What is an osteopathic doctor MD?

An osteopathic doctor (DO) is a fully licensed physician who has graduated from an accredited osteopathic medical school and has passed the same licensing exams as allopathic doctors (MDs). DOs are trained in the same way as MDs, but they also receive additional training in osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM), which is a hands-on approach to diagnosis and treatment that emphasizes the body's natural ability to heal itself.

DOs are licensed to practice medicine in all 50 states, and they can prescribe medications and perform surgery just like MDs. In some cases, DOs may choose to specialize in a particular area of medicine, such as family practice, internal medicine, or pediatrics.

Here are some of the key differences between DOs and MDs:

* Osteopathic medical school: DOs attend osteopathic medical schools, which are accredited by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA). Osteopathic medical schools offer the same basic science and clinical training as allopathic medical schools, but they also include additional training in OMM.

* Osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM): OMM is a hands-on approach to diagnosis and treatment that emphasizes the body's natural ability to heal itself. DOs use OMM to treat a variety of conditions, including back pain, neck pain, headaches, and sports injuries.

* Scope of practice: DOs are licensed to practice medicine in all 50 states, and they can prescribe medications and perform surgery just like MDs. In some cases, DOs may choose to specialize in a particular area of medicine, such as family practice, internal medicine, or pediatrics.

If you are considering seeing a DO, be sure to ask them about their training and experience. You should also ask them about their philosophy of care and how they use OMM in their practice.