuss the problem of suicide, among physicians specifically among high stress professions such as Hematology/ Oncology.  Dr. Levy will share her journey which started as an emigre from the Ukraine.  She will tell us about her discovery of Osteopathic Medicine and how she developed a  love for oncology, a difficult and complex specialty.  Please join us in our discussion with this  remarkable physician. . . a discussion you won't want to miss!

Send us a textDirect Primary Care or DPC is a model of medicine that has been around for well over decade. It has become a growing movement of passionate physicians focusing on restoring the physician patient relationship and providing excellent healthcare at an affordable price. It gives patient's direct access to their doctor, as well as an appropriate amount of time to really address illness and prevent disease. How is this possible you might ask? Well, by limiting the size of the doctor's patient panel, the patient is able to get the time they truly need and deserve. Instead of a panel of 4000 patients being seen in 5-10 minutes intervals, you have 400-600 patients being seen at 30-60 minute intervals. And instead of insurance denials and going through multiple administrative staff, you deal directly with your doctor. You can call, text, video chat, or email your doctor directly. You get same day or next day visits when you need them. It's healthcare that makes sense. You simply pay a monthly membership fee, which covers your basic care. This also allows the doctor to provide cost savings to you on medications, labs, imaging and other services and procedures that are usually significantly overpriced. No insurance. No copays. Just you and the doc.

Send us a textThis week, we are joined by Dr. Lisa Warren, Dean of Western University of Health Sciences, COMP and COMP-Northwest. Dr. Warren discusses the unique student experiences across the dual campuses and Western U's commitment to preparing students for future healthcare challenges. She emphasizes the importance of humanism, collaboration, and compassion within the Western U community.Dr. Warren reflects on her healthcare upbringing and her passion for serving underserved communities. As a former student-athlete, she shares how teamwork influenced her pursuit of osteopathic medicine and the holistic approach to patient care. Tune in to hear how her experiences shape her leadership in guiding future osteopathic physicians.I'm confident you'll find Dr. Lisa Warren's insights inspiring as you navigate your own journey in medicine.

Send us a text This week, we are joined by Dr. Ginamarie Papia, a remarkable physician whose journey spans from her studies at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine to her current practice in integrative medicine. With a deep commitment to both traditional and complementary approaches, Ginamarie has seamlessly integrated her passion for patient-centered care with her expertise in osteopathic manipulative therapy. Her story embodies the spirit of resilience and dedication in the medical field. She will begin by sharing her path to becoming an osteopathic physician, highlighting how her values and the philosophy of osteopathic medicine aligned with her career goals. Ginamarie will then discuss her experiences at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, including the hands-on, problem-based learning approach that shaped her education. Finally, she'll provide insights into her decision-making process for residency and how her journey led her to combine integrative medicine with endocrine practice. Dr. Ginamarie Papia's experiences offer a unique perspective on blending traditional and integrative medicine. I hope her story motivates and provides you with fresh insights as you continue your own journey in the medical field.

Send us a textToday, we're thrilled to welcome Dr. Chris Bellin, D.O., a retired Navy flight surgeon and the first osteopathic physician to serve as president of the Aerospace Medical Association. Dr. Bellin was recommended by Dr. Hauler and the American Osteopathic association who together are spearheading an effort to educate physicians about patient safety, and foster a culture of transparency and responsibility.  Dr. Bellin graduated from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and has dedicated his career to improving patient safety by drawing on lessons from high-reliability industries like aviation and nuclear power. He shares his unique perspective on how these industries' structured approaches to risk management, including the ‘Swiss cheese model' of risk mitigation, can be applied to healthcare to prevent medical errors.In our conversation, Dr. Bellin explains the importance of occupational and preventive medicine, describing the role and responsibilities of physicians with this training. With a background in both aviation and medicine, he's been on the frontlines of aerospace medicine, having served in combat zones, ensuring the readiness of our nation's elite aviators, and fostering trust with his osteopathic philosophy of holistic care.Dr. Bellin continues to make waves in aerospace medicine—from advising companies on UV-C technology to reduce disease transmission in aircraft, to collaborating on global initiatives for pandemic response. His journey highlights the incredible impact that osteopathic principles can have, from taking care of aviators in high-stress environments to his leadership in advancing healthcare on a global scale.Join us as we talk about his extraordinary career, the role of a flight surgeon, the intersection of osteopathic medicine and aerospace, and much more.

