Ever felt like just a collection of symptoms when you visit a doctor? You walk in, list what’s wrong, and maybe walk out with a prescription. But what if there’s a different way to look at health? That’s where a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, or DO, often comes into the picture. I’ve had many patients express that they’re looking for someone who sees them, not just their illness.
So, what exactly is a DO? Well, like an MD (Medical Doctor), a DO is a fully licensed physician. We can prescribe medication, perform surgery, and practice in all medical specialties. The real heart of the difference, though, lies in our approach. We’re trained to view you as a whole person – not just a sore throat or a bad knee. We believe your body, mind, and spirit are all connected. And how your lifestyle and environment play a role? That’s a big piece of the puzzle for us. We use the latest science and technology, absolutely, but we also consider options that complement traditional medicine.
The Guiding Principles: Four Tenets of Osteopathic Care
Our approach is guided by a few core ideas, what we call the tenets of osteopathic medicine. Think of them as our north star:
- The human body is a unit made up of a mind, body, and spirit. Everything’s connected.
- The human body is able to self-heal, self-regulate, and maintain health. We try to support that innate ability.
- Function and structure are equally interrelated. If something is out of whack structurally, it can affect how it functions, and vice-versa. Weird, right? But it makes sense when you think about it.
- Rational treatment is based upon a clear understanding of the basic principles stated above. This guides how we approach your care.
What Does a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Do?
When you see a DO, we’re trying to understand the bigger picture. We’ll certainly talk about your symptoms, but we’ll also likely ask about:
- Your diet – what fuels your body?
- Your daily environment – at home, at work.
- Your lifestyle – activity levels, exercise habits.
- Your mental and physical health, stress levels, and sleep habits.
It’s all part of understanding your unique health story and focusing on preventive healthcare and overall wellness.
You’ll find DOs in pretty much every field of medicine. Many of us, about 57% in fact, are in primary care – family medicine (that’s me!), internal medicine, or pediatrics (around 7.5% focus here). But DOs also specialize in:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology (Ob/Gyn)
- Emergency Medicine
- Psychiatry
- Surgery
- Geriatrics (caring for older adults)
And many more! The goal is always the same: to partner with you for better health.
Understanding Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT)
One special tool in our kit is something called osteopathic manipulative treatment, or OMT. You might also hear it called osteopathic manipulation. It’s a hands-on approach. With your permission, of course, we use our highly developed sense of touch and a variety of gentle movements – like stretching, pressure, and resistance – on your muscles, soft tissues, and joints.
The idea behind OMT is to help your body’s natural healing abilities kick in, improve alignment, ensure your muscles and bones are balanced, and sometimes even reduce the need for medication. It’s not for every situation, naturally, but it can be incredibly helpful for a wide range of things, from bone, tendon, or muscle pain due to structural imbalance, to headaches, and even some other medical conditions. It’s also used to prevent and diagnose issues.
The Journey to Becoming a DO
Becoming a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine is quite a journey, similar in length to becoming an MD. It starts with a bachelor’s degree, then four years of osteopathic medical school. What’s unique is that during those four years, we get an extra 300 to 500 hours of training specifically in the musculoskeletal system – your body’s intricate network of nerves, muscles, and bones – and in OMT.
This hands-on training really deepens our understanding of how an illness or injury in one part of the body can ripple out and affect other areas. It teaches us how to effectively use our hands to diagnose and treat people, encouraging the body to heal itself. After medical school, we complete internships, residencies, and sometimes fellowships, which can take an additional three to eight years. And yes, just like MDs, we must be licensed to practice medicine at the state level, which usually involves a medical licensing exam. DOs can also earn board certification when they achieve expertise in a specialty, through bodies like the American Board of Medical Specialties or the American Osteopathic Association.
Take-Home Message: Key Things to Remember About a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
Here’s what I really hope you take away about a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine:
- A DO is a fully licensed physician committed to a whole-person, patient-centered approach to your health.
- We look beyond just your symptoms to understand how lifestyle, environment, and other factors impact your well-being.
- DOs receive extensive, additional training in the musculoskeletal system and the hands-on techniques of osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT).
- Our core belief is that all your body systems are interconnected and have an amazing capacity for self-healing.
- You can find DOs practicing in all medical specialties, with a strong presence in primary care fields like family medicine.
- Ultimately, we aim to be your partner in achieving true health – in mind, body, and spirit.
So, if you’re looking for a doctor who digs a little deeper, listens carefully, and sees the big picture of your health, a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine might be a great fit for you. We’re here to work with you. You’re not alone in this.