The Future of Osteopathic Medicine in Oklahoma is Bright

The future of osteopathic medicine in Oklahoma depends not only on the physicians practicing today, but also on our commitment to the students who will carry our profession forward tomorrow.

Since 1967, the Oklahoma Education Foundation of Osteopathic Medicine has worked to strengthen osteopathic medicine through education, student support and the promotion of osteopathic physicians. That mission remains as important today as it was nearly six decades ago.  

One of the foundation’s most important investments is scholarships. The cost of medical education continues to place significant financial pressure on students and their families. Scholarships provide more than financial assistance. They send a powerful message to student doctors: Oklahoma’s osteopathic physicians believe in you, support you and want you to build your future here.

But student support extends beyond scholarships. Students need mentors, professional connections and opportunities to become part of the osteopathic community from the beginning of their medical education. Whether providing scholarships, supporting educational programs or helping place a stethoscope in the hands of an incoming student, OEFOM helps build a connection between today’s physicians and the next generation of DOs.

Our responsibility also includes promoting the distinctive osteopathic message. Osteopathic medicine has always recognized that good medicine is about more than treating a disease or addressing a symptom. Our profession emphasizes a whole-person approach to care — mind, body and spirit — while recognizing the important relationship between structure and function.

That distinctive message must continue to be told. As health care changes, we cannot assume patients, policymakers or even future medical students understand what makes osteopathic medicine unique. Supporting OEFOM helps preserve our history while ensuring that the osteopathic philosophy remains relevant, visible and strong for generations to come.

Every scholarship awarded, every student supported and every opportunity to promote osteopathic medicine represents an investment in our profession. The physicians we encourage today will care for Oklahoma families tomorrow, practice in our rural communities, lead our hospitals and clinics, and become the mentors for another generation of osteopathic physicians.

OEFOM’s mission belongs to all of us. By supporting the foundation, Oklahoma’s osteopathic physicians are doing more than making a contribution. We are investing in students, strengthening our profession and protecting the distinctive osteopathic legacy entrusted to us.

Support a student. Strengthen our profession. Preserve the osteopathic message.

Together, we can ensure the future of osteopathic medicine in Oklahoma remains strong.

We are stronger together. We are DO Proud.