Send us a textThis is our third episode in a Series called M and M , or Myths and Misconceptions about Osteopathic Medicine.  Today we will tackle the sentiment that “Osteopathic Manual Medicine is Voodoo.”  Typically this is based on the fact that the scientific evidence behind the modality is limited.  I want to start by sharing with our listeners that a large percentage of what we do in “conventional medical care” on a daily basis does not have scientific foundation.  That having been said, there is no question that in Western Medicine- what we strive for is evidence to support our practice.  This includes many types of studies ranging from “bench work” in a lab to clinical research on patients.To tackle the question of is there “evidence” to support OMT, we will speak with Dr. Jordan Keys, DO professor of OMT at NYIT-COM and Dr. Kim Wolf, DO director of Pediatric OMM at  Touro California.  They will speak about their importance of showing the validity of Osteopathic Manipulation and the the others around the world that support their passion.They will share with us the conference they started this year which they call CORK or the Conference on Osteopathic Research and Knowledge, where they bring together scientist from around the world to share their insights into Evidence Based Osteopathic Care.

Send us a textWe are always excited when listeners reach out to us to share their story.  Today, we're excited to speak with Josh Baker, a DO/PhD student at the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. Josh will explain the path that a clinician scientist can take, the importance of scientific research and what Osteopathic Medicine offers that is special in this regard.Josh shares his journey toward pursuing a dual doctorate degree, beginning with his early research experiences as an undergraduate that sparked his interest in osteopathic medicine. Dr. Baker explains what  t the process of applying to DO/PhD and MD/PhD program looks likeand explains the benefits of obtaining both a DO and a PhD, including diversifying one's skills and enhancing patient care in medicine. Josh discusses the unique opportunities and diversity of research which led him to choose MSU to complete his dual degree. Additionally, Dr. Baker provides insights into his current neuroimaging research on traumatic brain injury and shares his future career goals in radiology. Join us as we delve into Josh's unique path and explore the intersections of research and clinical practice in osteopathic medicine.

Send us a textMichael Ayoub was an Osteopathic Medical students with great expectations. . . and then  some difficulty passing a test called the COMLEX created a speed bump.  He didn't Match, he didn't SOAP. . . so what could he do?   Michael kept his chin up and took a job as a medical assistant with a pain management physician and tried again . . . and again.Dr. Ayoub never lost hope . . . never blamed anyone for his struggles . . . and continued to try.   In this "episode 4: A New Hope! "  Michael shares with us how he got through dark times in his medical journey and ultimately came out a Jedi!What a tale!

Send us a textToday, we're joined by Dr. Richard Terry, D.O., a family medicine physician and founding dean of Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) Elmira campus, who also holds the title of  Assistant Dean of Regional Clinical Education. Dr. Terry shares how LECOM started the branch campus system and highlights the New York- Elmira campus's problem-based learning curriculum, which fosters collaboration and prepares students for medical practice. Dr. Terry shares insights about the Elmira community and the early hands-on clinical rotations at local hospitals, starting as early as the first year of medical school. He highlights the robust research opportunities available to students, as well as LECOM's mission to recruit New York State residents with a passion for serving underserved communities. We also discuss the accelerated six-year D.O. program in collaboration with the Elmira College and explore LECOM Elmira's 100% match rate for 2024, with 52% of graduates matching into New York hospitals. Join us as we learn how LECOM Elmira is working to shape the future of osteopathic medicine and preparing students to make a meaningful impact.

Send us a textToday's episode is a crossover episode of an interview with Chris fullmer, a plastic surgery resident at Penn State.   To start, our listeners should know that for plastic surgery there are two paths, the traditional which includes application to general surgery followed by a second match into a plastic surgery fellowship and a newer path applying directly to integrated plastic surgery.Integrated plastics is one of the most competitive matches after medical school with a match rate 20 percentage points lower than the average every year.  Applicants are required to have extraordinary Step Scores, high numbers of research papers and significant volunteer hours in addition to stellar audition rotations.  Chris will discuss his journey starting as a soccer player in college and going on a Mormon Mission before deciding on medical school.  He will discuss his decision to attend osteopathic medical school and how his DO student friend's father, a renowned plastic surgeon helped to define his path.  He will speak about the trials and tribulations including addiction and balancing his relationship with his wife throughout his quest with achieving his dream.   Ultimately he inadvertently speak about the “secred DO handshake” and how finding a DO attending at Penn State may have ultimately helped him seal his fate.We would like to thank Curtis Wilkerson Curtis Wilkerson, a rising first year osteopathic student at Michigan state, for the interview.  An unedited version can be found on the podcast the physician's mind.

