Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs) are fully licensed physicians who practice in all areas of medicine. Like their M.D. (Doctor of Medicine) counterparts, DOs complete rigorous medical school training, residency programs, and licensing exams. The core question many have is: what does a DO do for a doctor that might be different? While both DOs and MDs offer comprehensive medical care, understanding the nuances of osteopathic medicine can clarify their unique contributions to healthcare.
One of the foundational distinctions lies in the philosophy of osteopathic medicine. DOs are trained to take a “whole person” approach to healthcare, considering the interconnectedness of the body’s systems. This perspective is interwoven throughout their medical education and practice. Furthermore, DOs receive specific training in Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT).
Alt text: Osteopathic doctor using hands-on manipulation to diagnose and treat a patient’s back pain.
DO vs. MD: Similarities and Shared Ground
It’s crucial to emphasize the significant overlap between DOs and MDs. Both types of physicians:
- Attend medical school: DOs attend osteopathic medical schools, while MDs attend allopathic medical schools. However, both curricula cover the same fundamental medical sciences, including anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and pathology.
- Complete residency training: After medical school, both DOs and MDs must complete residency programs in their chosen specialties, such as family medicine, surgery, pediatrics, or cardiology. These residencies provide in-depth, hands-on clinical experience.
- Pass licensing examinations: To become licensed physicians, both DOs and MDs must pass the same national licensing exams. This ensures that all licensed doctors meet the same standards of medical knowledge and competency.
- Practice all specialties: DOs are qualified to practice in any medical specialty, just like MDs. You can find DOs working as surgeons, primary care physicians, specialists, and researchers across the healthcare spectrum.
This shared rigorous training and licensing means that when you see a DO, you are seeing a fully qualified and licensed physician capable of providing the same comprehensive medical care as an MD.
The Osteopathic Difference: Manual Medicine and Holistic Care
The key differentiator in answering “what does a DO do for a doctor” lies in their additional training in osteopathic principles and practice, particularly OMT.
Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT): This is a set of hands-on techniques used by DOs to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness or injury. OMT involves using the hands to gently move and manipulate muscles, joints, and tissues. The goal of OMT is to:
- Relieve pain: By addressing musculoskeletal imbalances.
- Improve range of motion: By releasing joint restrictions.
- Support the body’s natural healing processes: By improving circulation and nerve function.
Alt text: Close-up view of osteopathic doctor’s hands performing osteopathic manipulative treatment on a patient’s neck to relieve tension and improve mobility.
Holistic Approach: Beyond OMT, the osteopathic philosophy emphasizes treating the patient as a whole person – body, mind, and spirit. DOs are trained to consider how lifestyle and environmental factors impact a patient’s health, promoting wellness and disease prevention. This holistic perspective complements conventional medical treatments and can lead to patient-centered care plans that address a broader range of needs.
Benefits of Choosing a DO
For patients, choosing a DO means accessing a physician who is not only thoroughly trained in modern medicine but also brings a unique perspective to patient care. The benefits include:
- Comprehensive medical care: DOs provide the full spectrum of medical services, from routine check-ups to managing complex illnesses and performing surgery.
- Hands-on treatment options: OMT offers a non-pharmacological approach to managing musculoskeletal pain and related conditions.
- Patient-centered approach: DOs are often recognized for their focus on building strong doctor-patient relationships and considering the individual needs of each person.
- Emphasis on prevention: The osteopathic approach encourages proactive healthcare strategies focused on wellness and preventing illness before it starts.
In conclusion, when considering “what does a DO do for a doctor,” it’s clear that DOs are highly qualified physicians offering comprehensive medical care with an added dimension of osteopathic philosophy and manual medicine techniques. They are valuable contributors to the medical profession, providing patients with a unique and holistic pathway to health and well-being.
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.
