Journal of Osteopathic Medicine最新文献

{"title":"Dermatology match disparities: analyzing osteopathic vs. allopathic student outcomes post-ACGME/AOA single accreditation system (2020-2024).","authors":"Leo Wan, Karandeep Bawa, Aileen Park, Haaris Kadri, Austin Cusick, Shannon C Trotter","doi":"10.1515/jom-2024-0211","DOIUrl":"10.1515/jom-2024-0211","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Context: </strong>Dermatology remains one of the most competitive medical specialties, with successful candidates often demonstrating outstanding academic performance, extensive research experience, and strong letters of recommendation. The integration of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) into a single accreditation system in 2020 was intended to streamline residency training, but it has raised concerns about how Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) applicants will perform in dermatology residency match.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study examines the differences in DO and MD match rates following the single graduate medical education (GME) accreditation system, focusing on the match performance of DO dermatology applicants. It also analyzes the match rates of DO students into traditional ACGME (formerly allopathic)- and former AOA-accredited programs.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A retrospective review of National Residency Matching Program (NRMP) annual reports and the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) statistics was conducted for dermatology applicants from 2020 to 2024. Data were analyzed to compare the number of DO and MD applicants and their match rates to traditional ACGME (former allopathic)-accredited and former AOA-accredited programs. Data on the degree types of current residents at all ACGME-accredited residency programs were collected and analyzed. Statistical analyses included chi-square testing and bootstrapping for categorical variables and proportions.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The study included 137 ACGME-accredited dermatology programs, with 26 (18.98 %) having previously received AOA accreditation. The analysis found that there were substantial discrepancies in postgraduate year 2 (PGY-2) match rates (p<0.05) between 2020 and 2024, with DO applicants matching at a lower rate. Furthermore, more DO applicants consistently matched into former AOA-accredited programs than into ACGME-accredited programs. Matched MD candidates outperformed matched DO applicants in terms of United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 scores (p=0.002) and research production (p=0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>In summary, DO applicants continue to have lower match rates in dermatology than MD applicants, with fewer DOs matching into traditional (formerly allopathic) ACGME-accredited programs. There are several reasons for this disparity. Systemic changes and further studies are needed to improve the success rates of DO dermatology applicants in future application cycles.</p>","PeriodicalId":36050,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Osteopathic Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"171-179"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145150250","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Why don't more physicians use osteopathic manipulative medicine? A cross-sectional study of utilization and referral barriers.","authors":"Stephen K Stacey, Anthony Furlano, Joanne Genewick, Erin Westfall, Bryan Gordon, Jiwan Toor","doi":"10.1515/jom-2025-0062","DOIUrl":"10.1515/jom-2025-0062","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Context: </strong>Evidence supports osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) as an effective manual therapy, although it remains underutilized by Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs).</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Understanding barriers preventing the broader adoption of OMM is essential to expanding access to it as a noninvasive treatment option. We set out to survey both DOs and non-DO clinicians to identify perceived barriers to OMM.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Survey items were adapted from prior studies utilizing an iterative refinement process that included cycles of pilot testing with revisions. Participants were recruited internally from Mayo Clinic Midwest - a large, multistate, healthcare system in the Midwest region of the United States - utilizing internal email. Participants were given a descriptive survey that was developed with support from the Mayo Clinic Survey Research Center.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The survey was sent out to a total of 952 individuals, including 184 DOs and 768 non-DO clinicians (MD, Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery [MBBS], nurse practitioners, and physician assistants). Respondents included 76 DOs (41.3 % response rate) and 91 non-DOs (11.8 % response rate). Of the 76 DO respondents, 21 (27.6 %) reported utilizing OMM clinically. Commonly reported barriers include time limitations, poor public perception, and lack of training in residency, and time is allocated to other professional interests.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Within a large health system that includes primary care and specialty care, few DOs practice OMM, citing time constraints, lack of residency training, and competing professional interests as primary barriers. These challenges might successfully be addressed through targeted osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) education in residency programs, enhanced compensation, and improved referral pathways.