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Second Annual A.P. Howells, DO, Endowed Lectureship at WesternU

On August 29-30, 2026, the Heatherington College of Osteopathic Medicine at Western University of Health Sciences held its second annual A.P. Howells, DO, Endowed Lectureship. This year’s focus was a practical introduction to the Fascial Distortion Model (FDM), aimed at helping healthcare providers address and manage common musculoskeletal issues.

The event combined online learning platforms with hands-on demonstrations and supervised practice, providing attendees with insights into effectively recognizing and treating distortion patterns associated with musculoskeletal discomfort. Leading the workshop was Dr. Todd Capistrant, a nationally recognized educator in the FDM, who has been a Medical Director with Foundation Health Partners since 2013. Dr. Capistrant's background in family and osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) made him an ideal choice to guide participants through this innovative treatment model.

Dr. Capistrant emphasized the importance of viewing patients as active partners in the healing process. By urging participants to observe pain gestures and listen attentively to patients’ descriptions of discomfort, he highlighted that a patient-centric approach is vital in addressing fascial distortions. The hands-on nature of FDM allows practitioners to refine their skills, resulting in effective treatments that can significantly improve patients' conditions. "Helping patients maintain an active lifestyle is crucial, as it is one of the best predictors of long-term health,” Dr. Capistrant noted. “Our osteopathic toolkit, especially when leveraged alongside FDM, empowers patients by reducing their risks of various diseases and illnesses.”

In addition to its practical components, the lectureship served as a tribute to the legacy of Dr. A.P. Howells, a key figure in the establishment of osteopathic medicine in Oregon. His journey into osteopathy began with transformative personal treatment experiences, and he spent over five decades serving communities in the Willamette Valley. Dr. Howells operated with a commitment to holistic care, often performing various medical duties from delivering babies to undertaking minor surgical procedures, epitomizing the general practitioner model of his time.

Jocelyn Howells, his daughter, shared poignant memories of her father’s dedication, recounting how he would make house calls at all hours, undeterred by financial barriers from his patients. His service-focused approach left an indelible mark on community health and set a precedent for future osteopathic practitioners.

The evening of the first day of the lectureship also featured the inaugural Shoulders of Giants Endowed Lectureship Dinner, celebrating Dr. Howells’ contributions and recognizing the work of both osteopathic physicians and students dedicated to the advancement of their field. Among those honored were Dr. Mary Howells, Dr. A.P. Howells’ sister, who also made significant strides in osteopathic medicine.

The dinner marked the establishment of the John Stiger, DO, Student Champion of Osteopathic Medicine Award, honoring Dr. Stiger’s commitment to mentorship and the advancement of osteopathic principles. The evening also recognized outstanding contributions within the discipline, with awards presented to Micah Thorp, DO, for leadership in osteopathic medicine, and Maggie Doe, DO, for her role as a vanguard for women in the field, alongside Alissa Reed, a fourth-year student, who received the newly established student champion award.

Reflecting on the significance of the lectureship, Dr. Heather Phipps, Site Dean at WesternU HCOM, stated, "The A.P. Howells, DO Endowed Lectureship is a tribute to pioneers in osteopathic medicine, reminding us to embrace both scientific knowledge and human compassion in our practice. We owe a debt of gratitude to Jocelyn Howells and her family for carrying forward a legacy that significantly contributes to community health and the education of future physicians."

As WesternU continues to blend education with practical application in healthcare, events like the A.P. Howells, DO, Endowed Lectureship serve not only to uplift osteopathic methods but also to commemorate the impactful histories that shape the profession today.