Osteopathic physicians have long been subject to discrimination in the medical field.

While the first osteopathic medical school was established in 1892, it wasn't until 1969 that the American Medical Association granted official recognition to osteopathic medicine. Even today, osteopathic physicians still lack full acceptance in the medical community.

Although osteopathic medical schools were formally established almost 150 years ago, osteopathic principles and practices predate the establishment of formal osteopathic medical schools by centuries. As a Native American and Mexican woman in medicine, I have inherited from my ancestors an ideology of holistic healing that considers the body, mind, and spirit as interconnected. Osteopathic physicians combine modern and whole-person medicine to create more options for patient care.

While advancements in modern medicine have undoubtedly saved countless lives, we must not forget that before the 18th century, medicine men and women successfully treated patients using natural herbs and plants, and by manipulating the human body, which today’s DOs call Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine. Shamans who practice similar methods still exist in various parts of the world. As medicine becomes more progressive, we are moving towards utilizing alternative and natural methods in combination with medical innovations.

Many individuals, particularly those from racial and ethnic minority backgrounds, are drawn to osteopathic medicine because it aligns more closely with our beliefs and upbringing. 

Regardless of their background, many patients intentionally seek out osteopathic physicians because the osteopathic philosophy and approach to medicine aligns more closely with their beliefs. This is particularly true among minority individuals. But in certain areas and states, DOs are, in a sense, blacklisted. There are residency programs and hospitals that have never had a DO on staff. Although we are constantly reminded of the physician shortage in the United States, not enough is being done to address the limits being unfairly placed on DOs, to the detriment of patients everywhere.

Passing the Fair Access In Residency (FAIR) Act, H.R. 751, would acknowledge osteopathic physicians as equals in the medical community and bring DOs into more healthcare settings nationwide. This would give patients more healthcare options, make various treatments more prominent, improve healthcare access and reduce health disparities for minority communities. As someone who carries the legacy of ancestral healers, I am proud to continue the fight for equality in all areas of my life. I am committed to being the best physician I can be and ensuring that osteopathic medicine is valued and accessible to all who need it.