</p>","PeriodicalId":36050,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Osteopathic Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"181-189"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145087506","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Technology use and satisfaction among colleges/schools of osteopathic medical education.","authors":"Machelle Linsenmeyer, Lance Ridpath","doi":"10.1515/jom-2024-0217","DOIUrl":"10.1515/jom-2024-0217","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Context: &lt;/strong&gt;In March 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic became a national concern, quick assessment and rapid changes needed to be made in all areas of osteopathic medical education. The Technology in Medical Education (TIME) adaptive working group was formed by the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) to analyze best practices in technology applications used in the schools and colleges of osteopathic medicine (COMs). In January 2023, post-pandemic data was collected to provide comparisons of technology use over time and determine the current landscape of technology.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Objectives: &lt;/strong&gt;To determine the technological uses and satisfaction at COMs nationally and offer a comprehensive list of software being used in osteopathic medical education to help inform technology decisions.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods: &lt;/strong&gt;Survey instruments were used to gather data from 34 COMs (main campuses, branch campuses, and additional locations) during COVID-19 and 49 COMs post-COVID-19. Data was collected during COVID-19 from April 2020 to December 2020 with data analysis through April 2021. Data was collected post-COVID-19 from January 2023 to April 2023 with data analysis through March 2024. Five questions were consistent across both surveys and used for comparisons. Descriptive statistics, Fisher's exact tests, and thematic analysis were utilized in the data analysis for both surveys.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results: &lt;/strong&gt;Of the 57 COMs surveyed during COVID-19, 34 responses were received for an overall response rate of 59.6 % (34/57). Of the 62 COMs surveyed post-COVID-19, 49 responses were received for a response rate of 79.0 % (49/62). To capture changes across time, thirty-four (34) institutions responded to the five identical questions on both surveys. While software selection was diverse across institutions, overall satisfaction remained high with 75.0 % of COMs being extremely or moderately satisfied with their software selections. Popular software packages across the two survey periods included Canvas (36.4 %, 54.9 %), Panopto (29.0 %, 27.5 %), ExamSoft (81.8 %, 84.0 %), and eValue (44.8 %, 28.6 %). Software shifts saw increased usage of Canvas (36.4-54.9 %), Yuja (3.2-11.8 %), Zoom for remote proctoring (5.2-35.3 %), and internal/custom solutions for clinical education/scheduling (3.4-10.2 %) and decreased usage of Vimeo (9.7-0.0 %), Respondus (9.0-0.0 %) and ExamMonitor (63.2-20.5 %). Comments indicated an interest in the national resources related to topics such as telehealth, public health, health system science, and health informatics. Key takeaways included the need for shared online training material in both preclinical and clinical education; development of new virtual or gaming technologies; and training faculty and staff to support technology integration.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions: &lt;/strong&gt;Technology selection at medical schools is on-going but relatively consistent across time. This was especial","PeriodicalId":36050,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Osteopathic Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"129-137"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145087512","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Why is identification with osteopathy decreasing in medical students?","authors":"Zachary S Kauffman, Tony Harper, Robert A Augustyniak, Chloe Ruff","doi":"10.1515/jom-2024-0197","DOIUrl":"10.1515/jom-2024-0197","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Context: </strong>Across eight classes at Lincoln Memorial University - DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine (DCOM), survey data reveal a decrease in students' identification with osteopathy, which is what distinguishes an osteopathic physician's values, attitudes, and commitment to the tenets of osteopathy. Without intervention, this trend of decreasing osteopathic identification may produce future generations of osteopaths who devalue the specific tenets of osteopathy.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study aims to determine factors that influence a student's identification with osteopathy, as quantified by Likert-style survey response data, and to precisely quantify these factors' predictive effect on osteopathic identification while simultaneously controlling for other possibly confounding factors. We hypothesize that preparedness and osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) skills will be the strongest predictors of osteopathic identification.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We utilized retrospective survey data from 1991 past DCOM students. Identifying data were redacted and replaced with research IDs. The survey contained an item that gauged respondents' identification with osteopathy. To explore our primary objective, we utilized paired samples <i>t</i> tests to determine changes in osteopathic identification from matriculation to graduation within each class, as well as Pearson's correlation coefficient to determine each item's correlation with osteopathic identification. To explore objective 2, we utilized multiple regressions and structural equation modeling (SEM) path analyses to quantify these factors' ability to predict osteopathic identification.