Choosing Osteopathic Medicine

Talking Rehab with Dr. Fred Bagares

In this episode of the Talking Rehab Podcast, I share my personal journey into the world of rehabilitation and osteopathic medicine. From childhood aspirations shaped by my Asian immigrant parents to discovering my passion for sports medicine in high school, I'll take you through my evolving career path.

**Key Topics:**

**[00:33] Childhood Aspirations and Early Experiences**

- **[00:39] Family Expectations:** The influence of my Asian immigrant parents on my career choice.

- **[01:04] High School Sports Medicine:** My first real experience in the medical field, working in the training room and on the field.

**[01:16] College and Career Exploration**

- **[01:21] College Years:** Majoring in biology and being pre-med, while questioning if medical school was for me or my parents.

- **[01:24] Exploring Other Fields:** Considering chiropractic medicine, pharmacy, PA programs, and physical therapy.

**[02:04] Physical Therapy Experience**

- **[02:15] PT Clinic Work:** Volunteering in a PT clinic, working as a PTA, and enjoying the experience.

- **[02:33] Meeting with USC Professor:** How a conversation shifted my path from PT to considering medical programs.

**[03:36] The Missing Piece in Patient Outcomes**

- **[03:57] Observations in PT Clinics:** Noticing varied patient progress and questioning why some improved while others didn’t.

- **[04:49] Chiropractic and Medical Questions:** Exploring chiropractic field and realizing the need for medical training to answer my questions.

**[06:00] Discovering Osteopathic Medicine**

- **[06:12] Cousin’s Influence:** Learning about osteopathic medicine from my cousin.

- **[06:17] Limited Information:** Finding information through word of mouth and snail mail in a pre-internet era.

- **[07:09] Senior Year Decision:** The realization during finals that I wanted to go to medical school.

**[07:50] Choosing Osteopathic Over Allopathic**

- **[08:03] Health-Focused Approach:** The appeal of starting with health and symmetry in osteopathic medicine.

- **[08:09] Hands-On Training:** The value of hands-on approach from day one in osteopathic medical schools.

**[10:27] The Value of Osteopathic Medicine**

- **[11:02] Seeking the Missing Piece:** Feeling something was missing in traditional allopathic training.

- **[11:43] Pride in Osteopathic Training:** Encouraging others to consider this valuable education system.

- **[12:00] Hands-On Approach:** The irreplaceable value of tactile learning in osteopathic medicine.

Join me as I reflect on my journey and the importance of an osteopathic approach in rehabilitation. If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to like and subscribe. Stay connected and movement-filled!

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- Instagram: @drfredbagares

- Facebook: @drfredbagares

- LinkedIn: Fred Bagares DO

- YouTube: Dr. Fred Bagares - YouTube

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