The medical field presents a variety of healthcare professionals, and it’s common to encounter both Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs) and Medical Doctors (MDs). If you’re wondering “What Is A Doctor Of Osteopathic medicine” and how they differ from MDs, you’re not alone. Many people seek clarity on the qualifications and training of a DO.
A Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) is a fully licensed physician who is trained to diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries. DOs graduate from osteopathic medical schools in the United States, offering a distinct yet comprehensive medical education. Similar to their MD counterparts who attend traditional medical schools, DOs undergo rigorous training.
One of the core differences lies in the philosophy and approach to medicine. Doctors of osteopathic medicine receive training in osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT). This involves hands-on techniques to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness or injury by manipulating muscles and joints. OMT is rooted in the belief that all body systems are interconnected and reliant upon one another for good health. While not every DO utilizes OMT in their practice daily, it remains a foundational aspect of their medical training.
Both DOs and MDs complete four years of medical school, followed by residency training in a chosen specialty such as surgery, internal medicine, or pediatrics. Furthermore, to become licensed physicians, both DOs and MDs must pass the same national licensing examinations. This ensures that both types of doctors meet the same rigorous standards for medical practice. Upon completion of their training, DOs are qualified to practice the full scope of medicine and surgery in all 50 states.
In summary, a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine is a highly qualified and licensed physician, offering a unique perspective and skill set to patient care. Understanding “what is a doctor of osteopathic” highlights their comprehensive medical training, comparable to that of an MD, with the added dimension of osteopathic principles and manipulative treatment.
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.
