Developed 130 years ago by physician Andrew Taylor Still, osteopathic medicine is one of the fastest growing healthcare professions in the U.S. and brings a unique philosophy to traditional medicine. With a strong emphasis on the inter-relationship of the body’s nerves, muscles, bones and organs, doctors of osteopathic medicine, or D.O.s, apply the philosophy of treating the whole person to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of illness, disease and injury.
Osteopathy pays special attention to the musculoskeletal system, which reflects and influences the condition of all other body systems. This system of bones and muscles makes up about two-thirds of the body’s mass, and a routine part of the examination D.O.s give patients is a careful evaluation of these important structures. D.O.s know that the body’s structure plays a critical role in its ability to function. They use their eyes and hands to identify structural problems and to support the body’s natural tendency toward health and self-healing. Osteopathic physicians also use their ears to listen to patients and their health concerns. D.O.s help patients develop attitudes and lifestyles that don’t just fight illness but also help prevent it.
To be an osteopathic physician, an individual must be a graduate of one of the nation’s osteopathic medical schools. Typically, applicants to osteopathic medical colleges have four-year undergraduate degrees and complete specific science courses. Applicants must take the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT). Osteopathic medical schools also require a personal interview to assess a student’s interpersonal communication skills. The curriculum at osteopathic medical schools involves four years of academic study. As a reflection of osteopathic philosophy, the curriculum emphasizes preventive medicine and comprehensive patient care. Throughout the curriculum, medical students learn to use osteopathic principles and techniques to diagnose and treat patients. After completing osteopathic medical college, many D.O.s serve a one-year internship, gaining hands-on experience in internal medicine, emergency medicine, and family practice, as well as serving electives in core rotations such as obstetrics and gynecology and pediatrics. This experience ensures that osteopathic physicians are first trained as primary care physicians. Today, all D.O.s serve residencies, consisting of two to six years of training. Residencies are available in the primary care disciplines of family practice, internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, and pediatrics, as well as other specialties such as surgery, radiology, psychiatry and sports medicine.
D.O.s are one of the fastest growing segments of health care professionals in the United States. By the year 2020, it is estimated that at least 100,000 osteopathic physicians will be in active medical practice. Approximately 65 percent of practicing D.O.s specialize in the primary care areas of family practice, internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, and pediatrics. D.O.s represent 6 percent of the total U.S. physician population.
Source: American Osteopathic Association
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