Do designation medical. Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO): Comprehensive Guide to Osteopathic Medical Practice

04.12.202010.07.2023 by alexxlab

What is a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. How does osteopathic medicine differ from allopathic medicine. What training do DOs receive. In which specialties do osteopathic physicians practice. How do DOs approach patient care. What is osteopathic manipulative therapy.

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Understanding the Role of Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine

A Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) is a fully licensed physician who practices a unique, holistic approach to healthcare. DOs are trained to look beyond symptoms and consider the whole person in their diagnosis and treatment plans. They are qualified to practice in all medical specialties and use all modern medical treatments, including prescription drugs and surgery.

DOs make up approximately 11% of all physicians in the United States and hold prominent positions across various medical fields. They serve in diverse roles, from providing care to the President of the United States to overseeing the health of NASA astronauts and Olympic athletes.

Key Characteristics of Osteopathic Medicine

Whole-person approach to care
Focus on preventive medicine
Additional training in the musculoskeletal system
Use of Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy (OMT)
Integration of latest medical technology with hands-on techniques

The Educational Journey of Osteopathic Physicians

The path to becoming a DO is rigorous and comprehensive. Like their MD counterparts, osteopathic physicians complete four years of medical school. However, their education includes additional specialized training that sets them apart.

DO vs. MD Education: What’s the Difference?

While both DOs and MDs receive extensive medical training, DOs undergo an additional 300 to 500 hours of study focused on the musculoskeletal system and Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy (OMT). This extra training equips DOs with a unique set of skills to diagnose and treat various conditions using hands-on techniques.

After completing medical school, DOs can choose to specialize in any area of medicine by completing a 2- to 6-year residency program. These residencies are often completed alongside MD residents, and both groups take the same board certification exams for their chosen specialties.

The Philosophy Behind Osteopathic Medicine

Osteopathic medicine is founded on the principle that the body has an innate ability to heal itself. DOs are trained to consider the interconnectedness of the body’s systems and how environmental and lifestyle factors can impact overall health.

Core Principles of Osteopathic Medicine

The body is a unit; the person is a unit of body, mind, and spirit.
The body is capable of self-regulation, self-healing, and health maintenance.
Structure and function are reciprocally interrelated.
Rational treatment is based upon an understanding of the basic principles of body unity, self-regulation, and the interrelationship of structure and function.

These principles guide osteopathic physicians in their approach to patient care, emphasizing the importance of treating the whole person rather than just addressing specific symptoms or diseases.

Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy: A Unique Approach to Healing

One of the distinguishing features of osteopathic medicine is the use of Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy (OMT). This hands-on technique involves using the hands to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness or injury.

How Does OMT Work?

OMT is based on the idea that the body’s musculoskeletal system plays a crucial role in maintaining health. By manipulating the muscles, joints, and other tissues, DOs can help improve circulation, relieve pain, and promote the body’s natural ability to heal itself.

OMT can be used to treat a wide range of conditions, including:

Back pain
Neck pain
Headaches
Sinus disorders
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Digestive issues

The Scope of Osteopathic Medical Practice

Osteopathic physicians practice in all areas of medicine, from primary care to highly specialized surgical fields. Their comprehensive training allows them to adapt their skills to various medical settings and patient needs.

Common Specialties for DOs

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

In each of these specialties, DOs bring their unique perspective and holistic approach to patient care, often integrating OMT with conventional medical treatments when appropriate.

The Impact of Osteopathic Medicine on Patient Care

The osteopathic approach to medicine has been shown to have significant benefits for patients. By considering the whole person and not just isolated symptoms, DOs can often uncover underlying issues that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Benefits of Osteopathic Care

Comprehensive health assessment
Emphasis on preventive care
Reduced reliance on medication in some cases
Improved patient-doctor communication
Personalized treatment plans

Many patients appreciate the hands-on approach and the time DOs often spend getting to know them as individuals. This personalized care can lead to better health outcomes and increased patient satisfaction.

The Future of Osteopathic Medicine

As healthcare continues to evolve, the principles of osteopathic medicine are becoming increasingly relevant. The emphasis on preventive care and whole-person treatment aligns well with current trends in healthcare that focus on wellness and lifestyle medicine.

