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Letters to the Editor
Readers - Sept. 2007
Med Schools
While it was informative to read such a thorough article about the allopathic (M.D.) medical schools in Florida [“Med School Startups,” July, FloridaTrend.com], no reference was made to the fact that there are two osteopathic (D.O.) medical schools in the state: Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Fort Lauderdale and Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Bradenton.
Two types of physicians are licensed to practice medicine in all 50 states: The doctor of osteopathic medicine and the doctor of medicine (M.D.). While both types of physicians are trained in all aspects of patient care, D.O.s offer a distinctly holistic approach to medicine.
Osteopathic medicine is a profession that recognizes the relationship between physical structure (musculoskeletal) and organic function. In addition, osteopathic physicians view the body as an interdependent unit rather than an assortment of separate parts and systems.
Since its establishment in 1979, NSU’s College of Osteopathic Medicine has graduated 2,831 physicians. Our college has provided the largest number of physicians to rural and medically underserved areas than any other Florida medical school.
Osteopathic medicine, which was established in 1874, is the fastest-growing health profession in the nation and comprises 23 medical schools and three branch campuses — with several more on the horizon within the next year or two. In addition, there are more than 60,000 osteopathic physicians in the nation, with more than 3,500 in Florida.
Scott Colton
Director of Medical Communications
Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Fort Lauderdale
In “Med School Startups,” you are incorrect in citing that the administrators are the third and fourth people in the nation to build a medical school “from scratch” in 30 years. I can cite numerous colleges of osteopathic medicine within the last decade alone.
Colleges of osteopathic medicine are four-year accredited institutions whose graduates are osteopathic physicians licensed to apply to the very same residency programs as M.D.s. D.O.s can perform the same practices as M.D.s, including surgery, diagnostics and writing prescriptions.
Lisa Cambridge
University Park
Kudos
I consider the July 2007 issue of Florida Trend magazine to be the best I have read. There were articles of wide interest — all well-written and informative. The Editor’s Page was also thought-provoking and very timely. I hope this issue marks a new trend in Florida Trend. Keep up the good work!
John Whitman
St. Petersburg
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