Send us a textToday, we have a special guest, Dr. Nicholas Elwert, DO, MS, who wears many hats in the field of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R). Dr. Elwert is an Assistant Professor at the University of Kentucky, where he also serves as the Stroke Rehabilitation Program Director and Associate Residency Program Director. With a deep passion for neuro-rehabilitation, and spasticity management, Dr. Elwert brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to today's conversation.In this episode, we dive into the world of PM&R, exploring what a typical day looks like for Dr. Elwert, the kinds of patients he sees, and how his work makes a difference in their lives. We also discuss his roles at the University of Kentucky, from teaching residents to shaping the future of the PM&R program. For students interested in pursuing a career in PM&R, Dr. Elwert shares valuable insights on what it takes to match into this specialty, the qualities residency programs look for, and advice on preparing a competitive application.We also dive into Dr. Elwert's personal journey through osteopathic medical school at Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine, his fellowship in OMM/Anatomy, and how these experiences shaped his career in academic medicine.

Send us a textWe love when amazing Osteopathic Physicians reach out to us to be on the Podcast!  Today we interview Dr. Levy-Gantt,  A board certified OB/GYN who practices in Napa Valley!  She will speak to us about how she manages a solo practice in California and her work as an author.   Dr. Gantt will discuss her journey from physical therapy into medical school and finally a residency in a competitive specialty.   Her story is not for the faint hearted!  She will share her uphill battle to getting a positition in OB starting with a one year spot NO GUARANTEE!  Her story is one of DO Grit which allowed her to manage family and career and obtain success in both her personal and professional life!  Don't miss this one!

Send us a textOn today's episode we interview Dr. Harmit Kalia, the Outreach Director for Northwell Health's liver transplant program and a board certified Gastroenterologist and Transplant Hepatologist- Dr. Kalia will tell us about his journey into medicine and how he decided to attend Osteopathic Medical School.  He will describe how his close relationship with a mentor ignited his love for liver disease and put him on a path for an internal medicine residency, a fellowship in gastroenterology and finally an extra training in Transplant Hepatology.  This D.O. helps patients get a new lease on life by getting them a new liver!We know you will love this episode!

In today's episode we're thrilled to have Dr. Bill Admire, a physician whose dedication to both community and professional leadership is truly inspiring. Dr. Admire holds many titles,  including  Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of the Infirmary Health System in Alabama. He  serves as a Core site Medical Director for the Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine and is a board member of the Medical Association of the State of Alabama. Dr. Admire has recently taken on the role as the Designated Institutional Official for the Mobile Infirmary Graduate Medical Education Program's Internal Medicine Residency, further extending his impact on the next generation of medical professionals. He discusses his philosophy on the importance of leadership and volunteerism in medicine.In today's interview Dr. Admire shares with us lessons he has learned and his experiences starting as a practicing physician, moving to entrepreneurship by starting and growing a large medical group and maturing into a role as a leader and educator during 30-year career.  Dr Admire will share  his personal philosophy on medicine and  the importance of leadership and volunteerism.  We know you will  love this episode!

  On today's episode we interview Dr. David Shumway, DO.  David was invited to speak at the recommendation of Dr. Jennifer Hauler after a recent presentation to the American Osteopathic Association on Artificial Intelligence and it's importance to the osteopathic community. David will give us a definition and history of AI and explain to us it's relevance to modern medicine and his thoughts on the future of the technology.  He will discuss his own path from a military family as the son of a Navy Pilot to his undergraduate education in oregon.  He will speak to us the importance of his Gastroenterology Mentor who sparked his interest in medicine. He will discuss his gap years working in epcot/ disney where he met his wife.  Finally he will tell us about his time at AT Still Arizona, followed by a residency in internal medicine with the HPSP Airforce Scholarship and how his career has come full circle as he prepares to follow in the footsteps of his father through a fellowship in Aerospace Medicine while spending time with his wife's family in Great Brittain.  We hope you learn as much from Captain Shumway as we did!

M&M in medical terms mean Morbidity and Mortality (why did someone get sick or die!).   In this series we are using the term to stand for MYTHS and MISCONCEPTIONS about Osteopathic Medical education in response to posts and   websites which abound   on the internent.  Today's episode will address the value of an Osteopathic School education.  Specifically we will address the question: is it worth the money to invest in a DO degree and  the mission statement of many Osteopathic Schools . . .  to train primary care docs. Who would we ask to comment on this?  None other than the famous, brilliant  financial wizard . . . . White Coat Investor!Who is the White Coat Investor? Jim Dahle MD says it's not him . . . its you!  Dr. Dhale has a blog, podcast and courses to teach doctors about finances and money.  Today he will take about investing in an Osteopathic Medical education and answer the question. . . is the Juice worth the Squeeze!  

On todays episode we interview Amanda Martin, DO an orthopedic surgeon  who is practicing in Nashville Tennessee.  Amanda will start her story by telling us about her experience as a sports medicine doctor at the 2024 Olympics  working with the Women's Soccer team which won gold.   Amanda is an amazing woman who puts G-D and family first with Orthopedics as a close second.  She tells us about what it was like growing up with in an Osteopathic Family and her path into a competitive subspecialties.  She will give tips not only on how to survive but how to strive as a woman in Orthopedics.  Finally we will talk about her feelings on Natasha Bray, DO, her sister and  dean at OSU COM and we put Amanda's  hand to fire by asking her who she would consider more successful. . . a Harvard trained D.O. Dean or a D.O. Sports trained Orthopedic Surgeon!This is a D.O. not miss episode!

