A Doctor Of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) is a fully licensed physician who practices in all areas of medicine. Graduating from an osteopathic medical school in the United States, a D.O. completes rigorous medical training comparable to that of a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.), who graduates from a traditional medical school. Both D.O.s and M.D.s are qualified to diagnose and treat medical conditions, perform surgery, and prescribe medication.
One of the distinctive aspects of osteopathic medicine is its emphasis on a whole-person approach to healthcare. Doctors of osteopathic medicine are trained to consider the interconnectedness of the body’s systems and how they influence each other. This philosophy is often integrated into their treatment plans, and many D.O.s utilize osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) as part of their patient care. OMM is a set of hands-on techniques that may include massage, stretching, and gentle pressure to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness or injury by addressing musculoskeletal issues.
The educational path for a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine is demanding and comprehensive. After completing a four-year undergraduate degree, aspiring D.O.s attend a four-year osteopathic medical school. The curriculum in these medical schools is very similar to that of M.D. programs, covering basic sciences, clinical medicine, and surgery. Furthermore, osteopathic medical students receive additional training in osteopathic principles and practice, learning the techniques of OMM.
Following medical school, both D.O.s and M.D.s are required to complete a residency program in their chosen specialty, such as family medicine, internal medicine, surgery, or pediatrics. These residency programs typically last from three to seven years, providing extensive hands-on training in a specific medical field. Crucially, to become fully licensed physicians, both D.O.s and M.D.s must pass the same national licensing examinations. This ensures that all licensed physicians, regardless of their degree, meet the same rigorous standards of medical knowledge and competency to provide patient care.
