What is a Doctor of Osteopathy (DO)?

DOs and MDs are alike in many ways:

• Applicants to both DO and MD medical colleges typically have four-year undergraduate degrees with an emphasis on scientific courses.
• Both DOs and MDs complete four years of basic medical education.
• After medical school, both DOs and MDs obtain graduate medical education through such programs as internships and residencies.
• Both DOs and MDs can choose to practice in any specialty area of medicine-such as pediatrics, family practice, psychiatry, surgery or obstetrics.
• DOs and MDs must pass comparable examinations to obtain state licenses.
• DOs and MDs both practice in fully accredited and licensed health care facilities.

Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine have a more holistic approach to medicine with a strong preventive medicine component. DOs receive extra training in the musculoskeletal system-your body's interconnected system of nerves, muscles and bones. Osteopathic manipulative treatment  is incorporated into the training and practice of osteopathic physicians.