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This issue focuses on osteopathic medicine and its relationship with the outside world. Specifically this issue addresses global medicine, osteopathic education, and the environment, while highlighting recent advances in travel and digital communication that have changed all of our lives. In the cover article, Joel Kase, DO, discusses how osteopathic physicians can address the issue of global climate change and its affect on environmental and infectious disease.
With increased international travel, we not only learn more about other cultures but we also increase exposure to new illnesses. As seen in 2009, the spread of illness can quickly become a pandemic with serious health implications. In his article, Robert Jones, DO, discusses the latest issues regarding the H1N1 influenza virus. This expansive review covers pathogenesis, spread, and treatment of this modern pandemic.
Tayson Delongocky, DO, recommends in a Letter to the Editor that we engage international medical graduates to help fill osteopathic graduate medical education positions. Further, Andrew Kuesinski, DO, writes about osteopathic medicine from the global perspective and how osteopathic physicians have different rights in different countries. The term osteopathic physician and the rights associated with this degree are unique to the Western world. As we continue to educate the public about osteopathic medicine, we will next need to inform the world what osteopathic medicine has to offer. It is important for other nations to understand American osteopathic medicine, the nomenclature of osteopathy around the world, and, finally, the rights of the profession.
Wrapping up this issue, Robert Pedowitz, DO, presents a case of idiopathic thrombocytopenia pupura. In this case, he reviews the case presentation and the importance of early diagnosis of this serious condition.
I will leave you with my own international story. As the United States witnesses the return of the central role of the family physician in US health care, China is experiencing the birth of family medicine. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to join the leaders of the International Primary Care Educational Alliance (IPCEA) on a visit to the Sichuan province to discuss the educational needs of this province and its physicians. China has been able to mobilize the training of physicians to primary care and is in need of support for them. With the backing of the American Osteopathic Association, ACOFP Foundation, and the Heart to Heart Association, the IPCEA has acted as an ambassador to “train the trainers” who will help develop family medicine in the world’s largest country. I hope to expand upon our experiences from this trip in a future issue.
Jay H. Shubrook, Jr., DO, FACOFP
Editor-in-Chief