Osteopathic Medicine is a complete system of medical care with a philosophy of treating the whole person, not just the symptoms. It emphasizes the interrelationships of structure and function, and the appreciation of the body’s ability to heal itself.
Osteopathic Medicine provides all of the benefits of medicine including prescription drugs, surgery and the use of technology to diagnose and treat illness, disease and injury.
D.O.s are most likely to consider the impact that lifestyle and community have on the health of each individual before prescribing medication, and they work one-on-one with each patient to identify and erase barriers that may impede good health. Osteopathic physicians focus on prevention and strive to help you be truly healthy in mind, body and spirit, not just free of symptoms. The growing demand for osteopathic care among our population reflects an increasing desire of patients to resolve health problems with minimal drugs and surgery.
What is a D.O.?
- a D.O. is a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine.
- a D.O. is a fully-licensed physician; M.D.s are the only other licensed physicians.
- a D.O. graduates from a College of Osteopathic Medicine.
- a D.O. follows the same basic medical education and training as does an M.D., however, their philosophy is different.
- a D.O. takes an exam before obtaining a license to practice medicine.
- a D.O. can be a family physician or a specialist.
- a D.O. places emphasis on caring for the “whole” person.
- a D.O. can provide an added dimension of healthcare — osteopathic manipulative treatment.