Doctors of osteopathic medicine, known as Osteopathy Doctors or D.O.s, are fully licensed physicians trained to diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries. Like medical doctors (M.D.s), osteopathy doctors complete years of rigorous medical training. However, a key distinction lies in their approach to patient care, which incorporates osteopathic manipulative medicine.
Osteopathy doctors attend osteopathic medical schools in the United States, where they receive comprehensive medical education. Their curriculum mirrors that of traditional medical schools, encompassing subjects like anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and surgery. Following medical school, osteopathy doctors, similar to M.D.s, must complete residency training in their chosen specialty, such as family medicine, internal medicine, or surgery. Furthermore, they are required to pass the same national licensing exams as M.D.s to practice medicine and prescribe medication.
The unique aspect of osteopathic training is the emphasis on a whole-person approach to healthcare. Osteopathy doctors are trained in osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), a set of hands-on techniques used to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness or injury. OMT involves using the hands to gently manipulate muscles, joints, and tissues to encourage the body’s natural healing capabilities. This manual medicine approach can be integrated into a wide range of medical specialties, providing an additional dimension to patient care.
In conclusion, osteopathy doctors are highly qualified and licensed physicians who undergo training comparable to M.D.s, with the added expertise in osteopathic medicine and manual therapy. They offer a comprehensive approach to healthcare, addressing not only symptoms but also the interconnectedness of the body’s systems to promote overall wellness.
References
- What is a D.O.? American Osteopathic Association https://osteopathic.org/what-is-osteopathic-medicine/what-is-a-do/. Accessed Oct. 27, 2022.
- Roberts A, et al. Osteopathic manipulative medicine: A brief review of the hands-on treatment approaches and their therapeutic uses. Medicines. 2022; doi:10.3390/medicines9050033.
- Chin J, et al. Assessing the knowledge of the osteopathic profession in New York City’s Easter European communities. Cureus. 2022; doi:10.7759/cureus.21664.