Today, we're thrilled to have Alex Sher, DO, arising first year psychiatry resident and writer for the D.O. who was born and raised in southern florida.  Alex's story is special as medicine is a second career and he started as an Registered Nurse on a Surgical floor.  Dr. Sherd had a thirst for knowledge and  went back to school at night while working full time to get a degree as a Nurse Practitioner, ultimately working in a family practice and then an Urgent Care Clinic.  With the support of some strong Osteopathic Mentors, Alex picked up his family and moved to Tennessee to attend the Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine.Alex will discuss with us how  As a non-traditional student with a family, he navigated the challenges of taking the MCAT, returning to college, and applying to medical school. He offers valuable advice to those considering different paths in healthcare. He will explain his pride in Osteopathic Medicine that led him to become active on the DO magazines Editorial advisory board. Join us as we explore Alex's unique story and gain insights into the diverse opportunities within the medical field.

The D.O. philosophy fits perfectly with primary care specialties such as family practice, internal medicine, pediatrics and OB/GYN.  Can a D.O. go into competitive specialties such as Neurosurgery?  YES THEY CAN!This week, we're joined by Dr. Xavier P. J. Gaudin, a renowned neurosurgeon known for his expertise in spinal surgeries, endovascular interventions, and deep brain stimulation. His innovative techniques and dedication to patient care have made a significant impact in neurosurgery. Dr. Gaudin will share his path into neurosurgery, the challenges of residency, and strategies for success. He'll also discuss his practice in New York, the hurdles of securing a position in a major city, and his approach to work-life balance. Finally, he will offer advice for aspiring neurosurgeons and insights into how the field is evolving.

Today we interview Dr. Joel Feder in what is one of Dr. Storch's favorite interviews to date.  Dr. Feder retired from Family practice after over 40 years.  He discuses with us his career and passion for osteopathic medicine, family practice and his time in the millitary.  Most interestingly, Dr. Feder shares with us what he has been doing in his retirement including teaching, taking care of the homeless and going on a medical mission to Vietnam.After he graduated in 1975 from the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences (KCUMB), he did his residency in the Navy at the Naval Regional Medical Center in Philadelphia. He served on active duty in the Navy for three years, and then served in the reserves for 35 years, retiring in 2008 as a Navy captain.Dr. Feder's passion for family medicine and Osteopathy is viral.  If you were considering this career path but weren't sure. . . Dr. Feder's "retrespectoscope" will remove all doubt!

Today we have a deep conversation with Dr. Richard Riemer about the Touro University Medical Group, which he has helped to create and run.  Dr. Riemer will discuss the importance of strong clinical and post graduate medical opportunities at a medical school and what he is doing to expand these opportunities at Touro-California.Richard B. Riemer, DO, is a specialist in neurology at Touro University Medical Group.  Dr. Riemer treats all neurologic conditions with an emphasis on neuromusculoskeletal and spine disordersDr. Riemer earned his Doctor of Medicine from the AT Still University, Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in Kirksville, Missouri. He then completed his internship at Tucson General Hospital in Arizona and his residency at the University of California Davis in Sacramento.Dr. Riemer has been endowed with numerous awards throughout his career, including Outstanding Educator of the Year (UC Davis Neurology), Physician of the Year (Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeon), and Volunteer Faculty (UC Davis). We know you will enjoy this episode!

In this weeks episode we hightlight Brian Loveless one of the authors of the DO journal where he discusses important topics such as Osteopathic distinctiveness. In our interview he will discuss not only his role as Associate Professor of NMM/OMM at Western University and his position as Chief Medical Officer at WesternU Health, but   why he thinks it is important to him to keep up his family practice clinical skills by working in Urgent Care.  Dr Loveless is a strong advocate for Osteopathic Medicine and champions the need for DO's to be proud of the profession.We have no doubt that listening to Dr. Loveless will make you LOVE Osteopathy MORE!  This is one amazing interview you won't want to miss!

 This week we are joined by Dr. Richard Jadick, author of the book “On Call In Hell” which chronicles his time as a physician in the navy, where he was awarded the Bronze Star with “Combat V” device for heroic valor after he saved many lives during the second battle of Fallujah. Dr. Jadick talks about his journey to osteopathic medicine starting with the time where his drive to become a physician was born during a snowy night as a Marine (Yes he was a Marine as well!) Dr. Jadick details his time in the military before, during, and after his medical career and how his Urology program in Augusta held a position for him while he was serving our country. While serving as a physician in the Navy, he went to  the front lines because of his medical belief that every minute following an traumatic injury was crucial to the life of a Marine. We found Dr. Jadick's story fascinating and we know that you will too!

