Those who become osteopathic physicians, or D.O.s, have the opportunity to practice in diverse areas of medicine within a range of settings. At the same time, each day is filled with the reward of healing patients and working to keep them healthy. Below are just a few of the D.O.s who help advance osteopathic medicine every day.
William G. Anderson, D.O
The first African American to be elected president of a major medical association
when he held this position at the American Osteopathic Association in 1994-1995.
In addition, Dr. Anderson was a civil rights activist who worked closely with
Martin Luther King, Jr., and was president of the Albany Movement.
Lt. General Ronald Blanck, D.O., MC, USA (Ret.)-Former Surgeon
General of the U.S. Army
While serving as Surgeon General, Dr. Blanck was the highest ranking D.O. in the
commissioned services. A three-star general, Dr. Blanck was the director of the
Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC. Dr. Blanck also served as the
Army’s chief medical officer during the Gulf War.
Sister Anne Brooks, D.O.
Catholic nun whose work in impoverished rural Mississippi was covered
nationally in People Magazine, and on Good Morning America and Sixty Minutes.
Sister Anne joined Ronald Reagan and Ryan White as a recipient of the first
Norman Vincent Peale Positive Thinking Award.
Jon W. Fong, D.O.
Since July 1998, Dr. Fong has served as a technical advisor for NBC’s
ER. In this capacity, he orchestrates every medical procedure on the show and
trains the actors to realistically mimic performing medical procedures and discuss
medical topics.
Lawrence Lavine, D.O.
Speedskater Apolo Anton Ohno flew Dr. Lavine to Salt Lake City during the 2002
Winter Olympics after injuring his thigh during a competition. After receiving
osteopathic manipulative treatment from Dr. Lavine, Apolo went on to win the
gold medal in the 1,500 meter short-track race.
Barbara Ross-Lee, D.O.
As the past dean of Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dr. Ross-Lee
became the first African-American woman to head a U.S. medical school. She has
contributed to the field of medicine through appointments to the National Advisory
Committee on Rural Health and the Advisory Committee on Research on Women’s
Health for the National Institute of Health.
