What is a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.)?
The American Osteopathic Association explains it best. A link to their website can explain in more detail, but here are the highlights: If you're like most people, you've been going to a physician ever since you were born and perhaps were not aware whether you were seeing a D.O. (osteopathic physician) or an M.D. (allopathic physician). You may not even be aware that there are two types of physicians in the United States.
The fact is that both D.O.s and M.D.s are physicians licensed to prescribe medication and perform surgery. Is there any difference between these two kinds of physicians? Yes. And no.
D.O.s and M.D.s are alike in many ways:
Applicants to both D.O. and M.D. medical colleges typically have four-year undergraduate degrees with an emphasis on scientific courses. Both D.O.s and M.D.s complete four years of basic medical education.
After medical school, both D.O.s and M.D.s obtain graduate medical education through such programs as internships and residencies. This training typically lasts three to six years and prepares D.O.s and M.D.s to practice a specialty.
Both D.O.s and M.D.s can choose to practice in any specialty area of medicine-such as pediatrics, family practice, psychiatry, surgery or obstetrics.
D.O.s and M.D.s must pass comparable examinations to obtain state licenses.
D.O.s and M.D.s both practice in fully accredited and licensed health care facilities.
Together, D.O.s and M.D.s enhance the state of health care available in America.