My Journey to Osteopathic Medicine
My journey to choose Osteopathic medicine as my profession has
been one that has spanned time from my early childhood to this date. My initial
exposure came to me in the form of a yearning and interest in the natural
sciences and hence, since my early youth, I have always been interested in
biology and chemistry. As the years progressed, that initial interest developed
into a deeper desire to understand the scientific disciplines that encompass
the medial sciences. While in high school, I studied the sciences, refining my
interests in the core subjects and exploring where those interests led me. As
time progressed, I narrowed my field of interest to medicine and by the time I
finished high school, with a strong science background, I had a fair knowledge
of what it was that I would focus studying on in University. As a young
university student, I undertook the curriculums of biology, chemistry, anatomy,
psychology, and physics, and worked in private hospital for 38 hours a week as
a hospital orderly and doctor’s assistant. Working as such in the 1970’s meant
having full responsibility across all departments of the hospital: emergency
medicine, psychiatry, the morgue, supporting surgery, and working on the regular
wards. My exposure to medicine at the hands-on hospital level was a baptism by
fire, and as a result, of the training and exposure, I became even more
committed to my pursuit. I refined my desire to become a doctor, realizing the
full scope of how various disciplines of medicine were practiced. AS a result I
became less interested in invasive forms of medicine and more interested in
non-invasive form of medical practice. Moreover, my University academic professors
and mentors encouraged me to explore natural non-invasive medicine, and
disciplines like homeopathy. This led to my interest in the Osteopathic and
Chiropractic professions. As a result I
was more and more open to embarking on a career as an Osteopath or
Chiropractor.
Upon graduation from the University
(pre-med) with a Bachelor of Science, and a very
strong understanding of and exposure to the medical field, I applied for entry
into medical school. While I was accepted into three medical schools, however,
without funds (the possibilities for student loans were practically non-existent
in 1980) my dream had to be put on hold. To compensate I secured work and
entered the military with the promise to myself that one day I would pick up my
medical studies and maybe, perhaps, if providence so deemed it, become a doctor
and practice medicine. That was 1980.
Fast forward to 2016 and recognize that, during
the ensuing years after 1980, I never once forgot my love for medicine and the
reasons why I wanted to be a doctor. My reasons stem from my love for my fellow
human being and that drives my desire to serve. Since 1980 I have lived a life of
service, one where I have dedicated myself to make the life of my fellow human
being a better one. You see, to me, the highest calling is one where I serve my
creator, and second, service to my fellow man. I carry that ethic and ethos
with me and it guides me in all that I do. My pursuit to practice medicine is
an excellent example of same. In my humble opinion, medicine, and in particular
Osteopathy, is the vocation, the profession, where I am able to fulfill that
desire to be of service to others.
My interest continues to be drawn to the dualistic
nature of science and medicine and that has helped to keep me focused and
educate me as to the nature of the human being. For me I have found that the
human body and mind is wonderfully made and the application of science and
practice of medicine a very useful tool in the combat against disease and
illness. Layered on top of that is my belief that homeopathic and holistic
practices which are non-invasive by nature are of great importance and useful
in the practice of medicine. That’s why the practice of Osteopathy is foremost,
in my mind, as being of importance in the medical field. Through Osteopathy the
awe inspiring human body can be assisted to regain and realize its true intent.
I am humbled to think that through the practice of Osteopathic medicine I can
help fellow humans to lead a better, fulfilling, productive and constructive
life.
For me, now, the challenge is moving past
the what and the why and on to the how. Learning the theory, techniques and
application thereof has been very interesting and challenging. I am deeply
grateful for the learning opportunity that has come to me through the National
University of Medical Sciences (NUMSS), the National Academy of Osteopathy (NAO), and the vision and determination of Dr. Shahin
Pourgol, its founder, in developing an institution of higher learning that is
accessible to all. As I complete my Osteopathic
training I understand that the practice of medicine is lifelong pursuit, where
one is always learning, studying and perfecting one’s practice. I realize that graduating
with my Doctor of Osteopathy (D.O.) degree this is not the end but rather the
beginning of lifetime of purpose, productivity, and service that requires the
pursuit of additional training and knowledge that leads to a deeper
understanding and wisdom of the practice of Osteopathic medicine. I goal is to
never stop learning, to utilize that learning to help others through my Osteopathic
practice, and to always export my knowledge to those that desire to learn and
carry on the Osteopathic tradition and profession long after I am departed from
the physical plane of existence. Stay tuned to my blog, I hope to encompass
milestones and goals along my never ending journey through medicine, life and the
pursuit of Osteopathic medicine. End.
