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.

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.