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What is a D.O.? |
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Simply stated, a D.O. is a doctor of osteopathic medicine. Now, I know what you are all thinking….”and that means?!” It is for this exact reason that I decided to write an article to explain osteopathy in a nutshell. History and Philosophy Osteopathic medicine was founded in 1874 by Andrew Taylor Still, M.D., D.O. due to his dissatisfaction of 19th century medicine. Dr. Still perceived the medical treatments of his day as harsh, over prescribed and often toxic (i.e. leeches and mercury). He developed a philosophy of studying attributes of GOOD health in order to better understand disease process. From this was born the “osteopathic principle” of the body as a whole. D.O.’s focus on the unity of all body parts with recognition of the body’s ability to heal itself with a special emphasis on preventive health. Likeness to M.D. Osteopathic physicians attend a four- year medical school with the first two years in the classroom and the final two years in hospital or office based rotations. We complete an internship and residency within our chosen field (three years for pediatrics) often alongside our M.D. colleagues. D.O.’s practice within any specialty (pediatrics, OB/GYN, surgery, etc.), and we must pass three sets of general medicine boards and one national specialty board that is comparable to M.D. boards. “Unlikeness” to M.D. Osteopathic physicians complete 300 – 500 hours of additional training to focus on the musculoskeletal system, which is comprised of the interconnecting systems of the nerves, muscles and bones, and makes up 2/3 of the body’s mass. Training includes the practice and knowledge of a hands-on manual medicine referred to as osteopathic manipulative medicine. D.O.s in Some Numbers of Interest The |
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