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The DOs: Osteopathic Medicine in America 2nd Edition

4.4 out of 5 stars 73 ratings

Overcoming suspicion, ridicule, and outright opposition from the American Medical Association, the osteopathic medical profession today serves the health needs of more than thirty million Americans. The DOs chronicles the development of this controversial medical movement from the nineteenth century to the present. Historian Norman Gevitz describes the philosophy and practice of osteopathy, as well as its impact on medical care. From the theories underlying the use of spinal manipulation developed by osteopathy's founder, Andrew Taylor Still, Gevitz traces the movement's early success, despite attacks from the orthodox medical community, and details the internal struggles to broaden osteopathy's scope to include the full range of pharmaceuticals and surgery. He also recounts the efforts of osteopathic colleges to achieve parity with institutions granting M.D. degrees and looks at the continuing effort by osteopathic physicians and surgeons to achieve greater recognition and visibility.

In print continuously since 1982, The DOs has now been thoroughly updated and expanded to include two new chapters addressing recent and current challenges and to bring the history of the profession up to the beginning of the new millennium.

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The DOs: Osteopathic Medicine in America
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"An outstanding second edition,... bringing his history into the present and giving the reader a remarkably insightful understanding of osteopathic medicine and the challenges it faces today... A superbly written book, well researched, thoughtful, and enjoyable to read. Gevtiz has made an important contribution to the canon of medical literature"

(JAMA)

"Thoroughly researched and cogently written, The DOs is the definitive examination of the evolution of osteopathic medicine. This latest edition adds new detail to the story of the discipline's early years, while also bringing the profession's development into the twenty-first century."

(James Whorton, University of Washington)

Review

"Lucid, thorough, and judicious... Gevitz has produced an excellent study."

(Bulletin of the History of Medicine)

"The best historical study of the subject to date."

(American Scientist)

"Gevitz provides what may well be the definitive study."

(Journal of the American Medical Association)

"A refreshing and balanced view of the osteopathic profession."

(Osteopathic Annals)

"The most meticulous and careful study of the profession ever written by an outsider, and it is very useful."

(The DO)

"Entertaining, thoughtful, and interesting to read... Gevitz's history reminds us once again of the many factors that influence the division of labor in health care. For the illumination it provides on these matters, this well-written account should take its place as a major sourcebook on a small but important occupation."

(Journal of Health Politics, Policy and Law)

"Gevitz has written an invaluable brief history of osteopathic medicine... An indispensable book that will be useful to any scholar in the field."

(Charles E. Rosenberg Isis)

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ JHUP; 2nd edition (April 13, 2004)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 242 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0801878349
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0801878343
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 13.6 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.6 x 9 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 73 ratings

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Norman Gevitz
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Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
73 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this historical book well-researched and comprehensive, providing a thorough overview of osteopathic medicine. Moreover, the writing style is highly accessible, making it an entertaining read.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

18 customers mention "Readability"18 positive0 negative

Customers find the book highly readable and well-researched, providing a comprehensive history of osteopathic medicine.

"Book is super filled with history and the development of DO. Also goes into conflict with AMA which to date has taken over DO. HIGHLY RECOMMEND" Read more

"...It would also be a great book for anyone who is interested in medical history or the politics surrounding healthcare." Read more

"Gevitz has written a very informative, balanced, and thoughtful book describing not just the tenants of osteopathy, but the history behind its..." Read more

"Its a great historical reference for DOs. Truly tells the history of the profession...." Read more

17 customers mention "Informational"17 positive0 negative

Customers find the book informative and appreciate it as a great overview of osteopathic medicine, describing it as a thoroughly enjoyable history of the profession.

"Book is super filled with history and the development of DO. Also goes into conflict with AMA which to date has taken over DO. HIGHLY RECOMMEND" Read more

"...It presents the information in a highly unbiased way, and gives a comprehensive review of both the principles osteopathic medicine and how the world..." Read more

"Gevitz has written a very informative, balanced, and thoughtful book describing not just the tenants of osteopathy, but the history behind its..." Read more

"...My osteopathic awareness is significantly strengthened as I understand the issues facing modern osteopathic physicians both politically and in the..." Read more

14 customers mention "Writing style"14 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the writing style of the book, finding it highly accessible and well written, with one customer noting that it presents information in an unbiased manner.

"...This book gives a thorough explanation of this history and by the end, the reader should know about the subject and its history...." Read more

"...It presents the information in a highly unbiased way, and gives a comprehensive review of both the principles osteopathic medicine and how the world..." Read more

"...Gevitz certainly has a knack for writing, creating sentences with simplicity of thought and an elegance of words...." Read more

"A pretty interesting and very well written book about a topic that isn't all that grand, but one that like many people, I knew little about, and was..." Read more

4 customers mention "Entertainment value"4 positive0 negative

Customers find the book entertaining and pretty interesting.

