What is a D.O.?
A D.O. is an Osteopathic Physician and is fully qualified to perform surgery and prescribe medication.

How are D.O.s different from M.D.s?
Osteopathic medical schools emphasize training students to be primary care physicians.
D.O.s practice a "whole person" approach to medicine. Instead of just treating specific symptoms or illnesses, they regard your body as an integrated whole.
Osteopathic physicians focus on preventive health care.
D.O.s receive extra training in the musculoskeletal system. This provides the D.O. with a better understanding of the ways that an injury in one part of your body can affect another.

What is osteopathic medicine?
Osteopathic medicine is a complete system of medical care. The philosophy is to treat the whole person, not just the symptoms. It emphasizes the interrelationships of structure and function, and the appreciation of the body's ability to heal itself.

Is osteopathic medicine considered alternative medicine?
No, osteopathic medicine is not alternative at all. In fact, osteopathic medicine has a history of 125 years. It is a complete system of medical care founded on the philosophy of treating the whole person. Just like MDs, Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs) are fully trained and licensed medical physicians. Our philosophy of patient-focused care allows DOs to provide comprehensive health care, while also making you feel well cared for.

Who practices osteopathic medicine?
Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs) practice this distinct field of medicine. Other than MDs, DOs are the only kind of physician in the United States who are fully trained and licensed to perform surgery and prescribe medicine.