What is a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. How does osteopathic medicine differ from allopathic medicine. What unique approach do DOs bring to patient care. How are DOs trained and licensed. In which medical specialties do DOs practice. What is osteopathic manipulative therapy (OMT). How do DOs contribute to the healthcare system.

Understanding the Role of Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs)

Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs) are fully licensed physicians who practice a unique, whole-person approach to healthcare. They combine modern medical knowledge with a holistic philosophy that emphasizes the interconnectedness of the body’s systems. DOs are trained to look beyond symptoms and consider how lifestyle and environmental factors impact a patient’s overall well-being.

DOs account for approximately 11% of all physicians in the United States and practice in all medical specialties. They hold prominent positions in various healthcare settings, including caring for the President of the United States, serving on NASA medical teams, and treating Olympic athletes.

Key Characteristics of Osteopathic Medicine

• Whole-person approach to patient care
• Focus on preventive medicine
• Integration of the musculoskeletal system in diagnosis and treatment
• Use of Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy (OMT)
• Emphasis on the body’s ability to heal itself

Educational Journey and Licensing of Osteopathic Physicians

The path to becoming a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine is rigorous and comprehensive. DOs complete four years of medical school, followed by residency training in their chosen specialty. During their education, they receive additional training in the musculoskeletal system and Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy (OMT).

How does the licensing process for DOs compare to that of MDs? DOs are licensed at the state level, just like MDs. They must pass the same board certification exams as MDs to specialize in a particular area of medicine. This ensures that DOs meet the same high standards of medical knowledge and patient care as their allopathic counterparts.

DO vs. MD: Understanding the Differences

While both DOs and MDs are fully qualified physicians, there are some key differences in their training and approach to patient care:

The Unique Approach of Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy (OMT)

Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy (OMT) is a cornerstone of osteopathic medicine. This hands-on technique involves using the hands to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness or injury. OMT can be used to treat various conditions, from musculoskeletal issues to digestive problems and migraines.

How does OMT work? The therapy is based on the principle that the body’s structure and function are interconnected. By manipulating the musculoskeletal system, DOs aim to improve the body’s overall function and promote natural healing processes. This approach can complement or sometimes replace the need for medications or surgery.

Common OMT Techniques

1. Soft tissue manipulation
2. Myofascial release
3. Muscle energy technique
4. High-velocity, low-amplitude thrust
5. Counterstrain

Specialties and Practice Areas for Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine

DOs practice in all medical specialties, bringing their unique perspective to various areas of healthcare. From primary care to highly specialized surgical fields, osteopathic physicians contribute their holistic approach to patient care across the medical spectrum.

In which specialties are DOs most commonly found? While DOs practice in all areas, they are particularly well-represented in primary care specialties such as family medicine, internal medicine, and pediatrics. However, it’s important to note that DOs also excel in specialized fields like emergency medicine, psychiatry, and surgery.

Popular Specialties Among DOs

• Family Medicine
• Internal Medicine
• Pediatrics
• Emergency Medicine
• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Psychiatry
• General Surgery
• Anesthesiology

The Impact of Osteopathic Medicine on Patient Care

The osteopathic approach to medicine has a significant impact on patient care. By considering the whole person rather than just treating symptoms, DOs often uncover underlying issues that might otherwise go unnoticed. This comprehensive approach can lead to more effective treatments and better long-term health outcomes for patients.

How does the osteopathic philosophy benefit patients? The focus on preventive care and patient education empowers individuals to take an active role in their health. DOs often spend more time with patients, listening to their concerns and providing guidance on lifestyle changes that can improve overall well-being.

Key Benefits of Osteopathic Care

• Comprehensive health assessment
• Emphasis on preventive care
• Integration of physical, mental, and emotional health
• Patient-centered approach
• Use of hands-on diagnosis and treatment

The Evolution and Future of Osteopathic Medicine

Osteopathic medicine has come a long way since its inception in the late 19th century. Today, it is a fully integrated part of the mainstream medical community, with DOs working alongside MDs in hospitals, clinics, and research institutions across the country.

What does the future hold for osteopathic medicine? As healthcare continues to evolve, the holistic approach of osteopathic medicine is likely to become even more relevant. The emphasis on preventive care and whole-person treatment aligns well with current trends in healthcare that focus on wellness and patient-centered care.

