Whereas, Michigan is the state with the most osteopathic physicians in the nation; therefore the osteopathic profession in Michigan has served as a role model regarding the importance of treating people and not just symptoms for the entire country, and,

Whereas, Today the osteopathic profession is lead by the Michigan Osteopathic Association, the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, and osteopathic hospitals and physicians as they have continued a tradition of excellence in medicine and remained a force in ensuring health legislation that serves the best interest of the people of Michigan, and,

Whereas, Access to care continues to be a challenge and osteopathic physicians continue their dedication to healing by serving in rural and urban communities to provide quality care to some of our state’s most disadvantaged populations, and,

Whereas, Michigan is home to one of the nation’s twenty osteopathic colleges (MSUCOM), which has embodied the patient-centered care identified with the osteopathic profession and realizing that education is the key to providing quality care, the osteopathic profession continues to provide continued education for today’s health care providers and those of tomorrow, and now therefore be it,

Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of Michigan do hereby proclaim the week of February 16, 2003, be known as Michigan Osteopathic Medicine Week, and urge the people of Michigan to observe the contributions that these caring health care providers have made toward the science of medicine, the art of caring and the power of touch that has healed so many in our communities and worked toward a healthier Michigan for all.