Osteopathic Physicians Join the Earthquake Relief Effort in Sichuan, China

Osteopathic Physicians Join the Earthquake Relief Effort in Sichuan, China

Sichuan province of China, May 12 [2008] carries the significance of September 11 in the United State because of the emotional impact of the magnitude-8 earthquake on that day that killed an estimated 69,000 people, injured 375,000, and left millions homeless. Responding to the disaster within just days of the quake were American Osteopathic Foundation (AOF) volunteers, Dr. Royce Keilers and Dr. William Burke, who joined in the medical relief effort.

Press Release:  AOF February 2008

Press Release: AOF February 2008

February 21, 2008 –Patients in the Sichuan Province in the People’s Republic of China often have to make the decision about whether to go to a hospital, take an antibiotic, or see a specialist without consulting a primary care physician—because so few are available. Recognizing that the current highly specialized approach to health care is often more expensive and more intensive than it needs to be… View the entire article in a linked PDF file.

Osteopathic Profession Helping to Overhaul China’s Health Care System

Osteopathic Profession Helping to Overhaul China’s Health Care System

For the last two years, there has been an historic medical effort building between osteopathic physicians and health officials in China as they tackle the transformation of a country’s medical system. Development of the ultimate goal – a medical system based on family medicine rather than the current specialty care system – moved closer to fruition with the October 2007 signing of a Memorandum of Understanding: “Towards the Development of Family Medicine in Sichuan Province, China.” Royce K. Keilers, D.O., FACOFP dist. (KCUMB-COM ’65), once again led the delegation of osteopathic family physicians on the most recent trip to Chengdu, China.