Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX USA) Practice

During what event did osteopathy reduce morbidity and mortality significantly?

1. World War I

2. Spanish influenza

3. Publication of the Flexner Report

4. California D.O. to M.D. exchange

The correct answer is: Spanish influenza

The Spanish influenza pandemic of 1918-1919 represents a significant event in which osteopathy was shown to reduce morbidity and mortality rates. During this crisis, osteopathic practitioners employed their holistic and manual treatment approaches to manage patients suffering from pneumonia and other complications associated with the influenza virus. Reports from that time indicated that osteopathic interventions, which included various forms of manipulation and support for the body's inherent ability to heal, were associated with lower death rates compared to conventional medical practices. This period was critical for the field of osteopathy as practitioners demonstrated their effectiveness in providing care during a public health crisis. Their contributions during the pandemic helped solidify the role of osteopathic medicine in the wider healthcare system, leading to recognition of its value in patient care, especially in the face of widespread illness. Understanding this historical context highlights not only the capabilities of osteopathy but also its focus on the interrelationship between the body's musculoskeletal structure and overall health, which remains a fundamental principle in osteopathic practice today.