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Welcome, or welcome back to the Osteopathic Family Physician! As the new Editor-in-Chief, it is my pleasure to introduce the May/June issue for 2018.
As an osteopathic physician, I am always interested in discovering new things and connecting to issues and items related to, but perhaps not directly involved with the practice of medicine. While our journal does not have specific themes applied to each issue, there tends to be underlying subtleties that connect the articles contained within.
The painting seen below is The Five Senses, Touch, painted by a Baroque artist in 17th century Antwerp. I cannot claim to be an expert on Baroque art, but I can feel the pain present in the subject’s eyes and wonder what caused the wound on this subject’s hand. By observing this painting, a connection is formed with someone and feelings are produced.
What does this have to do with this issue of the OFP? The power of touch is pervasive in the practice and the teaching of osteopathic medicine. We have a couple of research articles on academic teaching including one on instructing both DO’s and MD’s in a combined setting. This is a timely and relevant subject given the upcoming ACGME residency program merger.
Another teaching article relates possible methods to help medical students remain compassionate in the care of all patients. Our clinical images are closely related to the painting, as they both deal with wounds and skin lesions. Finally, the review article adds to the literature on pain management for the Osteopathic Family Physician by presenting complementary treatment options that might be used in clinical practice.
Even without a stated theme for this issue, I hope you can find your own way to connect to others with your five senses, especially the power of touch. Thanks for reading this issue of OFP!
< The Five Senses, Touch