D.O. or Do Not: The Osteopathic Physician's Journey for Premed & Medical Students

 This week we are joined by Dr. Josh Lenchus, who has been featured in the American Osteopathic Association’s “The DO” many times, most recently as the first DO to be elected as the president of the Florida Medical Association. While giving insight to his journey, Dr. Lenchus embodies a quote from the most recent article from “The DO” “You should never let where you come from dictate where you go”.  Dr. Lenchus walks us from the beginning of  his journey as he  started his academic career by attending community college to save money! He will discuss his three years of working as a pharmacist before attending Nova Southeastern College of Osteopathic Medicine. He discusses the trials and tribulations of his internal medicine residency at the prestigious University of Miami/ Jackson Memorial hospital where he was one of the first DO's at the hosptial. He shares his experience as a hospitalist at Jackson when he graduated and finally gives us amazing pearls of wisdom from his time as a residency director which is invaluable to those applying to residency in any specialty.

Ultimately, Dr. Lenchus discusses his transition into administrative work which led him to be selected as chief medical officer at Broward Health. We hope you enjoy listening to his story and take his philosophy with you on whatever journey you choose to pursue!

In this episode we interview four medical students who have been integral to the podcast over the past year.  Meet Violet, Matt, Ben and Lilly. . . all future Osteopathic Physicians!  Congratulations!  For anyone who wants to hear an uplifting story or who is interested in following in their footsteps. . . . we are so proud of all four of them! (if you're a premed. . . yes this is a pitch to join our team!)

Today we interview Dr. Adrian Woolley who is the current Director of Osteopathic Clinical Medicine at Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine (DMUCOM) . Dr. Wooley received her medical education from DMUCOM and completed her medical residency in Family Practice and OMM at the Des Moines General Osteopathic Hospital. Today she shares with us her nontraditional journey in medicine which began as a forensic technician before starting medical school. She talks to us about the many responsibilities of working in academic medicine and how her passions for osteopathic medicine stretch outside of the classroom through her ongoing involvement in the Fascial Net Plastination Project (FNPP).  Dr. Woolley shares unique pearls of wisdom and we know you will love this episode! 

How flattering it is when amazing Osteopathic Physicians call US to be on the podcast!  In today’s episode, we welcome Dr. Mary S. Doellman, a board-certified otolaryngologist and allergy physician (ENT) with Phelps Health in Rolla, MO. As an active duty physician, she served as chief otolaryngologist in Fort Leonard Wood, MO, and as a staff otolaryngologist at Fort Carson in Colorado.

Dr. Doellman speaks not only about her passion for fungi, but gives us a detailed window into a specialty unique for its blend of surgery, medicine, complex pathology, and longitudinal care. She  covers the topic of her rural and military upbringing and how this guided her path into similar circumstances in her professional career.  She  gives pertinent advice to female osteopathic physicians on how to succeed as a woman in medicine, specifically in a competitive surgical specialty.   The interview highlights Dr. Doellman as  a strong example of how dedication and persistance can allow an individual to carve a path straight through the heart of medicine to acheive their dreams. We know you find her as inspiring as we did!

 Today’s guest speaker is Dr. Vania Manipod. Dr. Manipod is a board-certified psychiatrist and graduate of Western University of Health sciences in Pamona California.  She is the editor-in-chief of the DO,  an amazing publication produced by practicing DOs  and osteopathic students which contains artilcles written about medical school, government advocacy, and life outside medicine.   It is amazing publication which if you are not familiar with, you definitely should check out!  We speak to Dr. Manipod about her role as editor of the journal, her practice of psychiatry and  the intricate world of psychiatric care.  She shares insight with us about her own training journey, addressing the pressing issue of burnout as well as her experience in advocacy and entrepreneurship.  This episode i a D.O. not miss!  

You can find "The D.O." at:
https://thedo.osteopathic.org/

In today's episode, we tackle the question of . . .  interested in primary care. . . should you do family practice or internal medicine?  and what are the differences?   To answer this question we called on Dr. Jill Sisselman, a board certified family practice doctor and her husband,   Dr. Stephen who did a residency in internal medicine. The couple attended medical school at the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine (NYITCOM) after which they both chose residencies in primary care. . . but along different specialties!  After an unhappy experience with their first jobs, they decided to start their own  private practice! The Doctors Sisselman will both describe their  journey to Osteopathic Medicine, the trials and tribulations of a two doctor relationship, their experience with the couples match as well as give advice on how to rank  residencies as a couple looking at different specialties.  The Sisselmans share with us what their day to day lives look like and how they have made it possible to raise a family while running a successful business. We know you will enjoy this episode as much as we did!

