The Osteopathic Centre for Children in  London   www.occ.uk.com

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Why I Chose Osteopathy?  Why I am leaving it now !

Why I Chose Osteopathy as a Profession:

My journey to becoming an osteopath began long before I fully understood what osteopathy was. It all started during my childhood near Paris. My mother was a Hospital nurse who worked with a Physiotherapist (who was studying osteopathy at the ESO - Maidstone). Having done a module on Paediatrics, he asked my mother if he could treat us, her children (my sister and myself). She agreed, and that is the way it all started!

From a young age,  I was an avid rugby player. 

Rugby, as thrilling and exhilarating as it was, came with its fair share of injuries. From sprains and strains to bruises and aches, I found myself seeking help more often than I would have liked. However, each of these visits was a transformative experience, thanks to this osteopath who looked after me.

Meeting My First Osteopath: The Man Who Inspired It All

I remember this osteopath vividly. He was an impressive and charismatic man, always wearing big glasses and a surgeon's gown that made him look like someone straight out of a medical textbook. There was an air of confidence about him, a calm reassurance that everything would be alright. Every few months, I would find myself in his clinic, lying on the treatment table as he skilfully worked to ease the discomfort from my latest rugby injury. He didn't just treat the physical pain; he seemed to understand the impact these injuries had on a young, determined athlete. His ability to heal was something beyond the mechanical—it was almost as if he had a sixth sense for what my body needed.

For years, he treated me regularly until I reached the age of 18. By then, my choice was clear: I wanted to become an osteopath too. I admired his ability to restore balance and function in the body, his holistic approach to healing, and his way of addressing the person rather than just the symptoms. I knew that I wanted to provide that same kind of care to others.

Taking a Detour: Studying Medicine

Despite my clear desire to pursue osteopathy, my father had different ideas. He insisted that I should study medicine first, as it would provide a solid foundation and open up broader opportunities. Being 18 and trusting his judgment, I enrolled in medical school and spent the next three years immersed in a world of anatomy, pharmacology, and clinical sciences. It was rigorous and enlightening, but something was missing... The more I progressed, the more I realized that modern orthodox medicine did not resonate with me in the same way osteopathy did. I missed the hands-on approach, the deeper patient connection, and the focus on the body's ability to heal itself.

After much contemplation, I decided that it was time to follow my true calling. Leaving medical school was not an easy decision, but it was the right one.

A New Path: Joining the ESO in Maidstone

Before fully embarking on my osteopathic studies, I was summoned to present myself at a nearby army barracks for my National Service which was compulsory for all young men in France at the time... I enrolled in the Officer's training school, which lasted 6 months then served as a junior officer in the medical corps of the French army, for a year, based near Baden-baden in the Black Forest of Germany...
This experience of leading men at the age of 20-21 reinforced my commitment to a career in healthcare but also strengthened my resolve to follow the osteopathic path. 

Upon completing my National Service, I enrolled at the European School of Osteopathy (ESO) in Maidstone. 

It was a new country, a new language, and a new beginning. Those first few months were particularly challenging, not least because I was adjusting to studying in English. French was my mother tongue, and it took about three months before I could fully understand what the teachers were saying. It was an uphill battle, but I embraced it with determination, knowing I was finally on the right path.

Discovering the Right Fit

As I progressed in my studies, it quickly became apparent that I had made the right choice. The more I learned, the more I felt at home in osteopathy. I was captivated by its philosophy that the body has an inherent capacity for self-healing, which can be harnessed through skilled manual techniques. It reminded me of the approach taken by the osteopath who had treated me as a child—a philosophy that addressed the body as a whole rather than just focusing on isolated symptoms. 

The ESO provided a comprehensive education that combined rigorous scientific training with practical skills in osteopathic techniques. I found immense satisfaction in being able to work with my hands, to palpate and understand the subtle movements of the body, and to apply techniques that could make a significant difference in a patient's well-being. 

Despite the language barrier at the beginning, the supportive environment at the ESO helped me overcome these hurdles. I became more fluent in the medical terminology and, gradually, more confident in my abilities. Each practical session reinforced my passion for osteopathy and the belief that this was the right profession for me.

Reflections on the Journey

Looking back, I realised that the path to osteopathy was not a straightforward one, but every step brought me closer to the person I am today. The early influence of my osteopath in Paris, the detour through medical school, my time in the army, and the challenges of studying in a foreign language all shaped my approach to osteopathy. Each experience helped to solidify my commitment to providing a form of healthcare that is personal, holistic, and deeply rooted in the principles I first encountered as a young rugby player.

Osteopathy was more than just a profession for me; it was a calling that has been a part of my life since childhood. It allowed me to connect with patients in a meaningful way, to understand their stories, and to help them achieve a better quality of life. I continue to draw inspiration from the osteopath who first guided me onto this path, and I hope to offer my patients the same sense of healing and care that I was fortunate to receive.

Conclusion: Why move to Etiopathic Medicine?

Changing from Osteopathy to Etiopathy will be one of the most Challenging decisions I have ever made.

However this New profession will allow me to combine my passion for manual therapy, give me the freedom to be creative with a wider, holistic understanding of health and well-being.
Transitioning will be a journey with many new challenges, but one that will continue to inspire me every day. 

I am grateful for the experiences that led me here and look forward to continuing to help others on their own journeys to health.

Marc Deora, DO., Paediatric Etiopath