Currently, I attend the University of New England, College of Osteopathic Medicine, and I am president of the medical school student body. I am a student member of both the American Osteopathic Association and the American Medical Association. I am planning to attend the American Medical Student Association convention this spring. The AMA is celebrating and recognizing the 100-year anniversary of osteopathic medicine at this convention. There is an apparent appreciation and growing understanding of physical medicine among members of the medical profession.
Chiropractors have four to five semesters of anatomy and three to four semesters of physiology.
To say, as does Dr. Culbert, that physical therapists study more rehab, work hardening, and occupational therapy is like saying that chiropractors study more chiropractic philosophy. These things are all irrelevant. Doctors of chiropractic have their role as primary care doctors whose emphasis is the musculoskeletal system, and physical therapists have their role as rehabilitation technicians. There is, however, some overlap in the role of chiropractor and registered physical therapist. Plumbers don't know much about electricity and electricians don't sweat pipes, but they both know how to dig a trench, perform simple carpentry, read a blueprint, and interpret a code book.