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Osteopathic identification decreased between matriculation and graduation for each class (10-21 % decrease, p<0.001). Feeling highly motivated to serve the community correlated best with osteopathic identification upon matriculation (r=0.2; p<0.001). One's perception of one's OMM skills - both in explaining OMM philosophy (r=0.5; p<0.001) and utilizing OMM (r=0.5; p<0.001) - as well as feeling happy to be an osteopath (r=0.6; p<0.001), best correlated with osteopathic identification upon graduation. OMM Skills have the greatest direct predictive effect on osteopathic identification, with an effect size of 0.4 (p<0.001). Commitment to Organization, mediated by both OMM Skills and Preparedness, has the greatest overall predictive effect on osteopathic identification, with an effect size of 0.6 (p<0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The current study builds on past research by utilizing SEM path analysis to elucidate the predictive value of multiple factors on osteopathic identification. Application of the current study should consider looking at interventions geared toward increasing students' OMM skills as well as their commitment to their institution, field, and career overall.</p>","PeriodicalId":36050,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Osteopathic Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"139-145"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145076255","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Does forward head posture correction improve temporomandibular joint dysfunction? A pilot randomized trial using a cervical extension traction orthotic.","authors":"Shima A Mohammad Zadeh, Tamer Shousha, Ibrahim M Moustafa, Iman Khowailed, Deed E Harrison","doi":"10.1515/jom-2025-0081","DOIUrl":"10.1515/jom-2025-0081","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Context: </strong>This pilot study assessed participants adherence rate and the effect size needed to determine the sample size for a full-scale study evaluating the effectiveness of forward head posture (FHP) correction on temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) and symptoms. Moreover, the potential impact of adding FHP correction to a standard conservative protocol for treatment of TMD severity, pain, and pain-free mouth opening range is explored.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The primary objective was to investigate the additional effect of FHP correction by a cervical extension traction (CET) orthotic on myogenic TMD symptoms of pain and function.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A total of 21 participants (19 females) were enrolled and completed the study. The participants' mean age was 21.99±2.06 years, body mass index (BMI) 22.92±4.27 kg/m². A randomized clinical trial was conducted with participants who were randomly divided into two groups: 1) an experimental group with 10 participants receiving a FHP CET orthotic and a conservative TMD protocol; and 2) a control group with 11 participants receiving the conservative TMD protocol and a placebo CET device utilizing a standard pillow. Outcome assessments included: TMD severity with Fonseca's questionnaire, numerical rating scale for pain intensity, maximum mouth opening (MMO), and the craniovertebral angle (CVA) to measure FHP. Assessments were performed at three time points (baseline, 3rd week, 6th week), and three treatment sessions per week for six consecutive weeks were administered.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Both groups achieved a high adherence rate to the study protocol (≥90 %). Within-group analysis for both groups, across the three time points, identified significant differences utilizing Friedman's test (p<0.001) between measures for orofacial pain, TMD severity, MMO, and CVA. Between-group comparison identified no difference at the follow-up assessments for orofacial pain or MMO measures (p>0.05). The Mann-Whitney <i>U</i> test for between-group comparisons identified a statistically significant difference in CVA at week 3 (p=0.01) and at the 6th week (p<0.001) favoring the experimental group. For the TMD severity score, no difference was found at week 3 (p=0.11) but there was a significant difference between groups at week 6 (p=0.02) favoring the experimental group.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>These preliminary findings suggest that adding FHP correction through the application of a CET orthotic might offer short-term selected benefits for chronic TMD symptoms, which would need to be confirmed in a full-scale trial. High adherence rates were found with a moderate effect size that provided data indicating that at least 38 participants would be required for a full-scale study.</p>","PeriodicalId":36050,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Osteopathic Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"221-231"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145076197","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Equity reporting in systematic reviews and meta-analysis for geographic atrophy: a PROGRESS-Plus assessment.","authors":"Ryan Emmert, Tyler McKenzie, Dawsyn Smith, Hanna Russell, Gracie Schultheis, Micah Hartwell","doi":"10.1515/jom-2025-0107","DOIUrl":"10.1515/jom-2025-0107","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Context: </strong>As systematic reviews and meta-analyses (SRMAs) are crucial for treatment development, they must provide guidelines that represent diverse patient demographics to promote equitable health care. As new research and treatment modalities are being developed for geographic atrophy (GA), establishing an equitable research foundation is becoming vitally important to physicians as they personalize their treatment plans.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This analysis aims to determine whether SRMAs pertaining to GA are reporting equity-related items utilizing the PROGRESS-Plus framework.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a cross-sectional analysis by searching databases for systematic reviews and meta-analyses concerning GA from the year 2000 to November 2023. From this search, 176 articles returned, but only 57 of them met all the inclusion criteria. After screening the articles for inclusion, data pertaining to PROGRESS-Plus items were extracted. All analyses were conducted in a masked and duplicative fashion. <i>χ</i> ² tests were employed to determine whether associations existed between the variables.