In today’s episode, we are joined by Dr. Robert Hasty, Dean and Chief Academic Officer of OCOM.   This is a new osteopathic medical school which is opening it's doors in August 2024, in Orlando, FL. Dr. Hasty speaks about what the school will offer including  state of the art facilities, unique features of the curriculum and the incredible teaching staff at OCOM. He talks about the pros and cons of attending a "new school" and what the school is looking for from its inaugural class.  He also shares with us his journey through osteopathic medical school at Nova Southeastern and completing IM residency at Mt. Sinai in Miami, FL. Dr. Hasty’s many administrative experiences include starting osteopathic medical schools like such as Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine in North Carolina and serving on various boards and seving as President of the American College of Osteopathic Internists. Dr. Hasty describes his inspiration for attending osteopathic medical school and  offers evidence based advice to stay happy in life.  We hope you enjoy this informative and truly motivational episode!

On today’s episode of DO or Do Not, we sit down with Dr. Alan Yee. an associate clinical professor and neurology associate program director at the UC Davis Medical Center. Dr. Yee is a fellowship-trained critical care neurologist with clinical interests in osteopathic manipulative medicine and stroke recovery. Our conversation with Dr. Yee covers a broad span of topics from his medical journey to applying manual medicine in neurology along with his work studying the relationship between somatic dysfunction and stroke patient survivorship. To all our listeners, Dr. Yee gives us an exciting look at how osteopathic medicine can apply to clinical practice and academic research through a neurologic scope. You won’t want to miss this episode! 

Today's episode is a "Crossover Episode."   The Short Coat Podcast is produced by students at the University of Iowa Carver School of Medicine.    The podcast features a group of medical students who discuss different medical topics.  Three years ago, Dr. Storch listened to an episode where Osteopathic Medicine was discussed and felt that there were some inconsistencies.   He reached out to the group and they were happy to host him with a few of his "student friends" to "set the record straight!"  The episode is amazing and really speaks to what MD students know and don't know about the DO degree.  The episode features Dr. Amir Khiabani, from the Alabama College of Ostepathic Medicine who is now an ER resident in Tampa as well as Dr. Courtney Merlot, from the Michigan College of Osteopathic Medicine who is currently an ER resident in Michigan.  

In  this episode, Matthew Kaplan, our very own Social Media Director, tries on a "different hat" as he  interviews Steven Toplan , Director of Admissions at TouroCOM's Harlem Campus.   Matt is applying to Osteopathic Medical School this year and is the perfect person to  ask pertinent questions  not only about academics, but extracurricular activities and what Harlem is like for students.  The episode covers everything from the campus' history to what the school is looking for when choosing it's entering class. The interview  is a pre-med "don't miss" for any student applying to DO school this cycle!

In today’s episode we are joined by  Dr. John Kelly, a general anesthesiologist practicing out of Port Washington, New York. Prior to attending New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dr. Kelly worked as a chemical engineer for five years. Dr Kelly will discuss the transition from a career in engineering to medicine, as well as what inspired him to do so. Dr. Kelly describes not only his non-traditional pathway to medicine, but what had drawn him to the field of anesthesia. He describes how he chose Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City, a large M.D. institution, where  he was chosen  Chief Resident his third year. Finally, he speaks about his transition from residency to becoming an attending, and what he thinks it takes to become a successful clinician. We know you will find the episode inspiring as I have.  

In today's episode, we are excited to be joined by the dean of Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dr. Tami Hendriksz, a true "D.O. Rockstar!" Dr. Hendriksz will shed light  on what makes Touro California stand out as an academic institution, as well as what  students can expect form four years in Vallejo, California. Dr. Hendriksz shares her unique journey , from taking time off from the medical field to care to care for her sister in a time of need, to finding a passion not just for medicine, but for  osteopathy  and finally coming full circle by becoming dean of an osteopathic medical school! We know you will love this inspiring episode!

 In this episode we had the  pleasure of interviewing Dr. Matthew Shatzer. Dr. Shatzer discusses the specialty of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, also known as PM&R, and why it is the perfect match for an Osteopathic Physician.  Dr. Shatzer served as program director for Northwell Health for over 10 years and helps us understand what  programs look for in prospective residents as well as  the role of personal statement in an application. He will describe his own journey to PM&R including his time at the prestigious Johns Hopkins in Baltimore.  His "pearls" will help anyone interested in a career in osteopathic medicine, PM&R or applying for any medical or surgical specialty who is working on their applications.

