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

30.11.202010.07.2023 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.

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Understanding the Role of Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine

Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs) are fully licensed physicians who practice a unique, whole-person approach to healthcare. These medical professionals combine modern medical techniques with their specialized training in the musculoskeletal system to provide comprehensive patient care.

DOs are trained to look beyond symptoms and consider how lifestyle and environmental factors impact a patient’s well-being. This holistic perspective sets them apart in the medical field and allows them to offer a more integrative approach to health and wellness.

Key Aspects of Osteopathic Medical Practice

Whole-person approach to patient care
Focus on preventive medicine
Specialized training in the musculoskeletal system
Use of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT)
Emphasis on the body’s ability to heal itself

The Educational Path to Becoming a DO

The journey to becoming a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine is rigorous and comprehensive. DO candidates undergo extensive training that equips them with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide high-quality patient care.

How long does it take to become a DO? The educational path typically includes:

Four years of undergraduate study
Four years of osteopathic medical school
A residency program lasting 2-6 years, depending on the chosen specialty

During their medical education, DO students receive an additional 300 to 500 hours of training in Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT). This hands-on technique allows DOs to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness or injury by moving a patient’s muscles and joints using techniques that include stretching, gentle pressure, and resistance.

Osteopathic vs. Allopathic Medicine: Understanding the Differences

While both Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs) and Doctors of Medicine (MDs) are fully licensed physicians, there are some key differences in their approach to patient care and medical philosophy.

How do osteopathic and allopathic medicine differ?

Philosophy: DOs emphasize a whole-person approach, considering the interconnectedness of the body’s systems, while MDs typically focus on treating specific symptoms or diseases.
Training: DOs receive additional training in the musculoskeletal system and OMT, which MDs do not typically receive.
Treatment approach: DOs often incorporate hands-on manipulative treatment alongside conventional medical interventions, while MDs primarily rely on pharmaceutical and surgical treatments.

Despite these differences, both DOs and MDs are qualified to practice in all medical specialties and can prescribe medications, perform surgeries, and provide comprehensive patient care.

The Principle of Body Unity in Osteopathic Medicine

A fundamental tenet of osteopathic medicine is the concept of body unity. This principle suggests that all body systems are interconnected and work together to maintain health and fight disease.

How does the principle of body unity influence osteopathic practice?

Holistic assessment: DOs consider how an issue in one body system might affect others.
Preventive focus: By understanding the body’s interconnectedness, DOs can identify potential health issues before they become severe.
Tailored treatments: This approach allows DOs to develop comprehensive treatment plans that address the root causes of health issues, not just symptoms.

This principle underscores the osteopathic belief that the body has an innate ability to heal itself when properly supported. DOs work to enhance this natural healing process through their treatments and recommendations.

Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment: A Unique Aspect of DO Practice

Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) is a distinctive feature of osteopathic medicine. This hands-on technique involves using the hands to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness or injury.

What are the benefits of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment?

Pain relief: OMT can help alleviate pain in muscles and joints without the need for medication.
Improved mobility: By manipulating the musculoskeletal system, DOs can enhance range of motion and flexibility.
Enhanced circulation: Certain OMT techniques can improve blood flow, promoting healing and overall health.
Stress reduction: OMT can help relax tense muscles and reduce physical stress on the body.

OMT is not just for musculoskeletal issues. DOs may use these techniques to treat a wide range of conditions, including migraines, sinus disorders, and even some types of asthma. The application of OMT is always tailored to the individual patient’s needs and condition.

The Scope of Osteopathic Medical Practice

Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine are found in every medical specialty, from primary care to highly specialized surgical fields. Their comprehensive training allows them to adapt their skills to various medical settings and patient needs.

In which specialties do DOs commonly practice?

Primary Care (Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics)
Emergency Medicine
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Surgery (General and subspecialties)
Psychiatry
Anesthesiology
Dermatology
Neurology
Cardiology

DOs also hold prominent positions in various healthcare settings. They serve as medical chiefs in hospitals, lead research teams, and even provide care for high-profile individuals such as the President of the United States and Olympic athletes.

The Impact of Osteopathic Medicine on Patient Care

The osteopathic approach to medicine has a significant impact on patient care, often leading to improved health outcomes and patient satisfaction. By considering the whole person rather than just treating symptoms, DOs can provide more comprehensive and personalized care.

How does the osteopathic approach benefit patients?

Personalized treatment plans: DOs consider each patient’s unique circumstances, lifestyle, and environmental factors when developing treatment strategies.
Emphasis on prevention: The focus on preventive care helps patients maintain good health and avoid potential health issues.
Patient education: DOs often spend more time educating patients about their health, empowering them to take an active role in their wellness.
Reduced reliance on medication: Through OMT and lifestyle recommendations, DOs may be able to address some health issues without resorting to pharmaceutical interventions.