Growing Recognition and Acceptance

In recent years, there has been growing recognition of the value of osteopathic medicine. More hospitals and healthcare systems are integrating DOs into their teams, and patients are increasingly seeking out osteopathic physicians for their care.

The number of osteopathic medical schools in the United States has been steadily increasing, reflecting the growing demand for this approach to healthcare. As more DOs enter the workforce, they are likely to have an even greater impact on the healthcare landscape.

Choosing Between a DO and an MD

When selecting a physician, patients often wonder whether they should choose a DO or an MD. The truth is, both types of doctors are fully qualified to provide excellent medical care. The choice often comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of the patient.

Factors to Consider

The type of medical care needed
Personal health philosophy
Interest in holistic or integrative approaches
Availability of DOs or MDs in your area
Individual doctor’s experience and expertise

Many patients find that they appreciate the osteopathic approach, particularly if they have chronic conditions or are interested in preventive care. However, both DOs and MDs are capable of providing high-quality, evidence-based medical care.

The Role of Osteopathic Medicine in Modern Healthcare

As healthcare systems around the world grapple with rising costs and increasing rates of chronic disease, the osteopathic approach to medicine offers valuable insights and solutions. The focus on prevention, lifestyle factors, and treating the whole person aligns well with efforts to improve population health and reduce healthcare costs.

Contributions to Healthcare Innovation

Osteopathic physicians are at the forefront of many healthcare innovations, including:

Integrative medicine approaches
Non-pharmacological pain management techniques
Lifestyle medicine interventions
Patient-centered medical homes

These contributions are helping to shape the future of healthcare, promoting a more holistic and patient-centered approach to medicine.

Challenges and Opportunities in Osteopathic Medicine

While osteopathic medicine has gained significant recognition and acceptance, it still faces some challenges in the broader medical community. These challenges also present opportunities for growth and innovation within the field.

Current Challenges

Limited public awareness of the DO designation
Misconceptions about the scientific basis of osteopathic principles
Integration of OMT into mainstream medical practice
Balancing traditional osteopathic principles with advances in medical technology

Addressing these challenges will be crucial for the continued growth and development of osteopathic medicine. As more research is conducted on the effectiveness of osteopathic approaches, and as public awareness increases, these challenges are likely to diminish.

Opportunities for Growth

The unique perspective of osteopathic medicine positions DOs to make significant contributions in several areas:

Developing integrative approaches to chronic disease management
Advancing research in the mind-body connection
Improving patient education and engagement in healthcare
Promoting a more holistic approach to medical education

As healthcare continues to evolve, the principles of osteopathic medicine may become increasingly valuable in addressing complex health challenges and improving patient outcomes.

The Global Perspective on Osteopathic Medicine

While osteopathic medicine originated in the United States, its principles and practices have gained recognition worldwide. The global growth of osteopathic medicine reflects its relevance to diverse healthcare systems and patient populations.

International Practice of Osteopathic Medicine

In many countries, osteopathy is practiced as a form of complementary or alternative medicine, often focusing primarily on manual therapy techniques. However, in the United States, osteopathic physicians are fully licensed medical doctors with all the same rights and responsibilities as MDs.

The international osteopathic community is working towards greater standardization and recognition of osteopathic qualifications across borders. This effort aims to facilitate the global mobility of osteopathic practitioners and promote the integration of osteopathic principles into diverse healthcare systems.

Research and Collaboration

International collaboration in osteopathic research is growing, with studies being conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of osteopathic approaches in various cultural and healthcare contexts. This global perspective enriches the field of osteopathic medicine and contributes to its ongoing development and refinement.

Conclusion: The Unique Value of Osteopathic Medicine

Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine bring a distinct and valuable perspective to the practice of medicine. Their holistic approach, emphasis on preventive care, and unique skills in osteopathic manipulative therapy offer patients a comprehensive and personalized healthcare experience.

As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, the principles of osteopathic medicine are likely to play an increasingly important role. The focus on treating the whole person, rather than just managing symptoms, aligns well with current trends towards patient-centered care and integrative health approaches.

Whether you choose a DO or an MD for your healthcare needs, understanding the unique qualities of osteopathic medicine can help you make informed decisions about your health and wellness. As always, the most important factor is finding a qualified physician who listens to your concerns and works with you to achieve your health goals.

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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RT MIS. Services for doctors and patients

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

Photo source: wikipedia

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.