Emerging Trends in Osteopathic Medicine

1. Integration of technology in OMT
2. Increased research on the effectiveness of osteopathic approaches
3. Growing emphasis on lifestyle medicine
4. Expansion of osteopathic principles in specialized fields
5. Collaboration between osteopathic and allopathic physicians in research and practice

Choosing Between a DO and an MD: Factors to Consider

When seeking medical care, patients often have the option to choose between a DO and an MD. Both types of physicians are equally qualified to provide medical care, but their approaches may differ slightly. Understanding these differences can help patients make an informed decision based on their personal health needs and preferences.

What factors should patients consider when choosing between a DO and an MD? The decision often comes down to personal preference and the specific health concerns of the patient. Some may prefer the holistic approach of a DO, while others might feel more comfortable with the traditional methods of an MD.

Considerations When Choosing a Physician

• Personal health philosophy and preferences
• Specific health concerns or conditions
• Interest in alternative or complementary treatments
• Importance of a whole-person approach to care
• Availability of physicians in your area

In conclusion, Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine play a vital role in the modern healthcare system. Their unique approach to patient care, combining traditional medical knowledge with a holistic philosophy, offers patients a comprehensive path to health and wellness. As the field of osteopathic medicine continues to grow and evolve, it is likely to have an increasingly significant impact on the future of healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.

Whether you choose a DO or an MD for your medical care, the most important factor is finding a physician who listens to your concerns, addresses your health needs, and works with you to achieve your best possible health outcomes. Both DOs and MDs are highly trained professionals dedicated to providing high-quality patient care, and both can offer excellent medical treatment across a wide range of specialties and health conditions.

Doctor of osteopathic medicine: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

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A doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO) is a physician licensed to practice medicine, perform surgery, and prescribe medicine.

Like all allopathic physicians (or MDs), osteopathic physicians complete 4 years of medical school and can choose to practice in any specialty of medicine. However, osteopathic physicians receive an additional 300 to 500 hours in the study of hands-on manual medicine and the body’s musculoskeletal system, called osteopathic manipulative therapy (OMT).

Osteopathic physicians hold to the principle that a patient’s history of illness and physical trauma are written into the body’s structure. The osteopathic physician’s highly developed sense of touch allows the physician to feel (palpate) the patient’s living anatomy (the flow of fluids, motion and texture of tissues, and structural makeup).

Like MDs, osteopathic physicians are licensed at the state level. Osteopathic physicians who wish to specialize may become board certified (in the same manner as MDs) by completing a 2- to 6-year residency within the specialty area, often side-by-side with MDs, and passing the same board certification exams as MDs.

DOs practice in all specialties of medicine, ranging from emergency medicine and cardiovascular surgery to psychiatry and geriatrics. Osteopathic doctors use the same medical and surgical treatments that are used by other medical doctors, but may also incorporate a holistic approach taught during their medical training and use OMT if indicated.

Osteopathic physician

• Osteopathic medicine

American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine website. What is osteopathic medicine? www.aacom.org/become-a-doctor/about-osteopathic-medicine. Accessed December 22, 2022.

Gevitz N. The “doctor of osteopathy”: expanding the scope of practice. J Am Osteopath Assoc. 2014;114(3):200-212. PMID: 24567273 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24567273/.

Stark J. A degree of difference: the origins of osteopathy and the first use of the “DO” designation. J Am Osteopath Assoc. 2014;114(8):615-617. PMID: 25082967 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25082967/.

Thomson OP, Petty NJ, Moore AP. A qualitative grounded theory study of the conceptions of clinical practice in osteopathy – a continuum from technical rationality to professional artistry. Man Ther. 2014;19(1):37-43. PMID: 23911356 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23911356/.

Updated by: Allen J. Blaivas, DO, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, VA New Jersey Health Care System, Clinical Assistant Professor, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, East Orange, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

What is a DO? | American Osteopathic Association

Patient care

Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine use a unique whole-person approach to help prevent illness and injury.

Accounting for approximately 11% of all physicians in the United States, Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine, or DOs, bring a unique, patient-centered approach to every specialty across the full spectrum of medicine. They are trained to listen and partner with their patients to help them get healthy and stay well.

DOs practice in all medical specialities, including primary care, pediatrics, OBGYN, emergency medicine, psychiatry and surgery. Moreover, DOs hold some of the most prominent positions in medicine today, including overseeing care for the President of the United States, the NASA medical team, Olympic athletes and many who serve in the uniformed services.

From their first days of medical school, DOs are trained to look beyond your symptoms to understand how lifestyle and environmental factors impact your well-being. They practice medicine according to the latest science and technology, but also consider options to complement pharmaceuticals and surgery.

