Becoming a proficient osteopathic practitioner is a lifelong process. Although many components will contribute to one’s development, a key element in becoming a capable and respected practitioner is the ability to think for yourself and to do so in a critical manner. The ability to think critically emanates from the assimilation of information into knowledge. In an osteopathic education, the process of incorporating information is derived not only from the biological and physical sciences, but also from a study of the humanities—including history and philosophy. Reasoning critically, as it relates to osteopathic practice, helps to develop hands on-skills, inform clinical decision making, and enrich the patient-practitioner rapport. Critical thinking is derived from the ownership of that knowledge and is applied using common sense.

Practicing Osteopathy without an understanding of osteopathic history and philosophy would be similar to someone who wanted to become a Circuit Rider Preacher of Pioneer times, but who had never read the Bible or had prior religious training. History gives perspective and context to one’s field of endeavor. Philosophy helps to develop the ownership of one’s thoughts. A preacher who hasn’t read the Bible is neither inspiring nor believable.

In a colourful and informative manner, this course will provide the most pertinent details of osteopathic history and the foundations of its philosophy, enhancing the process of mastering Osteopathy versus the common scenario of practitioners imitating misunderstood techniques, and frequent use of often distorted phrases without the ownership of the original intended meaning. By attending this seminar you’ll find out why you were afforded the opportunity to become a member of the Osteopathic Tradition and how you can maximize that prospect.