What Is a D.O. in Terms of Medical Professions?

by Lindsay Kahl

Overview

A D.O. offers a holistic approach to care.

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D.O. stands for "doctor of osteopathic medicine," a physician who is fully licensed and able to provide care, prescribe medication, and perform surgery.
D.O. vs. M.D.

Your doctor may be a D.O. or an M.D. Both types of physicians are qualified and licensed, but the training for a doctor of osteopathic medicine is slightly different.

Education

Along with the standard undergraduate degree, four years of basic medical school, and graduate medical education that an M.D. receives, a D.O. completes an extra 300 to 500 hours of study. This extra training teaches a D.O. about the musculoskeletal system, and how to use osteopathic manipulative treatment.
Holistic Approach

The heart of osteopathic medicine is the focus on the person as a whole, and the unity of body parts and systems, rather than just treatment of symptoms.
Preventive Care

A major part of osteopathic medicine is preventive health care and ongoing, overall wellness.
Benefits

With their additional training, focus on prevention, and attentiveness to the "whole person," doctors of osteopathic medicine can provide a different dimension to your health care.