You've probably heard of the medical degree `MD` (Medical Doctor). But do you know exactly what a `DO` (Doctor of osteopathic medicine ) is? Don't worry, both are doctors. But there are some slight differences. Today we're going to talk about these `DO` doctors. Let's talk clearly about how they can help you and what their specialty is.
What is a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)? How is it different from a Medical Doctor (MD)?
Simply put, a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) is a physician licensed to practice medicine. Just like an MD (Medical Doctor). However, DOs approach healthcare in a slightly different way. They treat the whole person—your mind, body, and spirit—and take a patient-centered approach . They work with you to keep you healthy and to help you recover from illness.
Think of it this way, `DO` doctors are trained to look beyond your symptoms and look at how your environment and lifestyle are affecting your health. They use the latest scientific methods and technology, but also consider alternatives that are compatible with traditional medical methods, such as prescribing medications and performing surgeries.
DO doctors have received specialized training in your musculoskeletal system . They combine this knowledge with the latest medical technology to provide you with comprehensive medical care. One of their core beliefs is that every system in your body is interconnected. This means that all of these systems work together and affect each other when it comes to health and wellness.
DO doctors focus on preventive healthcare and overall wellness. Their goal is not just to relieve you of symptoms, but to help you truly be healthy in mind, body, and spirit.
They also recognize the importance of using their hands to diagnose and treat injuries and illnesses. With your consent, they will use their advanced sense of touch to palpate all of your body's structures.
What are the four basic tenets of osteopathic medicine?
There are four core beliefs that osteopathic physicians adhere to. These are the foundation of their "whole person" approach to medicine . These four cores are:
- The human body is a unit that combines the three: mind, body, and spirit. That means these three are connected and cannot be separated.
- The human body has the ability to self-heal, self-regulate, and maintain health. Our bodies can heal themselves and regulate themselves.
- The function and structure of the body are both equally related to each other. This means that if the shape of a body part changes, the way it works also changes, and if the way it works changes, the shape can also change.
- Rational, rational treatment is based on a clear understanding of the basic principles mentioned above. That is, instead of simply treating the symptoms, these principles are understood and treated.
These four things are what guide their treatment methods. Do you understand?
What does a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) do?
Osteopathic doctors (DOs) practice medicine in the same way as general practitioners (MDs). They also diagnose and treat injuries and illnesses. However, they incorporate osteopathic and holistic (that is, whole-body) treatment methods into their treatment. They also devote a great deal of time and attention to preventive health care .
Things that DO doctors pay attention to
To keep you at your best, osteopaths also look for:
- Your diet.
- The environment you are in.
- Your lifestyle.
- Your activity level and exercise habits.
- Your mental and physical health.
- Your stress levels.
- Your sleep habits.
Imagine, if you have frequent headaches, a ``DO`` doctor, in addition to prescribing a painkiller, might also check things like your sleep, diet, stress at work, and your posture. Because all of these could be contributing to your headaches.
Medical fields in which DO doctors practice
``DO`` doctors work in almost every medical field. Here are a few examples:
- Primary care ( like a family doctor)
- Pediatrics
- Obstetrics and Gynecology (Ob/Gyn)
- Emergency medicine
- Psychiatry
- Surgery
- Geriatrics
In fact, the majority of DOs (about 57%) work in primary care . Of these, 30% work as family physicians, 19% as internists, and 7.5% as pediatricians.
What is Osteopathic Manipulation Therapy (OMT)?
Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT), also known as Osteopathic Manipulation, is a specialized hands-on treatment method used by DOs.
They use OMT to treat bone, tendon, or muscle pain caused by structural imbalances in the body. They also use OMT to treat a variety of other conditions. Osteopathic doctors use OMT to prevent disease, diagnose disease, and help your body function properly.
Using various OMT techniques, DOs gently manipulate your joints, soft tissues, and muscles. This treatment helps your body heal itself. It also ensures that your muscles and bones are aligned and in proper alignment. Imagine that when certain areas of our body are tight and blocked, this gentle treatment helps to release those areas and restore blood flow and nerve function.
How to become an osteopathic doctor (DO)?
To become an osteopathic physician, you must first complete a bachelor's degree and then attend a four-year osteopathic medical school. Osteopathic medical school provides in-depth instruction in preventive medicine and comprehensive patient care.
What is the training like?
In addition to the coursework taught in a regular medical school, osteopathic physicians receive between 300 and 500 hours of hands-on manual medicine and specialized training in the body’s muscles, nerves, and musculoskeletal system, known as osteopathic manipulative therapy (OMT) . They learn how all of the body’s systems are interconnected and how they all work together to improve overall health and well-being.
This training gives a DO a better understanding of how an illness or injury in one part of the body affects another. It also teaches them how to use their hands effectively to diagnose and treat people. The primary goal is to reduce or eliminate the use of medications as much as possible. It also helps your body heal naturally.
After graduating from medical school, DOs can specialize in their chosen field by completing internships, residencies, and fellowships . This training can take another three to eight years.
Licenses and certifications
In countries like the United States, like all doctors, DOs must obtain a state-level license to practice medicine. To obtain this license, they usually must pass a medical licensing exam administered by a state licensing board.
DOs can become board certified once they have specialized in a medical field or subfield. To do so, they must meet the requirements of a board of specialist certification.
The importance and future of osteopaths
Osteopathic medicine is one of the fastest growing fields of healthcare in countries like the United States. Currently, about one in four medical students is studying at an osteopathic medical school. They already make up about 11% of all doctors in the country.
DO doctors look at your body as a whole. They believe in the connection between your mind, body, and spirit. So, if you're looking for a doctor who's a bit more holistic , or who takes a whole-body approach, it might be a good idea to look into a doctor of osteopathy (DO).
Take-Home Message
Okay, so let's look at some of the most important things you need to remember from what we've talked about:
- A `DO` (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) is a licensed physician, just like an `MD`.
- DO doctors follow a patient-centered approach that considers the whole person (mind, body, spirit) .
- They pay special attention to disease prevention and overall wellness .
- They have special training in the muscles, nerves, and musculoskeletal system .
- They use a special hands-on treatment called Osteopathic Manipulation Therapy (OMT) .
- They believe in the body's ability to heal itself .
- If you want a more holistic medical approach, a `DO` may be a good choice.
So, the next time you go to see a doctor, I hope you now have a better understanding of whether you're a ``DO`` or an ``MD.`` The most important thing is to choose a doctor who is a good fit for you, who understands you, and who treats you.
` Osteopathic Physician, DO, MD, Health Care, Osteopathic Treatment, OMT, Whole Body Approach, Prevention
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