The medical field in the United States includes a wide variety of professionals dedicated to patient care. Among these are Doctors of Osteopathy, or DOs, whose role in healthcare often raises the question: “Are doctors of osteopathy real doctors?” The answer is a resounding yes. This article explores the osteopathic medical profession, its history, education, philosophy, and contributions to the field of medicine.
The History and Philosophy of Osteopathic Medicine
Osteopathic medicine originated in the late 19th century, founded by Andrew Still in Kirksville, Missouri. Dissatisfied with the limitations of traditional medicine, Still developed a holistic approach focused on the interconnectedness of the body’s systems. This philosophy emphasizes that issues in one part of the body can affect others and that the musculoskeletal system plays a critical role in overall health.
Doctors of osteopathic medicine (DOs) are fully licensed physicians trained in both standard medical practices and osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM), a hands-on approach to diagnosing and treating conditions. This unique focus on manual medicine and the body’s musculoskeletal system distinguishes DOs from their allopathic counterparts, the MDs.
Education and Training: How DOs Become Physicians
Like MDs, DOs undergo rigorous education and training. Aspiring osteopathic physicians must complete four years of osteopathic medical school, which provides a standard medical education supplemented with approximately 200 hours in the study of hands-on manual medicine. This training emphasizes osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), a technique where DOs use their hands to diagnose, treat, and prevent illnesses.
DOs and MDs alike must pass comprehensive medical licensing exams to practice medicine in the United States. Osteopathic medical students take the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX-USA), while MD students take the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). Both paths require years of osteopathic medical education, clinical rotations, and a residency in a chosen specialty.
Osteopathic schools, accredited by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) and the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM), ensure that students entering the field meet stringent academic and professional standards. Graduates of these programs are prepared to pursue board certification through organizations such as the American Board of Medical Specialties.
Scope of Practice: What DOs Do
DOs are fully licensed to practice medicine, prescribe medication, and perform surgery in all 50 states. They work alongside MDs in various specialties, including internal medicine, emergency medicine, and family medicine. Many DOs choose primary care fields, making significant contributions to family physicians, preventive medicine, and holistic, patient-centered care.
A key aspect of the osteopathic medical profession is the use of osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT). This hands-on therapy is particularly effective in addressing musculoskeletal issues, such as pain in muscles and bones. By using their hands to diagnose and treat these conditions, DOs bring a unique perspective to patient care that complements traditional medical approaches.
DOs also practice in subspecialties such as cardiology, neurology, and oncology. Their training allows them to perform surgery, prescribe medication, and provide comprehensive care, just like MDs. Moreover, the osteopathic profession’s emphasis on holistic health often leads DOs to focus on preventive medicine and addressing root causes of disease.
Comparing DOs and MDs
While DOs and MDs share many similarities, their training and philosophies offer unique approaches to healthcare. Both kinds of doctors complete medical school, pass licensing exams, and undergo residency training. They can work in the same hospitals, treat the same conditions, and perform the same procedures.
However, the osteopathic medical school curriculum includes additional training in manual medicine and a holistic approach to patient care. DOs are trained to consider how one part of the body can affect another, incorporating techniques like OMT to complement standard treatments. This holistic perspective is especially appealing to patients seeking a more patient-centered approach to healthcare.
In terms of licensing, DOs must pass the COMLEX-USA, while MDs must pass the USMLE. Despite this difference, both exams ensure that physicians in the United States meet high standards of medical knowledge and clinical skills.
Contributions of Osteopathic Medicine to Healthcare
The osteopathic medical profession has grown significantly, with more students entering colleges of osteopathic medicine than ever before. Organizations like the American Osteopathic Association and the Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine play crucial roles in advancing medical education and promoting the profession.
DOs are particularly well-represented in primary care, with many serving as family physicians in rural and underserved areas. Their holistic approach to patient care and emphasis on preventive medicine make them invaluable in addressing healthcare disparities. Additionally, their training in osteopathic manipulative medicine provides a unique toolset for treating conditions that may not respond to standard medical interventions.
The integration of DOs and MDs in healthcare settings demonstrates the complementary nature of allopathic and osteopathic medical practices. Both groups bring unique strengths to the table, ensuring patients receive comprehensive, high-quality care.
Conclusion
Doctors of osteopathy are unquestionably real doctors, possessing the education, training, and licensure required to practice medicine in the United States. With a foundation in both traditional medical practices and osteopathic manipulative treatment, DOs offer a holistic, patient-centered approach that complements the work of MDs. Their contributions to primary care, specialty medicine, and preventive health make them a vital part of the medical profession.
Whether you are looking for a doctor for family medicine, internal medicine, or a subspecialty, DOs provide the same standard of care as MDs while offering a unique perspective rooted in the principles of osteopathy. The osteopathic medical profession continues to grow and thrive, ensuring that patients across the U.S. have access to compassionate, comprehensive healthcare.