Ohio University Grad: Gina Merritt

After completing her undergraduate work, Gina Merritt enrolled at the Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine.  The work required of her at the College of Osteopathic Medicine was though, but Gina Merritt completed the task at hand with flying colors.

Merritt graduated from the Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine with residency at the University of Connecticut Health Center.  Gina Merritt worked at other hospitals throughout Connecticut around this same time, including Norfolk Hospital and the West Haven, VA Hospital, however, her residency at the University of Connecticut Health Center was one of the greatest challenges.

When she tells the average person about her time at the Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine, the most common question she hears is, “What is osteopathy?”  The word is rather unfamiliar to many people, but contrary to what you might think, is by no means an obscure branch of medicine.

Osteopathic Medicine has existed for well over 100 years, and is rising in popularity.  In 2011, one out of five medical students were pursing a Doctor of Osteopathy degree (D.O.) – compared to the more common Doctor of Medicine (M.D.).  Today, Doctors of Osteopathy enjoy the same rights and privilege to practice in the United States (and many other countries) as Doctors of Medicine.

Students who study osteopathy – whether at Ohio University (like Gina Merritt) or elsewhere – often spend 300-500 more hours studying hands-on manual medicine than students who pursue an M.D.  Because of an intense focus on the musculus skeletal system, many doctors of osteopathy – Gina Merritt included – feel extremely competent and prepared for dealing with a variety of medical issues that patients might come in with on a daily basis.  Gina Merritt always likes to encourage young patients who are aspiring medical professionals to consider osteopathy as an option for their educational route.