The AAO Journal, 2002/06, 12(2):15-23, type of study: ,art,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Free full text   (https://www.academyofosteopathy.org/aaoj)

Keywords:

article [2634]
curriculum [301]
medical education [684]
osteopathic medicine [2108]
spirituality [32]

Abstract:

Spirituality has been woven into the tapestry of osteopathic philosophy since its inception. Andrew Taylor Still, founder of the osteopathic profession, viewed spirituality not as a hypothetical abstraction, but as an inseparable, palpable part of body unity, which he described as mind, matter, and motion, Dr. Still said, “God manifests Himself in matter, motion, and mind. Study well His manifestations.“ By experience, physicians are well aware of the inseparable nature of spirituality and health. As osteopathic educators, we discuss with our students the importance of evaluating the patient's mind, body, and spirit, yet the question arises, do we provide them with specific information on just how this is accomplished? Giving only superficial references to spirituality in the curriculum deprives students of the essence of osteopathy. It is our obligation to provide them with the vision of the osteopathic profession including its spiritual heritage. This would be in keeping with Dr. Still's original concepts. This paper will review the role of spirituality in osteopathic medicine. The author will first attempt to define, in its broad nonsectarian form, the mysterious word “spirit“ as described in many forms of healing arts. Second, he will explore Dr. Still's osteopathic philosophy with emphasis on his frequent references to spiritual concepts. From that vantage point the writings of Dr. William Garner Sutherland and his students in osteopathy in the cranial field can be viewed as a natural outgrowth of osteopathic philosophy. Finally, the reader will look at spirituality as it relates to contemporary osteopathic medicine and provide suggestions for further integration of spiritual concepts into the curricula of our osteopathic colleges.