WesternU alumnus is OMM Outstanding Resident of the Year

 

Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific (COMP) alumnus Matthew Barker, DO ’15, has been named 2018 Outstanding Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) Resident of the Year by two national osteopathic organizations.

The American Osteopathic Foundation (AOF) and the American Academy of Osteopathy (AAO) stated that the award is “given in recognition of your exemplary work, demonstrated leadership and steadfast clinical performance.”

Barker will be honored during AOF’s 2018 Honors Gala on Friday, Oct. 5, 2018 at the Marriott Marquis in San Diego, California.

Barker is in his fourth year of the combined Family Medicine and Osteopathic Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine residency program – a joint venture between the University of North Texas Health Science Center and Medical City Fort Worth.

Barker said he is a firm believer in the “Tenets of Osteopathy” and keeps them present in the caring for his patients while looking for the cause of the problem instead of just chasing symptoms.

Dr. Thomas Crow, Barker’s program director at the time, nominated him.

Crow nominated Barker because he is committed to osteopathic medicine, is a strong leader, cares for the community and is dedicated to educating, mentoring and teaching others.

Barker said he will continue to educate other health care professionals and the general public regarding OMM through networking, giving presentations, and on social media and that one of his goals is that OMM is no longer the best-kept secret in medicine.

“I feel honored to have been selected for this award and commit to continue representing the Osteopathic profession going forward,” Barker said. “I knew going into medical school that I wanted to become an OMM specialist and each day that I get to work doing what I love, it doesn’t really seem like work at all.”