This patient-centered approach often leads to stronger doctor-patient relationships and can result in better adherence to treatment plans and improved overall health outcomes.

The Future of Osteopathic Medicine

As healthcare continues to evolve, the principles of osteopathic medicine are becoming increasingly relevant. The emphasis on preventive care, whole-person treatment, and the body’s innate healing abilities aligns well with current trends in healthcare that prioritize wellness and patient-centered care.

What trends are shaping the future of osteopathic medicine?

Integration with technology: DOs are incorporating telemedicine and digital health tools to enhance patient care.
Research in OMT: Ongoing studies are exploring the efficacy of osteopathic manipulative treatment for various conditions.
Focus on mental health: The holistic approach of osteopathic medicine is well-suited to addressing the growing emphasis on mental health in overall wellness.
Collaborative care models: DOs are increasingly working in interdisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive patient care.

As the healthcare landscape continues to change, the principles of osteopathic medicine are likely to play an increasingly important role in shaping patient care and medical education.

The Growing Popularity of Osteopathic Medicine

The number of practicing DOs has been steadily increasing over the years, reflecting a growing recognition of the value of osteopathic principles in healthcare. According to the American Osteopathic Association, DOs now represent approximately 11% of all physicians in the United States.

Why is osteopathic medicine gaining popularity?

Holistic approach: Patients are increasingly seeking care that considers their overall well-being, not just individual symptoms.
Emphasis on prevention: The focus on preventive care aligns with current health trends and can lead to better long-term health outcomes.
Hands-on treatment: The incorporation of OMT provides an additional treatment option that many patients find beneficial.
Adaptability: The principles of osteopathic medicine can be applied across all medical specialties, making DOs versatile practitioners.

As more patients experience the benefits of osteopathic care, and as healthcare systems recognize the value of its principles, the role of DOs in the medical landscape is likely to continue expanding.

Challenges and Opportunities in Osteopathic Medicine

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

What are some challenges and opportunities for osteopathic medicine?

Challenge: Misconceptions about the differences between DOs and MDs
Opportunity: Increased public education about osteopathic principles and practices
Challenge: Limited research on the efficacy of OMT for certain conditions
Opportunity: Expanded research initiatives to provide evidence-based support for osteopathic treatments
Challenge: Integration of osteopathic principles into mainstream healthcare systems
Opportunity: Collaboration with other healthcare professionals to demonstrate the value of osteopathic approaches

By addressing these challenges and leveraging opportunities, the osteopathic medical community can continue to enhance its impact on patient care and contribute to the advancement of medical practice as a whole.

The Role of Osteopathic Medicine in Addressing Healthcare Disparities

Osteopathic medicine’s holistic approach and emphasis on preventive care make it well-suited to address healthcare disparities and improve access to quality healthcare for underserved populations.

How can osteopathic medicine help reduce healthcare disparities?

Community focus: Many DOs choose to practice in underserved areas, improving access to care.
Cultural competence: The whole-person approach encourages consideration of cultural and social factors in health.
Preventive care: Emphasis on prevention can help reduce the long-term health impacts of disparities.
Patient education: DOs often spend more time educating patients, which can help overcome health literacy barriers.

As healthcare systems work to address disparities, the principles and practices of osteopathic medicine can serve as valuable tools in creating more equitable and accessible healthcare for all.

Osteopathic Medicine in Global Health

While osteopathic medicine originated in the United States, its principles and practices are gaining recognition globally. DOs are increasingly involved in international health initiatives, bringing their unique approach to patient care to diverse populations around the world.

How is osteopathic medicine contributing to global health?

International outreach: DOs participate in medical missions and global health programs.
Knowledge exchange: Osteopathic principles are being shared with healthcare professionals in other countries.
Adaptability: The holistic approach of osteopathic medicine can be adapted to various cultural and healthcare contexts.
Complementary care: OMT can provide a non-pharmaceutical treatment option in resource-limited settings.

As osteopathic medicine continues to expand its global reach, it has the potential to make significant contributions to improving health outcomes worldwide, particularly in areas where access to conventional medical care may be limited.

The Integration of Osteopathic Principles in Medical Education

The unique perspectives and skills offered by osteopathic medicine are increasingly being recognized in medical education. Some allopathic medical schools are now incorporating elements of osteopathic principles into their curricula, acknowledging the value of a more holistic approach to patient care.

How are osteopathic principles being integrated into broader medical education?

Inclusion of OMT courses in some allopathic medical programs
Emphasis on patient-centered care across all medical education
Increased focus on preventive medicine and lifestyle factors in health
Growing recognition of the mind-body connection in medical training

This integration of osteopathic principles in medical education is helping to create a more comprehensive approach to healthcare that benefits both practitioners and patients. As this trend continues, it may lead to a more unified and holistic approach to medical practice across the healthcare system.

Doctor of osteopathic medicine: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

URL of this page: //medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002020.htm

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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.