A Doctor Of Osteopathy (DO) is a fully licensed physician in the United States, just like a Doctor of Medicine (MD). Graduating from an osteopathic medical school, a DO is trained to provide comprehensive medical care. While both DOs and MDs share rigorous medical training, a key differentiator lies in the osteopathic philosophy, which emphasizes a whole-person approach to medicine and incorporates osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT).
What exactly sets a Doctor of Osteopathy apart? Osteopathic medical schools in the U.S. offer training that is parallel to that of traditional medical schools. DOs learn all the conventional aspects of medicine, including diagnosis, treatment, pharmacology, and surgery. However, their education also includes extensive training in the musculoskeletal system and OMT. OMT is a set of hands-on techniques used to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness or injury by manipulating muscles and joints.
The training pathway for both DOs and MDs is remarkably similar post-medical school. After earning their degrees, both must complete residency training in their chosen specialties, which can range from primary care to surgery and everything in between. Furthermore, DOs and MDs are required to pass the same licensing examinations to be able to practice medicine, prescribe medication, and treat patients across the full spectrum of medical conditions.
In summary, a Doctor of Osteopathy is a highly qualified physician who has completed extensive medical training and is licensed to practice medicine. While they share the same core medical competencies as MDs, DOs bring an additional dimension to patient care through their osteopathic philosophy and skills in manual medicine, offering a unique and holistic approach to healthcare.
