Richard S. Koch, DO, Class of 1938
The Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine recognizes Dr. Richard S. Koch as a graduate for over 70 years, a recipient of the O.J. Snyder Memorial Medal in 1988, and a beloved and devoted friend.
Dr. Koch lectured frequently on rehabilitation medicine and another favorite treatment modality, sclerotherapy. Central to Dr. Koch’s medical philosophy is the conviction that correct alignment of the spine is essential to maintaining the optimum health of the entire body. In the 1960s as state after state granted full licensure to DOs, he advocated for a change in the profession’s title from Osteopathy to Osteopathic Medicine to better reflect its full parity with MDs’ allopathic medicine. He published in the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, as well as the Year Book of Selected Osteopathic Papers (American Academy of Osteopathy). In addition to his memberships on the PCOM board of trustees and alumni board, he served on the boards of the American Academy of Osteopathy and the American College of Osteopathic General Practitioners, among others.
Dr. Koch would tell students today …”DOs must proudly and genuinely apply osteopathic principles and understand and convey to the public their additional education regarding mechanical-somatic inefficiencies, their occurrence, prevention, and correction.”
The College gratefully acknowledges Dr. Koch for his many contributions.
