LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor David A. Paterson to
proclaim April 18-24, 2010, as Osteopathic Medicine Week in the State of
New York, in conjunction with National Osteopathic Medicine Week, and in
tribute to the osteopathic physicians of this state

WHEREAS, There are approximately 67,000 osteopathic physicians in the
Untied States; this figure includes a growing number of women and minor-
ities; and
WHEREAS, Osteopathic physicians offer and emphasize primary care medi-
cine and also offer preventive medical services and speciality care,
often practicing in rural and urban medically underserved areas; and
WHEREAS, New York State has approximately 5,000 licensed osteopathic
physicians which represent the sixth largest osteopathic physician popu-
lation in the country; and
WHEREAS, Many osteopathic physicians in New York State practice in
rural and urban medically underserved regions; and
WHEREAS, New York State has two colleges of osteopathic medicine --
The New York College of Osteopathic Medicine (NYCOM) of the New York
Institute of Technology in Old Westbury and the Touro College of Osteo-
pathic Medicine-New York, in Harlem; both of which train students who
enter primary care specialities in numbers well above the national aver-
age; and
WHEREAS, Osteopathic physicians are distinguished by their training in
osteopathic manipulative medicine, which allows them to encourage the
body's natural tendency toward good health and to practice a holistic
approach to treatment; and
WHEREAS, Osteopathic physicians provide comprehensive medical care,
including primary care, specialty care, preventive medicine, diagnoses
and the appropriate use of drugs, surgery, manipulation and hospital
referrals; and
WHEREAS, Close to 10% of all patient visits in the United States are
to osteopathic physicians; and
WHEREAS, Osteopathic physicians deserve acknowledgment for providing
high-quality comprehensive care to New Yorkers across our State; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor David A. Paterson to proclaim April 18-24, 2010, as
Osteopathic Medicine Week in the State of New York, in conjunction with
National Osteopathic Medicine Week, and in tribute to the osteopathic
physicians of this State; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable David A. Paterson, Governor of the State of New
York.