As part of their education, DOs receive special training in the musculoskeletal system, your body’s interconnected system of nerves, muscles and bones. By combining this knowledge with the latest advances in medical technology, they offer patients the most comprehensive care available today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is osteopathic medicine?

The osteopathic philosophy of medicine sees an interrelated unity in all systems of the body, with each working with the other to heal in times of illness.

Osteopathic medicine is practiced by Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine, or DOs, who bring a whole-person approach to care by focusing on looking beyond your symptoms to understand how lifestyle and environmental factors impact your wellbeing.

The profession is one of the fastest growing segments in health care today, with one out of every four medical students enrolled in an osteopathic medical school.

How are DOs educated and trained?

Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine, or DOs, complete four years of osteopathic medical school, with an emphasis on preventive medicine and comprehensive patient care.

They are trained to recognize the interrelated unity among all systems of the body, each working with the other to promote overall health and wellness.

Upon graduating from medical school, DOs complete internships, residencies and fellowships. This training lasts three to eight years and prepares them to become licensed and board-certified.

How are DOs licensed and certified?

Like all physicians in the U.S., Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine, or DOs, are licensed to practice medicine by licensing boards in each state. Requirements vary by state.

Typically, licensure requires successful completion of a medical licensing exam administered by the state licensing board or acceptance of a certificate issued by the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners upon completion of a rigorous series of exams.

The Federation of State Medical Boards provides a directory of state licensing boards that can be contacted for information regarding physician licensure.

DOs earn board certification when they achieve expertise in a medical specialty or subspecialty by meeting the requirements of a specialty certifying board. Physicians in the U.S. can become board certified through the American Osteopathic Association or the American Board of Medical Specialties. The board certification process involves a combination of written, practical and simulator-based tests.

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Geography of presence

History of development from 2002 to the present

Astrakhan regionVologda regionZabaikalsky regionIrkutsk regionKabardino-Balkar RepublicKrasnoyarsk regionKurgan regionKaluga regionMoscow regionNizhny Novgorod regionOrenburg regionPerm regionRepublic of Adygea Republic of AltaiRepublic of BashkortostanRepublic of BuryatiaRepublic of DagestanRepublic of KareliaRepublic of KomiRepublic of CrimeaRepublic of Mari ElRepublic of Sakha (Yakutia)Republic KhakassiaSverdlovsk RegionPenza RegionUdmurt RepublicVladimir RegionYamalo-Nenets Autonomous OkrugRyazan RegionKirov RegionOmsk RegionJewish Autonomous Region

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• Astrakhan region

• Vologda region

• Trans-Baikal Territory

• Irkutsk region

• Kabardino-Balkarian Republic

• Krasnoyarsk Territory

• Kurgan region

• Kaluga region

• Moscow region

• Nizhny Novgorod Region

• Orenburg region

• Perm region

• Republic of Adygea

• Republic of Altai

• Republic of Bashkortostan

• Republic of Buryatia

• Republic of Dagestan

• Republic of Karelia

• Republic of Komi

• Republic of Crimea

• Republic of Mari El

• Republic of Sakha (Yakutia)

• Republic of Khakassia

• Sverdlovsk region

• Penza region

• Udmurt Republic

• Vladimir region

• Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug

• Ryazan region

• Kirov region

• Omsk region

• Jewish Autonomous Region

Can I go to the doctor for an online appointment for a prescription? All about telemedicine

During the pandemic, the demand for online doctor consultations has increased.

How far has telemedicine advanced in Russia? What can and what can’t a doctor do online?

The law on telemedicine, which refers to any remote contact between a doctor and a patient or a doctor and a doctor, say, regarding the choice of treatment tactics, came into force in 2018. Rather, these were amendments to the law “On the Fundamentals of Protecting the Health of Citizens in the Russian Federation”. The document approved the concept of “telemedicine technologies” and the possibilities of their application. Due to the pandemic, the demand for online doctor’s consultations has increased several times – some clinics are talking about an increase of 300 But what medical services can and cannot be obtained on the Internet?0003

Can:

• take history and decide whether face-to-face visits are required,
• correct previous treatment,
• write prescriptions for drugs, but only if previously diagnosed in person,
• order additional examinations, 900 48
• decode analyzes.

Cannot:

• diagnose,
• prescribe treatment.

“Neither the diagnosis nor the stage of the disease can be established, even though some specific data will be provided, consisting of laboratory tests, computed tomography, and so on,” says Anton Ivanov, head physician of the NACFF clinic. “Based on the results of an online consultation, we provide a conclusion. As a rule, it indicates what the patient needs to do: where and which doctor to contact. Also, no drugs and chemotherapy regimens, potent drugs are prescribed during an online consultation.”