"A pretty interesting and very well written book about a topic that isn't all that grand, but one that like many people, I knew little about, and was..." Read more

"..." and Dr. Gevitz, a sociologist, has answered the question in an entertaining and extensive manner...." Read more

"...It was well written, interesting, and left me even more excited to pursue osteopathic medicine. A great read for any premed student." Read more

"...detailed... if you can get through the middle of the book it is a rewarding and informative read." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on July 3, 2024
    Book is super filled with history and the development of DO. Also goes into conflict with AMA which to date has taken over DO. HIGHLY RECOMMEND
  • Reviewed in the United States on April 30, 2013
    I will be applying to medical schools (MD and DO) shortly and was recommended to read this book by a friend. Applying to DO schools you will inevitably be asked "What is a DO" and "why do you want to be a DO and not an MD". This book 100% should allow you to make your own answers to these questions. What I love about this book is that A.T. Still, the founder of osteopathy is not made out to be some god-like character. The author describes Dr. Still and the entire osteopathic history from a (minimally) non-biased standpoint. For example, did you know that Dr. Still used to practice medicine for the Shawnee Indians, and then at night go to their sacred burial grounds and steal their dead bodies so he could study anatomy? Interesting...eh?

    Anyway, osteopathy in 2013 is not the same as it was during the 19th century. Osteopathy in 2013 is an amalgamation of the reforms, trials and tribulations both within the osteopathic profession and with other medical establishments (the AMA), and needs of the health profession. This book gives a thorough explanation of this history and by the end, the reader should know about the subject and its history.

    Only giving 4 stars because the field of osteopathy is rapidly changing and even in the years since the second edition of this book was completed, there are a bunch of changes in the field (specifically, merging of ACGME and AOA residencies in 2015).

    There were also some grammar errors which I wished the editor had caught before the book was published.
    8 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on June 14, 2012
    This book is a thoroughly enjoyable history of osteopathic medicine and its evolution through the past 100 years. The book is written in very clear and concise language and is a far cry from a dry history book. It presents the information in a highly unbiased way, and gives a comprehensive review of both the principles osteopathic medicine and how the world has seen this branch of medicine. It is wonderful that books like this are available to dispel many of the myths that surround osteopathic medicine.

    As an Osteopathic Medical Student, I would consider this book a must read for anyone who is interested in going into osteopathic medicine or interviewing at an osteopathic medical school. It would also be a great book for anyone who is interested in medical history or the politics surrounding healthcare.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on March 17, 2011
    Gevitz has written a very informative, balanced, and thoughtful book describing not just the tenants of osteopathy, but the history behind its development. It becomes obvious just how meticulously the subject matter is researched. Gevitz certainly has a knack for writing, creating sentences with simplicity of thought and an elegance of words.

    I recommend this book not just for individuals interested in understanding the history of osteopathy in hopes of possibly applying to an osteopathic medical school, but I also recommend it to anyone who does not know what a D.O. is. Gevitz answers these questions in a history lesson format that, while at times seems a bit detailed and tedious, is never boring.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on April 13, 2017
    After reading The DOs : Osteopathic Medicine in America by Norman Gevitz I am more knowledgeable about the historical context of osteopathic medicine in the broad scope of modern medicine. My osteopathic awareness is significantly strengthened as I understand the issues facing modern osteopathic physicians both politically and in the general public's eye. Before reading I was adequately knowledgeable about the origin of osteopathic medicine, having previously read A.T. Stills Philosophy of Osteopathy and shadowed many DOs, I was impressed and closely identified with Gevitz' focus on the continuous challenges facing DOs.

    As a healthcare professional, pre-med graduate, and prospective D.O. (current applicant) there are several components of D.O. history that helps me better understand the professional struggles and political changes to expect. The principles of osteopathic medicine pose a philosophical view based on tenets that I wholeheartedly believe to be both proper and valid approaches to modern medicine. Gevitz makes clear the central conflict of osteopathic medicine centers around the distinctive philosophical differences with the "socially dominant counterpart" known as orthodox, traditional, or "allopathic" medicine. The DO-MD political battles have been vicious to say the least, but even today the biggest issue facing osteopathic physicians is distinctiveness. Gevitz puts it best by stating:

    "Given its increasing closeness in standards and services to its dominant rival and the greater association between the practitioners of both professions, it makes little sense for the osteopathic profession, if it wishes to retain its independence, to continue stressing its similarities with allopathic medicine."

    Despite the clear struggles of maintaining professional independence and autonomy, the outstanding patient-centered healthcare services provided to American society at large outweigh the professional grievances. Nevertheless, I am still driven to make a positive difference in patient care and become the best D.O. I strive to be despite the challenges and oppositions that may face my efforts.
    5 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on July 18, 2014
    Its a great historical reference for DOs. Truly tells the history of the profession. Last update was in 2004, a lot has changed in the last 10 years in medicine and the profession.

Top reviews from other countries

  • Catherine Downing
    5.0 out of 5 stars True insights on the origin and evolution of the osteopathic profession
    Reviewed in Canada on February 17, 2020
    Enjoyed the fact based commentary of osteopathic medicine. It’s origins, evolution and future struggles are all examined briefly. My version was not the most recent and as such does not include much that has occurred in the new millennium notably the residency merger of last year, but perhaps the later editions will.