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>From the initial search, 176 articles returned, of which 119 were excluded due to duplication, data unrelated to GA, or because it was animal-based research. Of the remaining 57 studies, 26 (45.6 %) included zero PROGRESS-Plus items. Fewer articles from the US-reported equity items (31.3 %, 5/16) compared to other countries (63.4 %, 26/41), which held statistical significance (p=0.028).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The American Academy of Ophthalmology has created initiatives to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion within the subspecialty. By using the PROGRESS-Plus framework, this study concluded that the majority of the articles pertaining to GA do not meet equity item objectives. As these documents aid physicians in developing treatment plans, these findings are concerning as physicians may find it more difficult to individually tailor treatment plans according to each patient's holistic needs. Limitations in this study included unintentional omission or misclassification of research documents despite the comprehensive search string and double-blinded analysis. Furthermore, the results of this study cannot be generalized to other areas of research.</p>","PeriodicalId":36050,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Osteopathic Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"79-85"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145076281","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exploring the impact of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene variations on autism spectrum disorder severity.","authors":"Christian C Iannuzzelli, Andrea L Iannuzzelli, Brandon Cunha, Venkateswar Venkataraman, Wendy Aita","doi":"10.1515/jom-2025-0004","DOIUrl":"10.1515/jom-2025-0004","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Context: </strong>Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by challenges in social communication and repetitive behaviors. Its etiology is influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Variations in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene, which is implicated in folate metabolism and neurodevelopment, are widespread in the autism population. Understanding the relationship between MTHFR gene variations and ASD may be critical for early diagnosis and intervention.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study aims to investigate the association between MTHFR gene variations and the severity of ASD symptoms in a clinical cohort. The goal is to determine whether reduced MTHFR activity correlates with increased symptom severity, thus offering insights into potential mechanisms and intervention strategies.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cohort of 78 patients diagnosed with ASD who had previously undergone genetic testing to measure MTHFR activity levels were recruited. ASD severity was assessed utilizing DSM-5 criteria. Statistical analyses were performed to evaluate the relationship between MTHFR activity and ASD symptom severity.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The analysis identified a significant negative correlation between MTHFR activity levels and ASD severity (p<0.05). Patients with lower MTHFR activity exhibited more severe ASD symptoms, as measured by DSM-5 classifications. These findings emphasize the potential link between MTHFR gene variations and neurodevelopmental outcomes in ASD.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This study highlights the role of MTHFR gene variations in modulating ASD severity. The results support the potential for utilizing MTHFR activity as a biomarker for early screening and tailoring targeted interventions for individuals with MTHFR deficiencies. Due to a small sample size, any conclusions drawn from this study are limited and may be misleading in future studies. Further research is warranted to explore the underlying mechanisms and to develop clinical strategies that mitigate the impact of these genetic variations on ASD progression.</p>","PeriodicalId":36050,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Osteopathic Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"113-117"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145006644","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A proven template for providing streamlined, scalable, cost-effective clinical research opportunities in osteopathic medical schools.","authors":"Jacey N Greek, Andrew P Greek, Mari Hopper, Robert Arnce","doi":"10.1515/jom-2025-0060","DOIUrl":"10.1515/jom-2025-0060","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Context: </strong>In an era in which clinical research plays a crucial role in advancing medical knowledge and contributing to the resume of medical students attempting to match into a residency, the creation of sustainable and effective research opportunities within medical education is paramount. Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (COMs) face unique challenges in creating these opportunities in a scalable and cost-efficient manner. Without these opportunities, osteopathic medical students may find themselves at a disadvantage compared to their allopathic counterparts in residency placements and academic career paths.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>We have created a template for providing perpetual, streamlined, scalable, cost-effective clinical research at our institution, and we believe that it can be implemented at other COMs. This abstract describes our research template and its outcomes.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Our template for creating clinical research opportunities has been in operation for the past 3 years. All of our studies are structured as retrospective analyses of data obtained from the electronic medical records of patients admitted to the hospital over a specific time frame. Initially, a broad-based research proposal is submitted to the hospital Institutional Review Board (IRB) on a particular topic. From this, multiple initial IRB research projects are generated. First- and second-year medical students go through a standardized application and onboarding process prior to participation in research. Students are then subdivided into research groups of four students each. Each research group is assigned a research topic and a faculty mentor who will help them navigate through the research project.