About Us

What is Osteopathic Medicine?

Osteopathic Medicine is a complete system of medical care with a philosophy of treating the whole person, not just the symptoms. It emphasizes the interrelationships of structure and function, and the appreciation of the body’s ability to heal itself.

Osteopathic Medicine provides all of the benefits of medicine including prescription drugs, surgery and the use of technology to diagnose and treat illness, disease and injury.

D.O.s are most likely to consider the impact that lifestyle and community have on the health of each individual before prescribing medication, and they work one-on-one with each patient to identify and erase barriers that may impede good health. Osteopathic physicians focus on prevention and strive to help you be truly healthy in mind, body and spirit, not just free of symptoms. The growing demand for osteopathic care among our population reflects an increasing desire of patients to resolve health problems with minimal drugs and surgery.

What is a D.O.?
  • a D.O. is a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine.
  • a D.O. is a fully-licensed physician; M.D.s are the only other licensed physicians.
  • a D.O. graduates from a College of Osteopathic Medicine.
  • a D.O. follows the same basic medical education and training as does an M.D., however, their philosophy is different.
  • a D.O. takes an exam before obtaining a license to practice medicine.
  • a D.O. can be a family physician or a specialist.
  • a D.O. places emphasis on caring for the “whole” person.
  • a D.O. can provide an added dimension of healthcare — osteopathic manipulative treatment.

History of CSOF

The Colorado Springs Osteopathic Foundation, a hospital conversion foundation (Eisenhower Medical Center), was established August 14, 1984 as a 501(c)(3) 509a public charity. Its original purpose was to engage primarily in the conduct of medical care, medical education and public education. This was accomplished by operating an ambulatory osteopathic family practice clinic for the underserved populations in El Paso County and environs; operating a Family Practice Residency Program and providing a facility to train and educate osteopathic students, interns, and residents; conducting continuing medical education programs; and finally, educating the public in matters relating to osteopathic medicine and health.

Today the Foundation is still organized and operated exclusively for charitable and educational purposes. On July 1, 2009, the Foundation became a private, non-operating foundation whose purpose is to improve the health and well-being of its community consistent with its osteopathic heritage.

Milestones

August 14, 1984
The Foundation is established

October 1985 to June 2002
The Foundation provides more than $3,000,000 in care for the uninsured and Medicaid populations

June 1987
The Foundation receives accreditation from the American Osteopathic Association to become a postgraduate training facility and to conduct a family practice residency program

1987 to 2006
61 family practice physicians train and graduate; four fellows are trained in geriatric medicine and two fellows are trained in sports medicine

July 2002 to 2004
An AOA-approved internship program is implemented; four D.O. physicians complete their internship through our program

July 1, 2009
The Foundation becomes a 501(c)(3) private, non operating foundation under section 509a

2009 – Present Day
$2,429,027 awarded in grants to health-related nonprofit organizations
$980,000 awarded in tuition scholarships to Osteopathic medical students

Board of Directors

2023-2024 Board

Cynthia Lund, D.O., President
Curry Horak, M.D., Immediate Past President
Maile Foster, CFP, President-Elect
John Gebauer, J.D., Treasurer
Mike Steppenbacker, Secretary
Meagan Jones, D.O.
William Mandell, D.O., J.D.
Sidney Rubinow, D.O.
Glenn Schlabs, Esq.
Michael Welch, D.O.

Executive Director & CEO

Doris L. Ralston, MPA
DRalston@csof.org