Are you familiar with the profession of Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine?

Osteopathic medicine is a distinct branch of medical practice in the United States that emphasizes a holistic approach to patient care, focusing on the unity of body, mind, and spirit, and the body's innate ability to self-regulate and heal. It integrates all the benefits of modern medicine—including prescription drugs, surgery, and advanced diagnostics—with additional training in the musculoskeletal system and hands-on techniques known as Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT). These manual techniques aim to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness or injury by improving the body's structure and function relationship.

What is Osteopathic Medicine?

• It is a fully licensed medical profession in the U.S., distinct from non-medical osteopathy practiced in other countries.

• Osteopathic physicians (DOs) treat the whole person, not just symptoms, emphasizing prevention and lifestyle changes.

• They receive extra training in the musculoskeletal system, allowing them to use OMT to enhance wellness and recovery.

• Osteopathic medicine is grounded in five principles:

  1. The body is a unit of body, mind, and spirit.

  2. The body is capable of self-regulation and self-healing.

  3. Structure and function are interrelated.

  4. Musculoskeletal system involvement in disease and the role of manipulative treatment.

  5. Treatment is based on understanding these principles.

Path to Becoming a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)

1. Undergraduate Education:

   • Complete a bachelor's degree (no specific major required, but prerequisites include biology, physics, chemistry, and English).

2. Medical School Admission:

   • Take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).

   • Apply through AACOMAS (American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service) or TMDSAS for Texas schools.

   • Submit a personal statement specific to osteopathic medicine, extracurriculars, and professional experiences such as shadowing DO physicians.

3. Osteopathic Medical School (4 years):

   • Complete four years of osteopathic medical education.

   • Curriculum includes standard medical training plus an additional 300–500 hours focused on osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM).

   • Learn comprehensive, preventive care and musculoskeletal system diagnosis and treatment.

4. Licensing Exams:

   • Take the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX-USA), a three-level exam series required for licensure.

   • Optionally, DO students may also take the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) for broader residency opportunities.

5. Postgraduate Training:

   • Complete internships, residencies, and possibly fellowships (3 to 8 years depending on specialty).

   • Since 2020, DOs and MDs attend the same residency programs accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME).

6. Licensure and Board Certification:

   • Obtain a medical license from the state medical board.

   • Pursue board certification through either osteopathic specialty boards or allopathic specialty boards, or both.

DOs are fully licensed physicians who practice in all medical specialties and settings, often with a strong presence in primary care and underserved areas, applying their holistic philosophy to patient care.

In summary, osteopathic medicine is a holistic, patient-centered medical practice with additional training in manual musculoskeletal techniques. Becoming a DO requires completing undergraduate education, osteopathic medical school, passing licensing exams, and completing residency training, culminating in licensure and board certification to practice medicine fully.

Please read more here:

https://ufhealth.org/conditions-and-treatments/doctor-of-osteopathic-medicine

https://www.scripps.org/news_items/4898-md-vs-do-what-s-the-difference