Rowan-Virtua SOM vice dean co-authors updated osteopathic medicine clinical guide

Dr. Millicent King Channell, Vice Dean, Academic Affairs & Student Services at Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine has dedicated her career to advancing osteopathic medicine through education, leadership and patient care. Now, she is continuing that mission through the latest edition of a widely used clinical resource for osteopathic physicians and students.

Channell recently co-authored the third edition of “The 5-Minute Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine Consult,” alongside longtime colleague and collaborator David C. Mason, DO, MBA, CPPS, FACOFP. The updated edition builds upon versions published in 2009 and 2020 and continues to serve as a practical guide for integrating osteopathic manipulative treatment, or OMT, into everyday clinical practice.

For Channell, the book grew out of a shared desire to help students and physicians confidently apply osteopathic principles in real-world patient care settings.

“Students often learn OMT techniques during training, but many struggle with how to incorporate them efficiently into clinical practice,” Channell said. “We wanted to create a resource that makes osteopathic care approachable, practical and easy to integrate into patient visits.”

The pocket-sized reference guide is designed for medical students, residents and practicing physicians. It focuses on quick, effective treatments that can be performed in just a few minutes, helping physicians provide hands-on care while improving patient comfort and outcomes.

The third edition, which is available in the digital collection of SOM’s Hope Brings Strength Library, includes updated references, billing and coding guidance, and expanded educational content for Osteopathic Recognition residency programs. The revisions also help fill knowledge gaps for MD trainees interested in incorporating osteopathic manipulative treatment into their practices.

Channell said the continued success of the book reflects a growing interest in patient-centered, hands-on treatment approaches.

“Patients are increasingly looking for treatment options that complement traditional medicine and reduce reliance on medications or invasive procedures,” she said. “OMT gives physicians another tool to help patients heal while reinforcing the osteopathic philosophy of whole-person care.”

A graduate of the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Channell completed residencies in Family Medicine and Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine/Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine before joining UMDNJ-SOM (now Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine) as faculty in the Departments of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine and Family Medicine. Her work has extended beyond the classroom and clinic to national leadership roles, including serving as president of the American Academy of Osteopathy in 2023.

Whether in the classroom, clinic or through her writing, Channell continues to advocate for the integration of osteopathic principles into modern medicine — ensuring future generations of physicians are equipped to provide comprehensive, patient-centered care.