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Since 2022, a total of 295 medical students have participated in clinical research through this model, supported by 11 faculty research mentors. Across four completed research cycles, 64 projects have been conducted, resulting in 62 poster presentations (97 %), 15 peer-reviewed publications (23 %), and 6 additional manuscripts (9 %) currently under review.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Clinical research opportunities at COMs are needed now more than ever before. Over the past 3 years, our clinical research template has been proven to provide perpetual, streamlined, scalable, cost-effective clinical research. We believe that our template can be utilized to provide increased clinical research opportunities at other COMs.</p>","PeriodicalId":36050,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Osteopathic Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"163-169"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144972202","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The hospitalist's paradox: on pay, perception, and the true value of a healer in the valley of the sun.","authors":"Gary P MacDonald","doi":"10.1515/jom-2025-0095","DOIUrl":"10.1515/jom-2025-0095","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This article examines the sentiments of a Phoenix-area hospitalist who feels underpaid despite earning an objectively high salary. While physician compensation in the United States, including that of hospitalists (around $365,000 in Phoenix), ranks among the highest globally and places them in the top income percentiles domestically, the perception of being \"underpaid\" persists. The piece argues this feeling is a complex value judgment, influenced by the immense effort, sacrifice, and societal contribution inherent in the profession, often perceived as inadequately reflected by market-driven compensation. Cognitive biases, such as the Intrinsic Worth Fallacy and Social Comparison Bias, further shape this perception. Systemic healthcare issues, including administrative burdens and professional disempowerment, also contribute, leading to dissatisfaction where salary becomes a primary, yet seemingly insufficient, metric of worth. The article concludes that true professional value transcends monetary figures, calling for systemic changes to better acknowledge and support physicians, ensuring their profound contributions are recognized beyond financial metrics.</p>","PeriodicalId":36050,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Osteopathic Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"159-161"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-08-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144972291","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comparative cross-sectional analysis of asthma outcomes and sinus surgery utilization in Appalachian and non-Appalachian counties of Ohio.","authors":"Samuel Borgemenke, Robert Osap, Kirsten Bogunovich, Nicholas Durstock, Elizabeth A Beverly","doi":"10.1515/jom-2025-0046","DOIUrl":"10.1515/jom-2025-0046","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Context: </strong>Healthcare inequities disproportionately affect underprivileged groups, leading to negative health outcomes. Challenges are compounded in regions like Appalachian Ohio, where rurality and poverty exacerbate issues such as access to care and environmental stressors, significantly impacting conditions like asthma. In severe cases of asthma, sinus surgery is sometimes indicated, because it has been shown to improve asthma-related symptoms. However, the specialists who perform these procedures, such as otolaryngologists, may be less available to certain underprivileged groups.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of social determinants of health on the prevalence and treatment of asthma in Appalachian vs. non-Appalachian regions of Ohio, and how those factors affect the rate at which sinus surgery is performed in different populations.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This cross-sectional study utilized public data gathered in the year 2021 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to compare asthma prevalence, emergency visit and hospitalization rates, sinus surgery frequencies, and social determinants of health in Appalachian vs. non-Appalachian regions.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Both the average prevalence rate of asthma (p<0.001) and the number of emergency department visits as a complication of asthma (p<0.01) in Appalachian Ohio counties were significantly higher than non-Appalachian counties. Interestingly, the ratio between sinus surgery prevalence and the number of procedures was not statistically different between Appalachian and non-Appalachian counties. This included balloon sinuplasty (p=0.4), septoplasty (p=0.4), and functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS, p=0.4). Additionally, several social determinants of health, specifically the poverty rate (<i>r</i>=0.9, p<0.001), uninsured rate (<i>r</i>=0.4, p<0.001), unemployment rate (<i>r</i>=0.5, p<0.001), and housing burden rate (<i>r</i>=0.6, p<0.001) were shown to have a significant correlation with the rate of asthma prevalence among adults in Ohio.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Asthma prevalence and treatment availability differ significantly between Appalachian and non-Appalachian regions of Ohio, highlighting the need to improve access to specialists and address barriers to care in rural populations.</p>","PeriodicalId":36050,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Osteopathic Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"197-204"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-08-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144875606","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}