Osteopathic Medicine History in Missouri

In 1874, Osteopathic Medicine was invented in the Show Me State

Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine, referred to as DOs, are common across the world today thanks to a relatively new medical theory developed in Missouri in 1874. Dr. Andrew Taylor Still moved to Kirksville to practice a new form of medical care where he came up with the principles of osteopathic medicine. Those principles are based upon the philosophy that every biological system in the body is connected and depends upon one another to function correctly.

Dr. Still’s Philosophy

Dr. Andrew Still believed that if you want to cure disease, you needed to treat the whole body, not just the area that is ill. His ideas of seeking health in diet, exercise, mental health, and body structure manipulation were not universally accepted. He was also on the forefront of the push to educate women doctors to fulfill a demand among female patients. As his philosophy of medicine became more widely accepted, people became interested in what he was practicing and teaching.

A.T. Still University History

The expanded interest allowed him to open the first osteopathic medical school in Kirksville in 1892. It was first known as the American School of Osteopathy, which is now known as A.T. Still University – Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine.

The school grew in prominence, attracting students from all over the country and solidifying Missouri’s reputation as a hub for osteopathic education. Over the years, several other osteopathic medical schools and residency programs have been founded in the state, contributing to the growth and development of osteopathic medicine in Missouri. There are now more than 121,000 physicians across the country practicing osteopathic medicine, all thanks to the vision of one Missourian.

Osteopathic Medical Schools in Missouri

A.T. Still University–Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine

Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine