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What Is a DO?A Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) is a fully licensed physician who practices a unique, whole-person approach to care in every medical specialty. DOs are trained to look beyond symptoms to consider how lifestyle, environment, and the interconnected systems of the body influence a patient’s overall health. They combine the latest advances in medical science and technology with a compassionate, holistic philosophy that emphasizes prevention and wellness. What Is Osteopathic Medicine?Osteopathic medicine is a distinct branch of medicine in the United States that emphasizes the interrelated unity of the body’s systems and the body’s natural ability to heal itself. Rather than focusing only on symptoms, osteopathic physicians consider the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—in diagnosis and treatment. A defining feature of osteopathic medical training is Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT)—a set of hands-on techniques used to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness or injury. OMT can be used to complement or even reduce the need for medications or surgery. How Are DOs Trained?Like their MD counterparts, DOs:
DOs also receive additional training in the musculoskeletal system, giving them a deeper understanding of how the body’s structure affects function and health. How Common Are DOs?Osteopathic medicine is one of the fastest-growing healthcare professions in the United States:
Where Do DOs Practice?DOs provide care across all specialties, but a majority choose to serve in primary care fields—including family medicine, internal medicine, and pediatrics—often in underserved or rural areas where access to healthcare is limited. What Makes DOs Different?DOs offer a comprehensive, patient-centered approach by integrating:
This combination allows DOs to deliver the most comprehensive care available in modern medicine.
What is the difference between a DO and an MD?Both DOs (Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine) and MDs (Doctors of Medicine) are fully licensed physicians who complete rigorous education and training. The main difference lies in their approach to patient care and some aspects of their training. Do DOs and MDs have the same medical education?Yes. Both DOs and MDs:
Are DOs and MDs trained at the same level?Yes. Post-graduate medical education (residency and fellowship) for both DOs and MDs is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). This ensures a standardized and rigorous level of training for all physicians, regardless of whether they hold a DO or MD degree. Do DOs and MDs work in the same healthcare settings?Yes. Both practice in fully accredited and licensed hospitals, clinics, and medical centers. DOs and MDs are the only two types of fully licensed physicians in the United States. What makes osteopathic physicians (DOs) unique?DOs bring a distinctive, holistic approach to medicine, including:
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