Monday, April 18, 2016

Student-doctors treat patients at LUCOM’s first public OMM Clinic

Mon, 18 Apr 2016Shelley Andrews :: LUCOM Marketing and PR

Patient Anne Marie Jones receives treatment for back pain. Anne Marie Jones loves to run in her spare time and signs up for most races in the area. However, in the past couple of years, lower back pain has started to make her exercise routine much more painful.

“I run about 12 miles a week. The pain in my back has really started to frustrate me, and I came to LUCOM for a public clinic hoping someone could help me out,” said Jones.

On April 11, Jones was among 34 patients who received complimentary Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) during a public clinic hosted by Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine (LUCOM), a first for the medical school. LUCOM student-doctors lead each patient session while under the supervision of faculty physicians.

“Student-doctors have been in the books, classrooms and labs for nearly two years at this point, and this provides a launching point for them to integrate what they’ve learned and provide OMM for volunteer patients,” said James Kribs, D.O., chair and associate professor, Department of OMM/Osteopathic Principles and Practices.

Student-doctors assess a patient during OMT.

OMM is a non-invasive, hands-on approach that is used to diagnose, treat and even prevent illness and injury. It’s taught under the osteopathic philosophy of treating the whole person, not just symptoms. The goal of OMM is to restore the body to normal function and improve a patient’s health.

“In addition to managing pathological conditions without medicine or surgery, osteopathic physicians are trained to address the structural component of disease using manipulation. It is practical and effective, and my hope is that patients benefit from the experience,” said Dr. Kribs.

Jones had seen a chiropractor before but never a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.). She says she was impressed with the process.

“The student-doctors really tried to get a full picture of my health and were very thorough in the questions they asked in my patient history. When they began to treat my back and hip, I felt immediate relief,” said Jones.

Student-doctor helps a patient who complains of headaches. Since her treatment, Jones says her back pain has eased. She plans to return to LUCOM for her follow up session in May.

“I was so impressed with the student-doctors’ bedside manner and their examination. I believe they are on their way to successful careers,” said Jones.