Dr. Paul T. Scheatzle serves as the medical director for the Aultman Woodlawn medical rehabilitation program.
He has been a delegate to the Ohio Osteopathic House of Delegates, as well as the American Osteopathic Association House of Delegates for the past 20 years. He said being a delegate provides the chance to influence policy that can improve the health of patients and communities.
Scheatzle, 60, lives in Jackson Township with his wife Veronica. They have been married for 30 years and have four adult children, Rachael, Paul Jr., Patrick and Barrett.
He graduated from the University of Akron with a bachelor’s degree and then master’s degree in biology before studying at the Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, where he received his osteopathic medical degree in 1992.
“During my third year of medical school, I spent time with Dr. Glenn Blankenhorn, who was a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician,” Scheatzle said. “He became a great mentor to me. I was fascinated by how he looked at each patient as a whole person, and encompassed osteopathic manipulation, physical medicine, and exercise into their overall care.”
From there, he went to MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland to study physical medicine and rehabilitation. He returned to Massillon after completing his residency and has practiced in Stark County since.
What is the difference between a DO and an MD?
The key difference between DOs or doctor of osteopathic medicine and MDs or allopathic physicians is that DOs are trained to take a holistic approach.
We focus on the body’s ability to heal itself and we spend extra time training to learn osteopathic manipulation. We study the different ways in which many diseases or pain conditions can result in physical abnormalities or “somatic dysfunction.” Osteopathic manipulation or OMT is a hands-on approach we use to ease musculoskeletal pain and other health conditions.
Both DOs and MDs complete four years of medical school and then anywhere from three to eight more years of residency and fellowship training. The key difference occurs during medical school when osteopathic medical students are taught to look at the patient as a whole person and study the body’s ability to heal itself.
DO students spend extra time learning osteopathic manipulative treatment. This is manual treatment directed towards somatic dysfunction or structural abnormalities that can occur in the body, which may lead to pain and decreased function.
Why did you want to be a delegate to the Ohio Osteopathic House of Delegates?
I have been a delegate to the Ohio Osteopathic House of Delegates, as well as the national AOA House of Delegates for the past 20 years. I really enjoy serving in this capacity.
We are able to write resolutions regarding issues that matter to us and our patients. It allows us to influence policy that can improve the health of our patients and communities. Resolutions we write and vote upon cover a broad range of topics ranging from healthy snacks in schools to the importance of bike helmets.
You are also a published author. What is the name and focus of your book?
I published a book in 2010 called, “The Journey. Take the Path to Health and Fitness, Energize Your Life.”
In my book, I explored much of the current diet and exercise information. I attempted to provide a roadmap to improve performance and to provide some insight into the rehabilitation process.
I was inspired to write it by my own history of going through rehabilitation for a prolonged period, as well as being touched by so many great rehabilitation success stories in my patients.
Being so busy professionally, how do you stay active and healthy personally?
Although I stay very busy professionally, I make a point of dedicating time to staying active and healthy.
I’ve gotten into the routine of starting my workday early in the morning, so I am typically able to get away to the gym for a while in the late afternoon to exercise. Recently, I’ve gotten into biking and am training to complete the Ohio to Erie Trail Ride from Cincinnati to Cleveland with a couple of my brothers and friends.
I also enjoy yoga, tennis, golf and gardening. We also always set time aside on Sundays for family and for church at St. Michael’s here in Canton.
What are your favorite genres for movies, music and books?
My favorite genre of movies would definitely be adventure-type movies like “Mission Impossible” or James Bond movies.
I have a broad music taste. I like everything from the hits of the 1970s, alternative rock of the ’90s and early 2000s, to today’s current country music. It depends a lot on my mood. If I’m doing something like mowing the lawn, more often, I find myself listening to podcasts. Typically, nonfiction podcasts such as “Freakonomics” or “Stuff You Should Know,” or maybe “The Tony Robbins Podcast.”
When it comes to books, if I’m heading to the beach, I’ll grab a mystery novel paperback by somebody like Harlan Cohen or James Grisham. When I’m home reading or listening to a book on tape, it is usually a nonfiction book, such as an autobiography of a famous successful person.
Editor’s note: Five questions with … is a Sunday feature that showcases a member of the Stark County community. If you’d like to recommend someone to participate, send an email to [email protected].
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