May 2008
Cover articles
Building trust: DOs examine cultural competency in medicine
To achieve the overarching goal of improving patients’ health, physicians need to grasp the complex web of religious, ethnic and community traditions that influence patients’ attitudes and behavior.
Out but not loud: Even as acceptance grows, gay DOs, students remain wary
For every physician who is openly gay or transgender, many remain closeted, fearing they will not be accepted within the medical community.
Life in transition: Transgender DO provides safe haven for patients
When Christine N. McGinn, DO, decided to publicly discuss her experiences as a male-to-female transsexual, she knew the revelation could take a damaging toll on her career as an osteopathic physician.
Departments
Newsbriefs—National Provider Identifier deadline approaches
Effective May 23, physicians who engage in electronic transactions must use only their National Provider Identifier number on claims submitted to Medicare. Also, the AOA Council of Interns and Residents e-mailed the first issue of its semimonthly newsletter.
President’s Voice—Eliminating health disparities
Healthcare and health-outcome disparities between racial minorities and white Americans are glaring, writes AOA President Peter B. Ajluni, DO.
Executive Director’s Desk—Professional service paves the way for greatness
AOA Executive Director John B. Crosby, JD, details the benefits of volunteering.
To the Point—Medical communication can be funny
Arnold Melnick, DO, shares humorous tidbits of medical communication he’s collected over the years.
OMS Spotlight—Student art exhibit examines cancer at cellular level
Robert Kelley, OMS III, describes the Canvas of Hope gallery, a mixture of art, charity and education that opened at TUCOM-CA in March.
History bureau’s essay competition now targets five core principles
To entice osteopathic medical students, interns and residents to study their profession’s past struggles and achievements, the AOA Bureau of Osteopathic History and Identity is conducting its fourth annual history essay competition.