Students learn of osteopathic medicine at first-ever PHAP symposium

• November 15, 2013 5:00am

Cal State East Bay’s Pre-Professional Health Academic Program (PHAP) – a program that prepares students to competitively apply to health professional schools through a combination of high quality academic instruction and personal development opportunities — recently hosted its first symposium on the Hayward Campus. Approximately 75 students attended the event, which focused on the topic of osteopathic medicine.  

“I believe this event was important to show that osteopathic medicine is a viable and exciting option that many of our students are quite well suited for,” said the event organizer and current PHAP student, Helena Kuehlmann. “DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) schools like to see older students with more experience, with more of a life story and a commitment to service and to community health.”

The event featured a variety of guest speakers, including representatives from Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine and Highland Hospital in Oakland.

Discussion topics ranged from how to apply to DO schools to what students can expect once they are in medical school, said Kuehlmann. The conference also included a demonstration of osteopathic manipulative medicine, a technique in which physicians use their hands to diagnose, treat and prevent illness or injury.

To learn more about CSUEB’s Pre-Professional Health Academic Program, visit the program website.

--Erin Merdinger