What is the overall goal of training in osteopathic education?

The overall goal of training in osteopathic education is to produce well-rounded physicians who treat the whole person. This holistic approach is a foundational principle of osteopathic medicine, which emphasizes the interconnectedness of the body's systems and the importance of considering the physical, emotional, and social aspects of patient care.

Osteopathic education encourages students to develop a comprehensive understanding of health and disease. This includes not only the biological and physiological aspects but also how various factors can influence a person's well-being. By training physicians to focus on the entire patient and their unique circumstances, osteopathy promotes preventive care and encourages practitioners to foster a strong physician-patient relationship.

This contrasts with an overly specialized approach, which may limit a physician's perspective and their ability to provide comprehensive care. The osteopathic philosophy also emphasizes the use of hands-on techniques, known as osteopathic manipulative treatment, which further supports the concept of the body as an integrated whole. This philosophy shapes the education and practice of osteopathic physicians, guiding them to consider all factors affecting their patients' health.