What is a DO?
In the United States, a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine is a fully licensed physician. There are two types of fully licensed physicians in the United States…MDs and DOs. The DO profession is a younger profession than the MD profession and is smaller in numbers in the U.S. DOs are practicing in all fields in specialties. DOs can train at both AOA (DO) accredited residency programs as well as ACGME (MD) accredited residency programs. In addition to traditional medical curriculum, all DO’s are trained in manipulative medicine and an approach that encompasses the entire patient rather than a collection of symptoms.
Although the track to become a DO is almost identical to the track to become an MD it is the differences that add to the health care community in bringing a separate yet equal license to the larger medical community.
All DO’s are trained in manipulative medicine and an approach that encompasses the entire patient rather than a collection of symptoms.
That being said… there are many DOs practicing without utilizing these tools.
It is my opinion that the additional manipulative training and alternative approach to the patient make the DO profession unique and valuable. As complements the DOs and MDs work together to advance patient health.
The AOA provides a great explanation of the DO profession.
DidacticsOnline 
Written by Dr. Gina Reghetti, D.O. http:www.drginareghetti.com
What is Osteopathic Medicine? There are two types of medical doctors in the United States of America. The Osteopathic Physicians & Surgeons (Osteopaths), with the degree designation of (D.O.), and there are the Allopathic Physicians & Surgeons (Allopaths), with the degree designation of (M.D.)
What is the difference? The Osteopathic Physicians & Surgeons are the “true” American doctors, as their philosophy and medical schools originated in America over one hundred years ago. Founded by Andrew Taylor Still, M.D., D.O., who realized that medicine had to involve more than just popping pills. The Osteopathic training focuses on the entire human body and emphasizes a holistic approach for health. The Osteopathic Physicians are the original physicians that extended their care out to individuals’ homes and frequently made house calls by horse and buggy, during the 1800’s. Today, we still are the doctors out on front line providing excellent medical care, with emphasis on preventative health care. Osteopathic Physicians are changing Americans’ health for the better.
Some use the analogy that the difference between the two types of doctors are similar to the differences between McDonalds and Burger King, meaning it’s personal preference. There are not that many differences appreciated now a days because many of the Osteopathic Physicians do not practice their valuable art of Osteopathic Manipulation, known as OMT.
To summarize, an Osteopathic Physician (Osteopath) is equivalent to the best M.D. (Allopath), the best psychiatrist, the best chiropractor, the best physical therapist, all rolled up into one package that being the “D.O.”
Osteopathic Physicians treat patients and not just their symptoms. Osteopathic Physicians believe that disease originates from deep within the body’s tissues, known as the neuromuscularskeletal ( nervous, muscular, and skeletal) system. When these systems are kept in balance, prevention of diseases are the result. Osteopathic Physicians are trained to detect early changes that occur deep within these systems and are able to prevent many chronic diseases when they are caught in their “early stages.” Osteopathic Physicians are highly trained and offer patients the most modern medical treatments and diagnostics available. They are very friendly, compassionate, and understanding of patients’ many concerns. Osteopathic Physicians do not only treat the patient’s problems they learn and understand the potential circumstances that can be the cause for some of the problems which ultimately, can result in disease.
What is Osteopathic Medicine? There are two types of medical doctors in the United States of America. The Osteopathic Physicians & Surgeons (Osteopaths), with the degree designation of (D.O.), and there are the Allopathic Physicians & Surgeons (Allopaths), with the degree designation of (M.D.)
What is the difference? The Osteopathic Physicians & Surgeons are the “true” American doctors, as their philosophy and medical schools originated in America over one hundred years ago. Founded by Andrew Taylor Still, M.D., D.O., who realized that medicine had to involve more than just popping pills. The Osteopathic training focuses on the entire human body and emphasizes a holistic approach for health. The Osteopathic Physicians are the original physicians that extended their care out to individuals’ homes and frequently made house calls by horse and buggy, during the 1800’s. Today, we still are the doctors out on front line providing excellent medical care, with emphasis on preventative health care. Osteopathic Physicians are changing Americans’ health for the better.
Some use the analogy that the difference between the two types of doctors are similar to the differences between McDonalds and Burger King, meaning it’s personal preference. There are not that many differences appreciated now a days because many of the Osteopathic Physicians do not practice their valuable art of Osteopathic Manipulation, known as OMT.
To summarize, an Osteopathic Physician (Osteopath) is equivalent to the best M.D. (Allopath), the best psychiatrist, the best chiropractor, the best physical therapist, all rolled up into one package that being the “D.O.”
Osteopathic Physicians treat patients and not just their symptoms. Osteopathic Physicians believe that disease originates from deep within the body’s tissues, known as the neuromuscularskeletal ( nervous, muscular, and skeletal) system. When these systems are kept in balance, prevention of diseases are the result. Osteopathic Physicians are trained to detect early changes that occur deep within these systems and are able to prevent many chronic diseases when they are caught in their “early stages.” Osteopathic Physicians are highly trained and offer patients the most modern medical treatments and diagnostics available. They are very friendly, compassionate, and understanding of patients’ many concerns. Osteopathic Physicians do not only treat the patient’s problems they learn and understand the potential circumstances that can be the cause for some of the problems which ultimately, can result in disease.
Written by Dr. Gina Reghetti, D.O.
http://drginareghetti.com