As the immediate past Chair of the AACOM Council of Osteopathic Student Government Presidents (COSGP), whose mission is to serve as the official national representative voting voice of all osteopathic medical students, I want to congratulate you on your past achievements and wish you success and encouragement on your endeavors ahead.
In the words of the Greek philosopher, Epictetus, “first say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do.” And so begins the path you have set forth upon to becoming an osteopathic physician.
The field of medicine is one of the most unique and rewarding careers you can pursue. With its basic underlying principles of promoting wellness, providing quality healthcare, and restoring optimal functionality, no other profession places such an inherent emphasis on education, collaboration, and determination on the part of the provider and the consumer.
The multidisciplinary team approach of modern medicine utilizes various team members’ skills while also placing responsibility and ownership on the patient for their own health and recovery. This partnership between physician and patient is essential in all aspects of medicine. It demands constant focus and directed effort, not only on behalf of the osteopathic physician throughout training and practice, but also with the patient during treatment and activities of daily living. Healthcare becomes more than a doctor’s visit - it should perfuse into every aspect of both a patient and their physician’s lives.
Francis Bacon, often considered the catalyst of the scientific revolution, once said, “a wise man will make more opportunities than he finds.” You will also undoubtedly discover that success is not something granted but something achieved. The path you have entered and the goals you have set will only take you as far as you will let them. So, if passion is essential for satisfaction in life and determination is a requisite to sustain the journey, then dedication and focus shall carry you through to the end and transform your goals into your history.
On behalf of the Council of Osteopathic Student Government Presidents, the entire osteopathic student body, and your future colleagues in medicine, I want to again congratulate you on all of your accomplishments thus far and welcome you on the journey toward becoming an osteopathic physician.
Bradford W. Landry, DO, MSPT
2008-2009 National Chair, AACOM Council of Osteopathic Student Government Presidents