What is a DO?

What is a DO? Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs), like their MD counterparts, are fully trained physicians, licensed to practice the entire range and scope of medicine and surgery. D.O.’s are primary care physicians such as Family Practice doctors, OB/GYN doctors and Pediatricians. D.O’s also subspecialize and can chose ANY specialty ranging from Dermatology, PMR, to Neurosurgery and Orthopedic Surgery. Some D.O.’s chose to practice traditional osteopathy and focus on the hands-on principles of Osteopathy.

DOs attend osteopathic medical schools, and receive the same post-graduate training as their MD colleagues. In addition Osteopathic Medical Students and Residents receive additional education in the principles of osteopathy, applied in practice as osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM).

Osteopathic Physicians learn how to restore health by applying Osteopathic principles in the practice of hands-on treatment. Osteopathy emphasizes the importance of treating the “whole” person, which includes mind, body and spirit. Furthermore, Osteopathic knowledge and treatment considers the musculoskeletal system to be an extremely important aspect of total health. The Musculoskeletal system provides an avenue to address all physiological systems including neurological, respiratory, cardiovascular, digestive, and so on. Osteopathy is a system of medicine that recognizes the dynamic relationship of structure and function in health and disease.

Cranial Osteopathy is an expansion of the general principles of osteopathy, which includes a special understanding of the central nervous system and a mechanism called Primary Respiration. Those who wish to practice Cranial Osteopathy train intensively through post-graduate studies.