Senate approves resolution from Capito, Wicker recognizes osteopathic medicine

The U.S. Senate on April 18 gave unanimous consent to a bipartisan resolution cosponsored by U.S. Sens. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and Roger Wicker (R-MS) that would designate April 15-21 as National Osteopathic Medicine Week.

Senate Resolution 162, which is sponsored by U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV), would recognize the service and dedication of Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs) and the nation’s schools of osteopathic medicine.

“Osteopathic medicine plays a critical part in the health and well-being of Americans,” Sen. Capito said. “National Osteopathic Medicine Week provides a chance to highlight the incredible work of our Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine, including our innovative, intelligent practitioners and students at our West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine in Lewisburg, who continue making significant contributions to this field.”

DOs make up 11 percent of all physicians in the nation and practice in all specialties, with an emphasis on preventative medicine and comprehensive patient care. There are more than 148,000 osteopathic physicians and 38,000 osteopathic medical students in the United States, according to the resolution.

If enacted, the resolution would recognize the contributions of osteopathic physicians to the American healthcare system, and celebrate the role that colleges of osteopathic medicine play in training the next generation of physicians.

“Our bipartisan resolution honors doctors and schools of osteopathic medicine such as William Carey University, which helps Mississippi lead the way in this field,” Sen. Wicker said.

The resolution is supported by James Nemitz, president of the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine.