Thursday, December 8, 2016
LUCOM Professor Delivers Founder’s Day Lecture, Encourages Leaving a Legacy
Thu, 01 Dec 2016LUCOM-Office of Marketing
Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine (LUCOM) faculty member Michael Lockwood, D.O., professor of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM), delivered the Founder’s Day Lecture at A. T. Still University, Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, this past October, in Kirksville, Mo.
Osteopathic medicine was introduced in 1874 by Andrew Taylor Still, M.D., D.O. His dissatisfaction of 19th century medicine fueled his interest in understanding health and the process of disease. Dr. Still identified that normality of the musculoskeletal system was a key element of health, while recognizing the God-given ability of the body to heal itself. In 1892, Dr. Still founded A.T. Still University (ATSU) which became the first college of osteopathic medicine.
Dr. Still passed away on December 12, 1917. Nearly two years later on December 12, 1919, a memorial service was held by the presidents of all the student-doctor classes of ATSU to honor the university’s founder. It was decided then that a similar ceremony would be held each year to honor Dr. Still and the profession.
“This is an invited lecture [Founder’s Day] at the oldest college of osteopathic medicine in the country,” said David F. Klink, D.O., interim dean of LUCOM. “To have one of our own, Dr. Lockwood, be asked to deliver this lecture is testimony to the high esteem in which he is held by the osteopathic profession. It is a great honor for him and privilege for LUCOM.”
According to Dr. Lockwood it was a humbling experience to return to his alma mater and deliver such a premier keynote. “I was truly honored to be able to serve and to give back, especially to aspiring Osteopathic medical students at the birthplace of Osteopathic Medicine.”
Dr. Lockwood spoke on the various aspects of the life, personality, and language of Dr. Still. He described him as a man of his time, who was one of the greatest complexity thinkers that had deep understanding, saw connections, drew arguments from limited information based on facts and evidence, and took risks. By studying Dr. Still, he noted that students would learn about a rugged, self-taught, creative and a vastly intuitive man. A man who suffered epic grief and tragedy, but persevered through it all.
Dr. Lockwood also wanted students to view the Stillian paradigm as the premier approach to patient centered care and embrace the depth and breadth of the Five Models of Osteopathic Care, which he spoke on, and includes; The World of Micro and Macro Biomechanics, The World of Respiration Circulation and Immune Function, the World of Neurologic Function, the World of Metabolic Effects and the World of Human Behaviors.
He concluded his presentation by speaking on the aspects of anticipated future reputations, leaving a legacy, and how to change the world; that first begins with each individual changing themselves. “My desire is for each of these students to learn who among them will change the world,” said Dr. Lockwood. “Each of them will likely see between 60,000 and 110,000 patients in their practice and it is critical for them to know that we are the healing profession.” Dr. Lockwood discussed how decisions and actions are filled with personal, medical, legal, ethical and moral consequences but through serving, one will change the world. “You are not too young or old in your career to serve others,” he said. “Put God first, others second, and yourself in the role to serve.” Throughout his career, Dr. Lockwood has learned to run towards adversity and the underserved.
Before joining LUCOM as a professor in the Department of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine, Dr. Lockwood served for 32 years at Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine. He taught courses in Theory and Methods, Obstetrics, Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine, and also research in Osteopathic Theory and Methods. After 32 years of duty and service, Dr. Lockwood was asked if he would consider relocating to Virginia. Through much prayer and discussion with his wife, he made plans to follow God’s leading.
Dr. Lockwood currently teaches Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine at Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine. He is also an instructor in the Patient Centered Medicine (PCM) course, which is a foundational course for developing history taking and physical examination skills.