Expressing support for designation of the week of April 14, 2013, through April 20, 2013, as National Osteopathic Medicine Week.

Mr. Speaker, I come to the floor today to announce that this week, April 14 through April 20, is National Osteopathic Medicine Week. This week celebrates the contributions of more than 100,000 osteopathic physicians and medical students in the United States to the health of our communities.

There are many doctors in the House of Representatives, but as the lone osteopathic physician in Congress, I feel it incumbent upon me to mark this week by raising awareness of the importance of osteopathic medicine.

The practice of osteopathic medicine was founded by Dr. Andrew Taylor Still in 1874, and over the past 139 years, osteopathic physicians have made significant contributions to the United States health care system. Osteopathic doctors have treated Presidents and Olympic athletes, contributed to the fight against AIDS, and continue to be involved on the front lines of our health care systems today. In fact, Dr. Martin Levine, immediate past president of the American Osteopathic Association, was part of the medical team at the Boston Marathon and was pressed into service, providing immediate care in the wake of yesterday's tragedy.

As osteopathic physicians, we take a holistic approach to medicine that focuses on the health of the whole person, and we are committed to improving the health of the communities we serve through education and awareness, as well as delivering quality health care services.

In light of the contributions made by osteopathic physicians to the health of our Nation, and this being their national week of recognition, I have introduced House Resolution 159, which calls on the House to support the designation of National Osteopathic Medicine Week.

I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the field of osteopathic medicine and supporting the designation of National Osteopathic Medicine Week.