Who is a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine?
A Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) is a licensed physician who practices a whole-person approach to healthcare. Unlike traditional allopathic doctors (MDs), DOs focus on preventive medicine, viewing the body as an integrated whole rather than treating specific illnesses or symptoms alone. They are fully qualified physicians who are trained to prescribe medications, perform surgeries, and practice in specialized areas like psychiatry, surgery, and obstetrics.
General Approach of Osteopathic Medicine
The general approach of osteopathic medicine emphasizes a philosophy of treating the whole person. This holistic view incorporates physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being to maintain health and manage disease. Osteopathic physicians use a comprehensive set of tools in diagnosis and treatment, including osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), which can complement drugs or surgery when necessary. The training of a DO includes additional hours in the study of the body’s musculoskeletal system, which is central to their unique approach to care.
Educational Path and Training of DOs
The path to becoming a DO starts with a bachelor’s degree, followed by four years of medical school at an accredited college of osteopathic medicine. The curriculum in these programs includes the standard medical coursework found in MD programs, such as anatomy, pharmacology, and pathology. However, DO students receive additional training in osteopathic principles and practice, including over 200 hours in osteopathic manipulative medicine. This training emphasizes a hands-on approach to diagnosis and treatment, focusing on the body’s musculoskeletal system.
Following medical school, DOs must complete a residency program, which can range from three to seven years, depending on the specialty. Like MDs, DOs can choose from a wide range of specialties such as family medicine, pediatrics, psychiatry, or surgery. During their residency, DOs receive extensive practical training, working directly with patients under the supervision of experienced physicians.
Integrative Approach in Practice
DOs are known for their integrative approach, which often includes the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) techniques alongside conventional medicine. This integrative approach allows DOs to offer more personalized care, adapting treatments to meet the unique needs of each patient. For instance, a DO might incorporate herbal medicine, acupuncture, or chiropractic treatments into their practice, providing a broad spectrum of care options.
Impact on Patient Care
The holistic approach of DOs not only helps in treating acute conditions but also plays a significant role in preventive health care. By considering the lifestyle and environmental factors that contribute to a patient’s overall health, DOs can guide patients on preventive measures, dietary changes, and lifestyle adjustments that can significantly improve long-term health outcomes. This proactive approach helps reduce the incidence of chronic diseases and improves the quality of mental health of the patients. If you need professional assistance in integrated healthcare, visit the link and make an appointment today.
In conclusion, the comprehensive training and unique perspective of DOs equip them to address health care in a holistic manner. Whether through direct medical treatments, preventive care advice, or osteopathic manipulative treatment, DOs provide a vital service that enhances the health and well-being of their patients.
Differences Between a DO and an Internist MD
While both DOs and MDs are fully qualified to practice all aspects of medicine, there are notable differences in their training and practice. MDs, or Doctors of Medicine, follow an allopathic model of medical education, which is traditionally more focused on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases using conventional methods like drugs and surgery. In contrast, DOs receive additional training in OMT and have a distinctive approach that focuses on preventive healthcare and the body’s musculoskeletal system. This can influence how they approach clinical situations, often incorporating alternative methods into their practice.
Osteopathic Manipulation
One of the key components that set DOs apart from MDs is their use of osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT). OMT is a set of hands-on techniques used by DOs to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness or injury. Through moving muscles and joints using techniques including stretching, gentle pressure, and resistance, DOs can address structural and tissue abnormalities, relieve joint restriction and misalignment, restore muscle and tissue balance, and promote overall bodily function.
Prescription Rights of DOs
Just like their MD counterparts, DOs are authorized to prescribe medicine. They can prescribe drugs, perform surgeries, and offer holistic treatments depending on the patient’s condition. The ability to prescribe medications allows DOs to provide a comprehensive range of treatments to accommodate the medical needs of their patients. This is particularly beneficial in the management of chronic conditions where pharmaceutical intervention is often necessary.
In conclusion, Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine embody a unique blend of traditional medicine and holistic approaches, emphasizing preventive health care and the musculoskeletal system’s role in achieving and maintaining optimal health. Whether through using osteopathic manipulative treatment or prescribing medication, DOs are equipped to offer a comprehensive approach to patient care, making them invaluable in the diverse spectrum of health services.
