Whitney Williams, DO

Family Practice
Wichita

I told everyone that I wanted to be a doctor at a young age--too young to have actually known what that meant, but even then, something in me found the human body fascinating. Although the journey had several twists and turns along the way, I ultimately realized after completing my undergraduate degree at McPherson College that 8-year-old me knew what she was talking about!

Prior to applying for medical school, I had never heard of osteopathic (D.O.) medicine. The more I researched, the more I came to realize how much I preferred the osteopathic approach over the more well-known allopathic (M.D.) education. I quickly learned that much of the general public was not familiar with osteopathic medicine, and I would often be asked what the difference was. I formulated a response to sum it up as best I could: D.O.s spend the same number of years in school and training as our M.D. counterparts, and even follow the same general curriculum. One major difference is that osteopathy has an underlying philosophy geared towards a more holistic approach. The idea is that the human body is beautifully designed and should be capable of self-healing and maintaining equilibrium, and that our job as physicians is to work alongside our patients to help facilitate those abilities. This really resonated with me, as I’ve always subscribed to the notion that science can and should be used to promote wellness, not merely to treat illness, and that we should strive for the least invasive and most natural treatments when illness does appear. Another major difference for D.O.s is that, in addition to the regular curriculum, we also receive training in Osteopathic Manipulation Treatment (OMT). OMT is a set of hands-on techniques used to diagnose and treat dysfunctions or imbalances in the musculoskeletal system, which is firmly intertwined with the nervous system and thus all other systems in the body. It is an extra tool that can be used to correct not only structural issues, but even some physiologic conditions. Unfortunately it was tricky to maintain those skills after school ended, but I have high hopes of continuing my training in OMT to use it in my practice here at PHW.

After graduating from Touro University Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2018, I moved to Wichita to begin a residency in family medicine through the University of Kansas at Wesley Medical Center. Residency was a 3-year whirlwind of intense training topped off with some major life changes (moving, marriage, and children). I learned and grew so much from my amazing teachers and great opportunities. Despite these experiences, as graduation neared, I felt uncertain about what I wanted my future to look like. When I found out about PHW, I immediately realized it was the right fit. As with osteopathy 7 years earlier, I quickly learned that this is exactly how I want to practice medicine; a holistic, natural, team-based approach in which the patient is a fundamental partner in their own care. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this team. Though I am new to the field, I am beyond excited to learn from my colleagues (and from the amazing patients here!). I can’t wait to grow and progress and hopefully make a long-term home for myself at PHW.

When I’m not at work, I spend most of my time with my husband and our two children. I also enjoy playing soccer and crafting. I grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah and try to fly home to visit family and friends and my mountains as often as I can. I’ve always loved spending time outdoors and am constantly on the lookout for activities in Kansas to fill the gaps that were left when I moved away from the mountains.