What is a D.O>? -- Alabama Osteopathic Medical Association

"...The educated physician will himself be an osteopath." -- Mark Twain

Doctor's hands w/ stethoscope (courtesy Corbis) If you are like most people, you have been going to a doctor since you were born, and perhaps were not aware if you were seeing a D.O. (osteopathic physician) or an M.D. (allopathic physician). You may not even be aware that these are the only two types of completely trained and licensed physicians in the United States. The fact is, both D.O.’s and M.D.’s are complete physicians licensed by state and specialty boards to perform surgery and prescribe medications. Is there a difference between these two types of physicians? Yes and no.

SIMILARITIES: DO’s and MD’s are alike in many ways....

Applicants to both osteopathic and allopathic medical schools typically have a four-year undergraduate degree with emphasis in science courses.
Both D.O.’s and M.D.’s complete four years of basic medical education. Both can choose to practice in any area of specialized medicine and both complete a residency program, which typically takes two to six years of additional training.
D.O.’s and M.D.’s must both pass state licensing examinations.
Both types of physicians can practice in fully accredited and licensed hospitals and medical centers.
Osteopathic physicians comprise a separate, yet equal branch of medical care. Together D.O.’s and M.D.’s enhance the state of health care available in America.

DIFFERENCES: DO’s bring something extra to medicine....

Osteopathic medical schools emphasize training students to be primary care physicians. Over half of all graduates from colleges of osteopathic medicine practice in primary care specialties. Many fill a critical need in rural and underserved areas.
Osteopathic physicians focus on preventative healthcare and overall wellness.
D.O.’s practice a "whole person" approach to medicine. Instead of just treating specific symptoms, they regard your body as an integrated whole.
D.O.’s receive extra training in the musculoskelatal system-your body’s interconnected system of nerves, muscles, and bones that make up 2/3 of the human body mass. This training provides osteopathic physicians with a better understanding of the ways that an injury or illness in one part of your body can affect another. It gives D.O.’s a therapeutic and diagnostic advantage over those who do not receive this specialized training.
Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) is incorporated in the training and practice of D.O.’s. OMT allows physicians to use their hands to diagnose injury or illness and to encourage your body’s natural tendency toward good health. By combining OMT with all other medical practices, D.O.’s offer their patients the most comprehensive care available in medicine today.

For more in-depth information beyond these lists, read an article by one of our board members. Historical information on Dr. Still and osteopathy in general can be found at The History of Osteopathic Medicine Virtual Museum.