In today's episode, we are joined by Dr. Jordan Keys, Professor Of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine at the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine. In this episode, Dr. Keys describes what Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine is and  what types of medical problems can be treated with the modality.  She discusses why manual techniques are important and how they make Osteopathic Medicine  distinct. Dr. Keys will discuss her "origin story," growing up in a small town in California and why she eventually moved to New York to pursue her medical training. Dr. Keys explains  how she became interested in Osteopathic Manipulative therapy and why she chose to pursue a residency in Family Medicine for three years before going  into a neuromuscular medicine fellowship instead of going directly into the program. She will tell us about the Osteopathic Schools she has taught at from Touro in California to Lake Erie in Florida and finally to her current home in New York.  We know you will find Dr. Keys' journey inspiring. 

This is a "book-ends" episode where we interview Dr. Renee Darko.  Remember a few months ago we interviewed her husband, "Dr. Nii" but there is no question that "Dr. Renee" deserves her own spotlight!

On this episode of the D.O. or Do Not Podcast, we meet Dr. Renee Darko who as she states wears “ a lot of different hats”. In this episode Dr. Darko tells her inspiring journey to become an OBGYN. She attended Pace University and Hunter College for her undergraduate training followed by the  Kansas City College of Osteopathic Medicine and Rockhurst University with a dual D.O/ MBA degree. She completed her OB/GYN residency at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and went on to the Morehouse School of Medicine where she did a fellowship in Health Policy Leadership. 

Dr. Darko is the mother of two children and works as a part time/ locum OBGYN.  She will tell us about how she accomplices these two herculean tasks.   She talks about the difficulty having a long distance relationship in residency.  She speaks about how to persevere when people tell you "you can't."  She talks about her podcast, her mentorship of minority students, her children's book and MUCH MUCH more!
A don't miss!

In today's episode of the D.O. or Do Not, we are joined by Mr. Austin Gentry, Associate Director of Admissions at Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Mr. Gentry speaks about the medical school application process and what pre-medical students should be doing to optimize their application. He discusses what makes Burrell special and what his team is looking for in students entering a first year medical school class. We know that all premeds,  especially those already considering Burell will   find this episode informative and valuable. We hope you enjoy this episode. 

Sayeed and Wali are two pre-medical students at Stony Brook who started a Podcast called "Chai With the Pre-Med Guys." The duo reached out to Dr. Storch to speak with them as Mentor of the D.O. or Do Not podcast and advocate for Osteopathic Medicine. On today's "crossover" episode. Sayeed and Wali will speak with Dr. Storch about his "Why."  The Pre-Med Guys define this as  the reason one chooses medicine. You may be surprised at Dr. Storch's response!  Dr. Storch talks about Osteopathy and Medicine, but also about poetry, the benefits of falling asleep against attending physician's doors on holidays and how the journeys of Odysseus can give you insight into your own medical journey!  We know you will love listening to our very own Yoda!  D.O. or do not . . . There is no try!

In today’s episode we are joined by Dr. Patricia Matto who is currently serving as the Associate Dean of Clinical Affairs at Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM). She gives advice for pre-med students on the application process, what VCOM has to offer and what they can expect as students, specifically during clinical rotations. She continues on to tell us her journey and inspirations in pursuing osteopathic medicine beginning from her undergraduate studies at Gannon University in Erie, PA to being a part of the inaugural class of Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM). Dr. Matto also explains her decision to work in academic medicine and leaves us with her philosophies on practicing medicine with great advice on how to be successful in a career as an osteopathic physician. We hope you enjoy this episode.

Today we will follow the story of Dr. Austin Price. Dr. Price is a 3rd year combined vascular surgery/surgical resident at the University of Arkansas. Dr. Price wanted to be a doctor since he was in high school and started his journey by practicing as a certified nursing assistant at a nursing home for 5 1/2 yeas in Pennsylvania. He then went on to Nova Southeastern University for both undergraduate as well as medical school. During his training, he discovered a passion for vascular surgery and pursued a program which allowed him to match directly into the field without having to first complete a general surgery residency. Dr. Price discusses his path to becoming a surgeon as well as his "buissnes"which helps medical students in their pre-clinical studies. We hope you enjoy this episode. 

We are proud to reach a milestone of 100 episodes.  We would like to thank all of our listeners for accompanying us on this journey.  We would lake to thank everyone who has participated and helped us along the way!  

Today we interview just a few of the DO students who have participated in the project and helped to make it what it is today:

Dr. Ian Storch- Gastroenterology - D.O. or Do Not Mentor.

Dr. Tian Yu She: Internal Medicine Resident- Chief Resident- Year 1 Co-founder
Dr. Amir Khiabani- Emergency Medicine Resident - Year 2  Producer
Dr. Tiffany Carlson- Military Residency/ Anesthesia - Year 2  Host
Dr.  Courtney Merlo - Emergency Med Resident- Year 2  Social Media Director
Dr.  Akito  Nicol- Radiology Resident - Year 3  Host
Hadia Tariq, MS III - Year 3/ 4  Host 

No question. . . D.O. or Do not Rockstars!