Osteopathic Medicine: A Historical Overview from 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. This is due to a relatively new medical theory that was developed in Missouri in 1874. Dr. Andrew Taylor Still moved to Kirksville to practice a new form of medical care. There, he developed the principles of osteopathic medicine. Those principles are based upon the philosophy that every biological system in the body is connected. Each system depends upon one another to function correctly.

Dr. Still’s Philosophy

Dr. Andrew Still, MD, DO. The founder of Osteopathic Medicine

Dr. Andrew Still believed that treating the whole body is necessary to cure disease. You should not focus only on 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. It attracted students from all over the country and solidified Missouri’s reputation as a hub for osteopathic education. Over the years, several osteopathic medical schools and residency programs were founded in the state. These institutions have contributed to the growth and development of osteopathic medicine in Missouri. Now, over 121,000 physicians practice osteopathic medicine nationwide. This growth is all thanks to the vision of one Missourian.