Matthew J. Fowler received the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree from the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) Bradenton on June 5 at the Bradenton (Florida) Area Convention Center.

Dr. Fowler is a graduate of Boston University and received the Dedication to Primary Care Award in Internal Medicine. That award is given to the member of the graduating class who has upheld the ideals of the osteopathic profession and demonstrated the desire and ability to become a primary care physician as exemplified by interest in Internal Medicine.

LECOM graduates go on to residency training through the American Osteopathic Association or the National Resident Matching Program to pursue their medical specialties.

Osteopathic medicine emphasizes a whole-person approach to health care. The D.O. helps each individual achieve wellness by focusing on health education, injury prevention and disease prevention.

Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine provide all of the benefits of modern medicine including prescription drugs, surgery, and the use of technology to diagnose disease and evaluate injury. D.O.’s offer the added benefit of hands-on diagnosis and treatment through a system of therapy known as O.M.O., Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine.