A Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) is similar to a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) in that both are fully qualified physicians licensed to prescribe medicine and perform surgery. Both must complete four years of basic medical education followed by graduate medical education and training, and must pass comparable examinations to obtain state licenses to practice.
However, osteopathic medicine is a unique form of American medical care started by Andrew Taylor Still, M.D., D.O. in 1874. Dr. Still was not satisfied with the effectiveness of 19th century medicine, leading him to develop a philosophy of medicine based on ideas that date back to the father of medicine, Hippocrates. This philosophy focuses on the entire body. He identified the musculoskeletal system as a key element of health and recognized the body's ability to heal itself.
Today, a D.O. continues the tradition of this philosophy and embraces the concept of "wellness" pioneered by Dr. Still. Instead of treating only specific symptoms and illnesses, a D.O. will regard your body as an integrated whole.
A D.O. understands how all of the body's systems are interconnected and how the musculoskeletal system, which makes up about two-thirds of the body's mass, plays a critical role in its ability to function. A D.O. uses his or her eyes and hands to identify problems and to promote the body's natural healing process. A D.O. also uses his or her ears to listen to you and your concerns. If you prefer a compassionate approach, and would like a partnership with your physician not just to treat an illness or injury, but to create a preventative lifestyle, then a D.O. may be your physician for life.
However, osteopathic medicine is a unique form of American medical care started by Andrew Taylor Still, M.D., D.O. in 1874. Dr. Still was not satisfied with the effectiveness of 19th century medicine, leading him to develop a philosophy of medicine based on ideas that date back to the father of medicine, Hippocrates. This philosophy focuses on the entire body. He identified the musculoskeletal system as a key element of health and recognized the body's ability to heal itself.
Today, a D.O. continues the tradition of this philosophy and embraces the concept of "wellness" pioneered by Dr. Still. Instead of treating only specific symptoms and illnesses, a D.O. will regard your body as an integrated whole.
A D.O. understands how all of the body's systems are interconnected and how the musculoskeletal system, which makes up about two-thirds of the body's mass, plays a critical role in its ability to function. A D.O. uses his or her eyes and hands to identify problems and to promote the body's natural healing process. A D.O. also uses his or her ears to listen to you and your concerns. If you prefer a compassionate approach, and would like a partnership with your physician not just to treat an illness or injury, but to create a preventative lifestyle, then a D.O. may be your physician for life.