In today's we present our first in a series of  myths and misconceptions episode about Osteopathic Medicine.  There are many online comments and on  blogs commenting on the reason why, over the past ten years, so many Osteopathic Schools have opened.  Most of the reasoning and presented is unfounded and just plain untrue.After Dr. Storch was asked on a recent interview on the white coat investor the same question and was unable to answer it. . . we decided to do some digging!Today we will get the answer to this question through an interview Chad Toujague the director of the Dr. Kiran C Patel Institute for Graduate Medical Education.  The institute has not only supported an Osteopathic school at Nova Southeastern, opened a new Osteopathic School in Orlando, and opened a new MD school in the United States at Nova Southeastern , but are opening international schools in India and Africa as well!  Do you think Chad had a better answer than say. . . a pediatric nephrologist?  Of course he did!  Want to know why so many new DO schools have opened recently and Coca's response to this phenomenon? Listen closely to today's interview and learn!  We certainly did!

On today's episode, we interview Dr. Angela Franklin who is the President and CEO of Des Moines University.  Des Moines University Medical and Health Sciences Division is home of the second osteopathic school to open up in the United States and the 15th largest medical school in the country. The dean, Angela Franklin,  is a licensed clinical psychologist who completed her PhD at Emory University followed by a clinical internship at Grady Memorial Hospital. Our conversation with Dr. Franklin touches on several topics including her roles and responsibilities as President and CEO of DMU as well as the importance of opportunity and preparation for life's challenges. For our pre-medical listeners, medical students, and members of the medical community, Dr. Franklin shares pearls of wisdom that you won't want to miss. 

Today's episode is short but powerful!  Hear about the D.O. or DO not road trip to OMED in Orlando!  We had the chance to spend time with the AOA and interview Osteopathic Medical Students from around the country!  Their excitement is infectious!  A special thanks to OnLineMedEd for allowing us to use their booth to conduct our interviews. For those of you not able to attend, we highly recommend a trip to San Antonio,Texas for the meeting next year!

In today's episode we will share with you an amazing rural family practice physician who represents the pinnacle of what all Osteopathic Physicians should strive to be.  Dr. Mylhan Myers was born in southern Missouri in an “Osteopathic Family” with multiple members who attended A.T. Still University in Kirksville.  Not surprisingly, with this background Dr. Meyers followed in their footsteps and knew early on that he wanted to go into Family Medicine.  Dr. Meyers found a passion for OB/GYN and decided to not only do his residency in Medicine Residency in Wichita, KS, but an OB/GYN fellowship as well.  He ultimately moved back to his hometown to come full circle with his practice.During the interview, Dr. Myers paints a beautiful picture of his practice which  seamlessly interweaves him into the fabric of community with deep patient relationships relationships in the outpatient clinic and ranging to  inpatient medicine in the hospital as well as the delivery of babies which has always been his passion. He describes his time in military and the perspectives it provided him through his journey. We hope you enjoy this evocative episode.

This week's episode features two  4th year medical students Madison Salvitti and Ethan Kremer who will share with us their medical experience doing Osteopathic Research in Europe.  The trip was facilitated by Dr. Jordan Keys, the Director of the  Osteopathic Manipulation Center at NYIT-COM  (episode 106).  Madison and Ethan flew to Italy and spent 3 weeks in  Milan and Pescara participating and learning about Osteopathic Research in Italy.  They will share their experiences seeing first hand how the "diplomats of osteopathic medicine" practiced side by side with Conventional MD practitioners to help facilitate the care of neonates and children.  They will explain how DO's in europe differ from those in the US and the things they feel that we can learn from them.  Finally Madison will speak about her path to a competitive surgical residency while Ethan will give advice on the Emergency Medicine match and how to choose the right hospital.  Check out CORK (the Conference on Osteopathic Research and Knowledge) in New York on June 22-23, 2024!

Dr. Bradley Block is an ENT physician (M.D.) who has a podcast to teach doctors "things they should have been learning while they were studying the Kreb's Cycle."  Dr. Block reached out to us to discuss what Osteopathic Medicine is and what the differences between "Allopathic" or M.D. degrees and "Osteopathic" or D.O. degrees were.  For those of you who are not already familiar with what the D.O. difference is. . . Dr. Block's interview with Dr. Storch's  will help answer many of your questions!

