Heritage College Recognizes Pioneers in Osteopathy at Awards Ceremony

The Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine honored the life and career of Robert C. Fulford, a pioneer in holistic osteopathic medicine, at a dedication ceremony in Heritage Hall on April 14.

Dr. Robert C. Fulford’s Osteopathic Holistic Medicine Lab was unveiled by students, faculty, university leaders and fans of Dr. Fulford, along with his son, Richard Graf Fulford.

“I am very pleased to think that from now on all medical students on the Athens campus will know the name of Robert Fulford and his contributions to the field of osteopathic medicine while taking classes in this space.” Executive Director Ken Johnson said. The Dean of Heritage University and the Chief Medical Officer of Ohio attended the ceremony.

Richard Graf Fulford Donating $700,000 to Heritage College, Dr. Robert C. Fulford Establishes Endowment Fund Support the university’s osteopathic holistic medicine program. The endowment will be created in the future through a bequest in Fulford’s will and is currently estimated at $300,000. The total donation is the largest donation to an individual in the history of Heritage College.

Robert Fulford was born in 1905 and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. As a graduate of the University of Kansas City College of Osteopathic Medicine, his practice focused primarily on osteopathic manipulative medicine and alternative medicine such as cranial manipulation and cranial osteopathy. During his career, he developed innovative treatments, especially those using percussion hammers. He authored his three books, developed several methods for treating chronic diseases, and opened practices in Indiana, Ohio, and Arizona before retiring and opening his own clinic in Waverly, Ohio. I spent the rest of my life. During his time at Waverly, Robert developed relationships and shared his medical knowledge with Heritage University faculty and students. He died in his 1997.

Richard Graf Fulford, who now lives in Ontario, Canada, did not follow in his father’s footsteps in medicine and instead built much of his wealth in financial investments.

“I am very happy that I made a really good decision with the money I earned to donate to this school,” Richard said at the dedication ceremony. “I’m really impressed with the educational programs that are going on here.”

Johnson presented Richard with an Honorary Alumni Award. This award is given to non-alumni who have brought honor, exemplary service and support to Heritage College and its community of alumni, students and faculty.

“I’m really bad at teaching,” said Richard. “I spend my money on education…and I thought this would be a good place to send a lot of money.”