Dean Featured on 'Top Docs Radio' Show

April 29, 2016

GA-PCOM Dean and Chief Academic Officer H. William Craver III, DO, discussed the clinical and academic philosophies of osteopathic medicine during a recent radio show appearance.

---

H. William Craver III, DO, was recently featured on the Medical Association of Georgia (MAG) “Top Docs Radio” show. Dr. Craver, who is the Dean and Chief Academic Officer of Georgia Campus – Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (GA-PCOM), was invited on the show to discuss the clinical and academic philosophies of osteopathic medicine.

Hosted by C.W. Hall, “Top Docs Radio” is a forum for conversations with leading doctors and thought leaders that airs weekly on Tuesdays at noon. On the show, Dr. Craver explained that osteopathic medicine places an emphasis on overall wellness.

“With a focus on preventive health care, DOs help patients develop attitudes and lifestyles that don't just fight illness, but help prevent it as well,” Dr. Craver shared.

Host C.W. Hall interviewed Dean Craver during a recent episode of the "Top Docs Radio" show.

---

He explained that while receiving similar medical training as allopathic doctors (MDs), DOs also learn osteopathic manipulative medicine, which teaches that structure (of the body) affects function. Students training to become doctors of osteopathic medicine learn to treat a patient beyond simply diagnosing diseases—they are taught to evaluate the entire body to maximize wellness.

Dr. Craver explained that the idea of “treating the whole person” goes back to the late 1800s with one of the founding fathers of osteopathic medicine, Andrew Taylor “AT” Still. Dissatisfied with 19th century medicine, Dr. Still was one of the first to study the attributes of good health to better understand disease. His philosophy is based on the unity of all body parts and views the musculoskeletal system as a key element of health. 

Dr. Craver paraphrased Dr. Still’s approach by explaining, “It’s about finding health. Anybody can find disease.”

The recent growth in osteopathic medicine and the number of applicants for osteopathic medical programs implies that the populous is embracing this philosophy of overall wellness, Dr. Craver believes. This is important, as many areas in the southeast are underserved, particularly lacking primary care physicians. The Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree program at GA-PCOM aims to educate physicians who will remain in Georgia and the southeast following residency training, Dr. Craver said.