This week we are joined by Bryce Piro, a medical student at VCOM - Carolinas who started his own company while in medical school - CoffeeDocs Co. Bryce gives an inside view of his journey and what prompted his idea to start this company with his roommates. He will discuss the process behind making his idea a reality, including how he got started as a content creator and how he ultimately transformed that into so much more. He will detail some of the procedures he went through in getting started as a LLC and what it took for his company to hit the ground running, as well as the valuable cause behind CoffeeDocs Co. Bryce then details his journey into medicine including how he found his calling and the various stops he took along the way that ultimately landed him at VCOM - Carolinas. Lastly, Bryce will discuss what he values most about his experience at VCOM - Carolinas and offers some parting advice for those who aspire to follow a similar path. I hope you enjoy hearing about his story and find it valuable for whatever path you pursue!

This week, we are joined by Dr. Michael Foti, a dedicated physician who serves as a professor at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine, bringing his expertise and passion for medical education to the next generation of healthcare professionals. With a recommendation from the esteemed Dr. John Gimpel, Michael brings a wealth of experience as both a practitioner and educator. His journey, much like his passion for mental health advocacy, embodies resilience and compassion. As Michael reflects on his own challenges and triumphs, he echoes a sentiment from his journey: "You should never let where you come from dictate where you go."He will start by sharing insights into his harrowing experiences as an intern during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, grappling with chaos and loss in the hospital. Then, he opens up about his personal battle with anxiety and depression, shedding light on the stigma surrounding mental health in the medical profession. Finally, Michael shares how he turned his own struggles into a mission to advocate for physician wellness and support medical students in their journey.I'm confident you'll find Dr. Michael Foti's story both engaging and insightful. May his journey inspire you on your own pursuits.

Dr. Andrea Amalfitano is an osteopathic physician, has a PhD, is a pediatrician, geneticist, educator, patient advocate, virologist, dean . . . and so much more!In today's episode Dr. Amalfitano discusses his pathway to Osteopathic Medicine,  from an immigrant family and a father who recommended medicine becuase. . . "doctors are never out of work!"  to a pediatric residency at the esteemed "Mayo Clinic," to being a researcher at Duke University and ultimately coming full circle to return to Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine as Dean.Dr. Amalfitano is well spoken, witty, and may be the smartest D.O. we've had as a guest to date.Listen to his ideas on Osteopathic Medicine . . . MSU  . . . PhD.  . . clinical medicine and the adenovirus!   He will make you want to go to Osteopathic School AND pursue a PhD!

We are always flattered when we are approached by exemplary physicians who wish to share their story.  On today's episode we speak with Dr. Stella Rubina a physician who serves as Director of the Palliative Care Medicine Department at Mount Sinai Hospital of Queens. Dr. Rubina earned her bachelor's degree in psychology from Brooklyn College after which she attended NYITCOM for medical school. After considering a career in Orthopedics, Dr. Rubina entered the SOAP  to find a transitional year at St. Peterburg General Hospital in Florida, and subsequently did a  family medicine residency.   Although not her initial intended path, she ultimately found that she could contribute best to her patients through Hospice and Palliative Care medicine. In today's interview, Dr. Rubina shares her deep philosophy and thoughts on the magnitude of end-of-life care. Dr. Rubina reflects on her journey to medicine starting as a young immigrant  woman from russia. She shares how she stayed centered through her unique pathway of medical training which was full of twists and turns. She provides unique  advice on navigating through a career in medicine when things don't go exactly as planned and tells us how to find fulfilment and success as a physician no matter the circumstance. Enjoy the episode!

 This week we are joined by Dr. Josh Lenchus, who has been featured in the American Osteopathic Association's “The DO” many times, most recently as the first DO to be elected as the president of the Florida Medical Association. While giving insight to his journey, Dr. Lenchus embodies a quote from the most recent article from “The DO” “You should never let where you come from dictate where you go”.  Dr. Lenchus walks us from the beginning of  his journey as he  started his academic career by attending community college to save money! He will discuss his three years of working as a pharmacist before attending Nova Southeastern College of Osteopathic Medicine. He discusses the trials and tribulations of his internal medicine residency at the prestigious University of Miami/ Jackson Memorial hospital where he was one of the first DO's at the hosptial. He shares his experience as a hospitalist at Jackson when he graduated and finally gives us amazing pearls of wisdom from his time as a residency director which is invaluable to those applying to residency in any specialty.Ultimately, Dr. Lenchus discusses his transition into administrative work which led him to be selected as chief medical officer at Broward Health. We hope you enjoy listening to his story and take his philosophy with you on whatever journey you choose to pursue!

In this episode we interview four medical students who have been integral to the podcast over the past year.  Meet Violet, Matt, Ben and Lilly. . . all future Osteopathic Physicians!  Congratulations!  For anyone who wants to hear an uplifting story or who is interested in following in their footsteps. . . . we are so proud of all four of them! (if you're a premed. . . yes this is a pitch to join our team!)

