Doctor of Osteopathy

Doctor of Osteopathy (also known as DO) is a professional doctoral degree for physicians and surgeons offered by medical schools in the United States. A DO graduate may become licensed as an osteopathic physician, having equivalent rights, privileges, and responsibilities as a physician who has earned the Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree.

Education and Training

DO degrees are offered by osteopathic medical schools in the United States, which are accredited by the American Osteopathic Association. These schools provide four years of medical education, followed by residency training which may be three to seven years, depending on the specialty.

The curriculum for the DO degree includes the same core science courses as the MD degree, but also includes additional training in osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM), a hands-on therapy that is used to diagnose and treat illness and injury.

Licensure and Practice

After completing their education and training, DO graduates must pass a licensing examination in order to practice medicine. In the United States, this examination is the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX).

DOs are licensed to practice the full scope of medicine in all 50 states. They can prescribe medication, perform surgery, and provide other medical services.

Differences from MD

While DOs and MDs have similar training and practice rights, there are some differences in their approach to patient care. DOs are trained to take a more holistic approach to medicine, considering the whole person rather than just the disease or condition. They are also trained in OMM, which is not typically part of MD training.

See Also

• Medical education in the United States
• Osteopathic medicine in the United States
• American Osteopathic Association
• Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination

Doctor of Osteopathy Resources
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