For the first time in the history of the Commonwealth of Virginia, Governor Glenn Youngkin has recognized December 2024 as Osteopathic Medicine Month. On Dec. 12, leadership from the Virginia Osteopathic Medical Association (VOMA) traveled to the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) campus in Blacksburg, Virginia, to deliver a commemorative plaque and celebrate this milestone in the history and growth of osteopathic medicine in Virginia.
Osteopathic medicine has a deep-rooted connection to Virginia. The state is the birthplace of the father of osteopathic medicine, Andrew Taylor Still, who was born in 1828 in a log cabin in southwest Lee County. This year is especially significant as it marks the 150th anniversary of Dr. Still’s development of the osteopathic medical philosophy—a pioneering concept of wellness that emphasizes treating illness within the context of the whole body.
The governor’s proclamation highlighted the growth of osteopathic medicine, noting that there are now more than 197,000 osteopathic physicians and osteopathic medical students in the United States. Virginia is home to six medical schools—four allopathic and two osteopathic. By 2025, more than 35% of medical students in Virginia will graduate as doctors of osteopathic medicine (DOs), completing the same accredited four-year program, residencies, and accreditation requirements as allopathic doctors (MDs). Established in 2003, VCOM is the largest and oldest osteopathic medical school in Virginia, with 176 students graduating in its Class of 2024.
“I very much appreciate that Gov. Youngkin is helping to increase awareness of the Osteopathic profession,” said VCOM-Virginia Dean Ron Januchowski. “Osteopathic medicine’s distinct philosophy—which emphasizes the mind, body, and spirit connection — enables DOs to take a holistic approach to patient care. As fully licensed physicians practicing in all medical specialties, DOs play an essential role in providing care that helps the citizens of Virginia find and maintain health.”