Today we interview Dr. Adrian Woolley who is the current Director of Osteopathic Clinical Medicine at Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine (DMUCOM) . Dr. Wooley received her medical education from DMUCOM and completed her medical residency in Family Practice and OMM at the Des Moines General Osteopathic Hospital. Today she shares with us her nontraditional journey in medicine which began as a forensic technician before starting medical school. She talks to us about the many responsibilities of working in academic medicine and how her passions for osteopathic medicine stretch outside of the classroom through her ongoing involvement in the Fascial Net Plastination Project (FNPP).  Dr. Woolley shares unique pearls of wisdom and we know you will love this episode! 

How flattering it is when amazing Osteopathic Physicians call US to be on the podcast!  In today's episode, we welcome Dr. Mary S. Doellman, a board-certified otolaryngologist and allergy physician (ENT) with Phelps Health in Rolla, MO. As an active duty physician, she served as chief otolaryngologist in Fort Leonard Wood, MO, and as a staff otolaryngologist at Fort Carson in Colorado.Dr. Doellman speaks not only about her passion for fungi, but gives us a detailed window into a specialty unique for its blend of surgery, medicine, complex pathology, and longitudinal care. She  covers the topic of her rural and military upbringing and how this guided her path into similar circumstances in her professional career.  She  gives pertinent advice to female osteopathic physicians on how to succeed as a woman in medicine, specifically in a competitive surgical specialty.   The interview highlights Dr. Doellman as  a strong example of how dedication and persistance can allow an individual to carve a path straight through the heart of medicine to acheive their dreams. We know you find her as inspiring as we did!

 Today's guest speaker is Dr. Vania Manipod. Dr. Manipod is a board-certified psychiatrist and graduate of Western University of Health sciences in Pamona California.  She is the editor-in-chief of the DO,  an amazing publication produced by practicing DOs  and osteopathic students which contains artilcles written about medical school, government advocacy, and life outside medicine.   It is amazing publication which if you are not familiar with, you definitely should check out!  We speak to Dr. Manipod about her role as editor of the journal, her practice of psychiatry and  the intricate world of psychiatric care.  She shares insight with us about her own training journey, addressing the pressing issue of burnout as well as her experience in advocacy and entrepreneurship.  This episode i a D.O. not miss!  You can find "The D.O." at:https://thedo.osteopathic.org/

In today's episode, we tackle the question of . . .  interested in primary care. . . should you do family practice or internal medicine?  and what are the differences?   To answer this question we called on Dr. Jill Sisselman, a board certified family practice doctor and her husband,   Dr. Stephen who did a residency in internal medicine. The couple attended medical school at the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine (NYITCOM) after which they both chose residencies in primary care. . . but along different specialties!  After an unhappy experience with their first jobs, they decided to start their own  private practice! The Doctors Sisselman will both describe their  journey to Osteopathic Medicine, the trials and tribulations of a two doctor relationship, their experience with the couples match as well as give advice on how to rank  residencies as a couple looking at different specialties.  The Sisselmans share with us what their day to day lives look like and how they have made it possible to raise a family while running a successful business. We know you will enjoy this episode as much as we did!

In today's episode, we are joined by Dr. Robert Hasty, Dean and Chief Academic Officer of OCOM.   This is a new osteopathic medical school which is opening it's doors in August 2024, in Orlando, FL. Dr. Hasty speaks about what the school will offer including  state of the art facilities, unique features of the curriculum and the incredible teaching staff at OCOM. He talks about the pros and cons of attending a "new school" and what the school is looking for from its inaugural class.  He also shares with us his journey through osteopathic medical school at Nova Southeastern and completing IM residency at Mt. Sinai in Miami, FL. Dr. Hasty's many administrative experiences include starting osteopathic medical schools like such as Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine in North Carolina and serving on various boards and seving as President of the American College of Osteopathic Internists. Dr. Hasty describes his inspiration for attending osteopathic medical school and  offers evidence based advice to stay happy in life.  We hope you enjoy this informative and truly motivational episode!

On today's episode of DO or Do Not, we sit down with Dr. Alan Yee. an associate clinical professor and neurology associate program director at the UC Davis Medical Center. Dr. Yee is a fellowship-trained critical care neurologist with clinical interests in osteopathic manipulative medicine and stroke recovery. Our conversation with Dr. Yee covers a broad span of topics from his medical journey to applying manual medicine in neurology along with his work studying the relationship between somatic dysfunction and stroke patient survivorship. To all our listeners, Dr. Yee gives us an exciting look at how osteopathic medicine can apply to clinical practice and academic research through a neurologic scope. You won't want to miss this episode! 

