A Legacy in Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine Research
“Well, let’s say I am not by nature a researcher. I wasn’t trained to be a researcher. That was never my intention, but research has always been thrust upon me.” — Dr. Frymann
Dig On
The quote above is an excerpt from an interview with Dr. Frymann. She was reflecting on the teachings of Dr. William Garner Sutherland after the loss of an infant patient. She went on to say, “I was determined that I was going to evaluate enough babies to demonstrate to me whether what he said was true or not. So, that was how research project number one got started.”
It is upon Dr. Frymann’s curious foundation that we continue this work today. We at the Osteopathic Center for Children and Osteopathy’s Promise to Children believe research is an integral part of osteopathic medicine Not only do we strive to practice and teach evidence-based medicine, but our organization is committed to expanding the body of research supporting osteopathic medicine, especially in caring for pediatric patients. We must always stay curious, ask questions, and dig a little deeper in order to provide the best care for our patients. In fact, Dr. Andrew Taylor Still, the founder of osteopathic medicine, said in his personal writings that “D.O. means “Dig On.” We are committed to embracing this philosophy through this work.
Research Statement
At the Osteopathic Center for Children (OCC), research is the cornerstone of our commitment to advancing pediatric osteopathic patient care. We believe that the pursuit of knowledge and the relentless quest for innovation are essential to improving the health and well-being of children. Our research initiatives are driven by a profound dedication to the principles of osteopathy and the legacy of Dr. Viola M. Frymann, DO, FAAO, FCA.
In the spirit of our mission, OCC endeavors to explore the uncharted territories of pediatric osteopathy, guided by the belief that there is always more to learn and discover. Our research investigators, in collaboration with physician leaders and CME faculty, embark on a continuous journey to enhance our understanding of osteopathic principles and their application in pediatric care.
Through rigorous scientific inquiry, we aim to:
- Elevate Patient Care: Our research endeavors are rooted in the aspiration to improve the quality of care delivered to children. We investigate novel approaches, treatment modalities, and diagnostic methods that not only alleviate symptoms but also promote the holistic well-being of our young patients.
- Expand the Evidence Base: We are committed to expanding the body of evidence supporting the effectiveness of osteopathic treatments in pediatric healthcare. Our research projects contribute to the development of evidence-based guidelines that guide healthcare professionals in providing the best possible care to children.
- Inspire Innovation: OCC serves as a hub for innovative ideas and solutions in pediatric osteopathy. We encourage creativity and out-of-the-box thinking among our researchers, fostering an environment where groundbreaking discoveries can thrive.
- Empower Healthcare Providers: Through our research, we equip healthcare providers with the knowledge and tools needed to excel in their roles. We offer educational opportunities and resources that bridge the gap between research findings and clinical practice.
- Collaborate for Impact: We actively collaborate with like-minded institutions, healthcare organizations, and research partners. These partnerships amplify the reach and impact of our research, allowing us to collectively advance pediatric osteopathy on a global scale.
Our commitment to research is not a mere endeavor; it’s a promise to children and their families. It’s a promise that we will continually strive to enhance the care they receive, to explore new frontiers of pediatric osteopathy, and to ensure that the legacy of Dr. Viola M. Frymann lives on through our dedication to the science and art of osteopathic medicine.
Through our unwavering dedication to research, OCC remains at the forefront of pediatric osteopathy, pioneering advancements that shape the future of healthcare for the benefit of children everywhere.
Our Researchers
Kimberly Wolf, DO, FAAP, FACOP, FAAPO
Dr. Wolf is a graduate of Seton Hall University, South Orange, NJ and Western University of Health Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific (COMP), Pomona, CA. She is board certified in Pediatrics. Dr. Wolf was a dually accredited Pediatric Resident at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and Doctor’s Hospital, Columbus, OH. Dr. Wolf is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Osteopathic Pediatricians and the American Academy of Pediatric Osteopathy. She is currently an Associate Professor of OMM and Director of Pediatric OMM at Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine and Research Director for the Osteopathic Center for Children. Her memberships include: AOA, AAO, ACOP, AAP, AAPO, and OCA.
Hollis H. King, DO, PhD, FAAO, FCA, FAAPO
Dr. King is a graduate of Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, Fort Worth, TX. His postdoctoral training was at Dallas Memorial Hospital, Dallas, TX. His internship was at the VA Hospital & Univ. of Kentucky Medical School, Lexington, KY. His Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology is from Trinity University, San Antonio, TX. Dr. King is board certified in Family Medicine/OMT from the American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians and certified with Special Proficiency in Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine from the American Osteopathic Board of Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine. He is a Founding Diplomate of the American Board of Holistic and Integrative Medicine. He is a Fellow of and Past-President of the American Academy of Osteopathy. He is a Fellow of the Osteopathic Cranial Academy. Recently Dr. King was made a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Dr. King recently retired as Clinical Professor of Family Medicine at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine. He has a private practice at Osteopathic Center San Diego. Dr. King is Research Director at Osteopathy’s Promise to Children. His memberships include: AOA, AAO, OCA and AAPO.
Jessica Martone, PhD, MSW
Dr. Martone obtained her PhD and MSW from Loyola University Chicago and has extensive experience conducting research and evaluation. She was the Director for Research and Evaluation at The Mark USA and oversaw 60 concurrent projects in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. Jessica designed the research and evaluation methodology, conducted data collection and analysis and developed and disseminated findings. While at Loyola University Chicago Jessica worked for the Institute on Migration and International Social Work and contributed to several immigration focused research projects, including a global study on immigrant integration to identify best practices for social and economic integration. Jessica was an adjunct faculty member at Cal State Fullerton and taught the Research Capstone course and was an adjunct faculty member at Loyola University Chicago where she taught introduction to social work policy and practice courses. Dr. Martone is a subject matter expert approved by the OPC educational planning committee.
Mary Anne Morelli Haskell, DO, FACOP, FCA
Dr. Haskell is a graduate of the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific of Western University and completed a year of training in general medicine and then three years of pediatric residency at Loma Linda University Medical Center. She is board certified by the Osteopathic National Boards. She is boarded by the American Osteopathic Board of Pediatrics and the American Osteopathic Board of Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine. She holds a Certificate of Proficiency in Osteopathy in the Cranial Field from the Osteopathic Cranial Academy and is a Fellow of the Osteopathic Cranial Academy. The College d’Etudes Osteopathiques presented Dr. Haskell with the Viola Frymann award for excellence in osteopathic pediatrics. Her memberships include: AOA, AAO, ACOP, and OCA.
Julie Mai, DO
Dr. Mai is a graduate of the University of California, San Diego, CA and Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Vallejo, CA. Dr. Mai completed a traditional internship at Chino Valley Hospital in Chino, CA. She holds a Certificate of Proficiency in Osteopathy in the Cranial Field from the Osteopathic Cranial Academy. She serves on the Boards of Osteopathy’s Promise to Children, Osteopathic Center for Children and the Osteopathic Cranial Academy. Her memberships are AOA, AAO, OCA, AAPO.
Sources:
“New Beginnings for DOs in California” , Viola Frymann, DO, FAAO, FCA
Interviewed by Michael Seffinger, DO, at the Osteopathic Center for Children, San Diego, CA.
UCI Libraries, University of California, Irvine. 16 Oct 2008.
Web. 19 Feb 2016
Read the full interview here:
https://www.lib.uci.edu/sites/themerger/interview-beginnings-frymann.html
https://www.facebook.com/occsandiego/videos/viola-m-frymann-do-faao/771646646301489/