This means that the patient will benefit more from an online consultation if it follows an in-person appointment.

“The initial online consultation, if it is carried out with a new patient who has not previously applied to the clinic in person, is exclusively advisory in nature for further diagnostic actions. According to the law, we cannot only make a diagnosis, but also consider this consultation as medical”, — explains Yegor Safrygin, Director of Digital Transformation of the European Medical Center.

Yes, but subject to two conditions. “Firstly, the doctor must adjust the treatment according to the previously diagnosed diagnosis (that is, not in the case of an initial consultation, but when the patient has already been diagnosed in person, treatment is prescribed, including prescription drugs, – TASS note). The second is in the region, where a doctor writes a prescription, there should be a system for issuing electronic prescriptions signed with an enhanced qualified electronic signature of the doctor,” the press service of the SberHealth service told TASS.

For example, in Moscow doctors can write electronic prescriptions instead of paper ones. You can get prescribed medicines at the pharmacy by presenting the QR code of the prescription on the phone screen in the EMIAS.INFO app or in the patient’s personal account on mos.ru.

“In most cases, this works only when prescribing drugs that certain categories of citizens can receive free of charge or at a 50% discount. Both a medical organization and a pharmacy where the patient will receive the medicine should also be connected to such a system,” the “SberHealth”.

Prescription drugs, like prescription drugs, require special forms, seals and certified signatures of the attending physician and department head. It is more difficult to do this in a telemedicine environment. It happens that some clinics make it a rule not to issue prescriptions for online consultations.

“The law allows you to remotely renew an already issued electronic prescription. At the same time, both the doctor and the patient must have an electronic signature on the State Services portal. But in this way, in practice, it is usually impossible to renew the prescription,” TASS was told in the service ” The doctor is near.

There are legal nuances.

According to the law, a medical organization must provide such online consultations through the Unified State Information System , that is, provided that the organization is identified in this system. “To participate in telemedicine, both doctors and patients must be identified through the Unified Identification and Authentication System (ESIA). Legislative changes have been expected for a long time, but so far registration through the ESIA is available only to medical institutions, and not to telemedicine operators. There are also requirements of the order of the Ministry of Health of 30 November 2017 No. 965 “On approval of the procedure for organizing and providing medical care using telemedicine technologies” in terms of data transfer, storage and protection (information security must be arranged in a certain way),” says Vsevolod Pogodin, head of the arimed.ru telemedicine service. According to him, due to such legal requirements, now most telemedicine services position themselves as advertising platforms that do not provide medical services.0003

The law does not establish a list of doctors who may or may not consult online. The main thing is that the online appointment is conducted by a doctor who has an EDS for signing electronic documents. But in some areas, where personal examination and medical manipulations are a key service, online consultations are unpopular, for example, dentistry. “We were looking for the possibility of introducing online consultations at the beginning of the pandemic, but we couldn’t. It’s possible to get a virtually detailed answer to questions of the nature of “how to restore a tooth”. But when it comes to symptoms and pain, online reception turns into “guess the melody,” — says Kirill Kostin, chief physician of the PerfectSmile Center for Aesthetic Dentistry, Cosmetology and Bone Regeneration.0003

Judging by the data of clinics, the most popular consultations are those of therapists and neurologists.

“In 2021, our structure of visits to doctors of narrow specialties has changed. According to the results of the first quarter of 2021, neurologists were in the lead. In the same period a year ago, people most often turned to obstetrician-gynecologists. In 2021, they rank third in terms of number “Gastroenterologists are in second place. We see an increase in remote calls to psychologists, they occupy the fourth position in the general list. Last year, consultations with a psychologist were not included in the top ten,” says Ekaterina Kuzina, medical director of the Doctor Nearby digital medical service.

“For June 2021, we can highlight the top 5 telemedicine specialties in EMC. Among them are internal medicine, psychiatry, neurology, oncology, urology. In March-July 2020, the most popular areas for telemedicine consultations were psychiatry, general practice / therapy , endocrinology, oncology, neurology,” says Yegor Safrygin, European Medical Center (EMC).

There are pilot programs in some regions of Russia where telemedicine has been included in the CHI system. This does not work on the basis of city clinics, but through the Doctor Nearby service. Most of the online appointments with doctors are conducted in private clinics. Russians have the following opportunities in the field of public medicine:

• an appointment with a doctor (not all, but most specialists are available) online through the State Services,
• call a doctor at home (in large cities) also through the State Services.