What is Osteopathic Medicine?

Osteopathic medicine represents a distinct philosophy of medical care—one that is grounded in a whole-person approach and has long emphasized the concept of wellness.

Physicians trained as Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs) partner closely with their patients, recognizing the interconnected nature of body, mind, and spirit. DOs are uniquely trained to use their hands as part of diagnosis and treatment, while prioritizing prevention, health promotion, and the body’s inherent ability to heal itself.

Osteopathic Recognition and Training

CoxHealth Family Medicine Residency – Springfield is currently pursuing Osteopathic Recognition (OR) through the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) — a designation awarded to programs that demonstrate a strong commitment to teaching and assessing Osteopathic Principles and Practice (OPP) and Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT).

Residents in our designated OR positions follow a longitudinal OPP/OMT curriculum woven throughout their training. This includes OMT specialty clinics, hands-on application of OMT in their continuity clinics, and dedicated didactic and lab sessions during academic half days. Beyond clinical training, OR residents join faculty on the Osteopathic Medicine Committee, where they actively shape the direction of osteopathic education at CFMR-SGF. This comprehensive preparation positions residents to pursue board certification in Osteopathic Family Medicine and OMT through the American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians (AOBFP).

Allopathic residents interested in OPP/OMT are also welcome to pursue this training on an elective basis.

CFMR-SGF Osteopathic Educators:

Kristin Crymes, DO, DipABLM

Katie Davenport-Kabonic, DO, FAAFP, DipABLM

Eric Lesh, DO, FAAFP – Director of Osteopathic Education