A Trailblazer in the Field

During a time when osteopathic physicians were viewed as lesser than traditional medical doctors, Murray Goldstein, D.O.'50, M.P.H., chose to fully embrace osteopathic medicine. What he couldn't predict was just how much of a difference his dedication would make to the profession.

Goldstein visited Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences' new campus at 8025 Grand Ave. in West Des Moines during the Grand Celebration weekend in September. He was joined by his daughter and grandson and spoke during the Pioneers of Osteopathic Medicine Ceremony, which took place next to the wall that honors all seven pioneers.

"I was given responsibility to accomplish medical needs and that's what I did. I was not trying to build osteopathy," Goldstein says. "I frequently reminded people I encountered that I was not an M.D., I was an osteopathic physician. This distinction was very important to me." Goldstein believes having both M.D. and D.O. voices at the table is important when it comes to treating patients with compassion and care.

His groundbreaking "firsts" helped pave the way for osteopathic physicians after him to gain equal recognition alongside their allopathic peers. For these contributions, Goldstein was named one of seven DMU Pioneers of Osteopathic Medicine - a prestigious honor that celebrates alumni who made a lasting impact on the field and helped shape the future of health care. At 99, he is the oldest living DMU alumnus and pioneer.