Today's episode is a "Crossover Episode."   The Short Coat Podcast is produced by students at the University of Iowa Carver School of Medicine.    The podcast features a group of medical students who discuss different medical topics.  Three years ago, Dr. Storch listened to an episode where Osteopathic Medicine was discussed and felt that there were some inconsistencies.   He reached out to the group and they were happy to host him with a few of his "student friends" to "set the record straight!"  The episode is amazing and really speaks to what MD students know and don't know about the DO degree.  The episode features Dr. Amir Khiabani, from the Alabama College of Ostepathic Medicine who is now an ER resident in Tampa as well as Dr. Courtney Merlot, from the Michigan College of Osteopathic Medicine who is currently an ER resident in Michigan.  

In  this episode, Matthew Kaplan, our very own Social Media Director, tries on a "different hat" as he  interviews Steven Toplan , Director of Admissions at TouroCOM's Harlem Campus.   Matt is applying to Osteopathic Medical School this year and is the perfect person to  asks pertinent questions  not only about academics, but extracurricular activities and what Harlem is like for students.  The episode covers everything from the campus' history to what the school is looking for when choosing it's entering class. The interview  is a pre-med "don't miss" for any student applying to DO school this cycle!

In today's episode we are joined by  Dr. John Kelly, a general anesthesiologist practicing out of Port Washington, New York. Prior to attending New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dr. Kelly worked as a chemical engineer for five years. Dr Kelly will discuss the transition from a career in engineering to medicine, as well as what inspired him to do so. Dr. Kelly describes not only his non-traditional pathway to medicine, but what had drawn him to the field of anesthesia. He describes how he chose Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City, a large M.D. institution, where  he was chosen  Chief Resident his third year. Finally, he speaks about his transition from residency to becoming an attending, and what he thinks it takes to become a successful clinician. We know you will find the episode inspiring as I have.  

In today's episode, we are excited to be joined by the dean of Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dr. Tami Hendriksz, a true "D.O. Rockstar!" Dr. Hendriksz will shed light  on what makes Touro California stand out as an academic institution, as well as what  students can expect form four years in Vallejo, California. Dr. Hendriksz shares her unique journey , from taking time off from the medical field to care to care for her sister in a time of need, to finding a passion not just for medicine, but for  osteopathy  and finally coming full circle by becoming dean of an osteopathic medical school! We know you will love this inspiring episode!

 In this episode we had the  pleasure of interviewing Dr. Matthew Shatzer. Dr. Shatzer discusses the specialty of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, also known as PM&R, and why it is the perfect match for an Osteopathic Physician.  Dr. Shatzer served as program director for Northwell Health for over 10 years and helps us understand what  programs look for in prospective residents as well as  the role of personal statement in an application. He will describe his own journey to PM&R including his time at the prestigious Johns Hopkins in Baltimore and the Rusk Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine in NJ.  His "pearls" will help anyone interested in a career in osteopathic medicine, PM&R or applying for any medical or surgical specialty who is working on their applications.

In today's episode, we are joined by Dr. Jordan Keys, Professor Of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine at the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine. In this episode, Dr. Keys describes what Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine is and  what types of medical problems can be treated with the modality.  She discusses why manual techniques are important and how they make Osteopathic Medicine  distinct. Dr. Keys will discuss her "origin story," growing up in a small town in California and why she eventually moved to New York to pursue her medical training. Dr. Keys explains  how she became interested in Osteopathic Manipulative therapy and why she chose to pursue a residency in Family Medicine for three years before going  into a neuromuscular medicine fellowship instead of going directly into the program. She will tell us about the Osteopathic Schools she has taught at from Touro in California to Lake Erie in Florida and finally to her current home in New York.  We know you will find Dr. Keys' journey inspiring. 

This is a "book-ends" episode where we interview Dr. Renee Darko.  Remember a few months ago we interviewed her husband, "Dr. Nii" but there is no question that "Dr. Renee" deserves her own spotlight!On this episode of the D.O. or Do Not Podcast, we meet Dr. Renee Darko who as she states wears “ a lot of different hats”. In this episode Dr. Darko tells her inspiring journey to become an OBGYN. She attended Pace University and Hunter College for her undergraduate training followed by the  Kansas City College of Osteopathic Medicine and Rockhurst University with a dual D.O/ MBA degree. She completed her OB/GYN residency at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and went on to the Morehouse School of Medicine where she did a fellowship in Health Policy Leadership. Dr. Darko is the mother of two children and works as a part time/ locum OBGYN.  She will tell us about how she accomplices these two herculean tasks.   She talks about the difficulty having a long distance relationship in residency.  She speaks about how to persevere when people tell you "you can't."  She talks about her podcast, her mentorship of minority students, her children's book and MUCH MUCH more!A don't miss!