MAOP: Osteopathy

There are two types of fully licensed physicians recognized in the U.S.: D.O.s (osteopathic) and M.D.s (allopathic)

Similarities

Education Both attend four year medical schools and have similar clinical training and National and State licensing examinations.
Both may be PRIMARY CARE practitioners (e.g., family practice, pediatrics) or SPECIALISTS (e.g., surgery, cardiology).
Both are fully licensed to prescribe medications and perform surgery.

Differences

Osteopathic medical education places a strong emphasis on primary medical care. Osteopathic physicians are trained to be complete physicians first, then as specialists if they choose.
Osteopathic Diagnosis Osteopathic physicians receive specialized training about the musculoskeletal system. This helps them to better understand the ways an injury or illness can affect different regions of the body allowing a "holistic" approach to medical care.
Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) Osteopathic physicians are also trained to use OMT, a manual medicine technique. Through the use of OMT, the osteopathic physician can assist in restoring musculoskeletal balance which assists in promoting the body's natural healing ability.
Osteopathic physicians are taught to emphasize prevention of injury or illness in addition to treating current medical problems.

Osteopathic Facts

Every year over 100 million physician visits are made to a D.O..
D.O.s account for 5.5% of all U.S. physicians and over 15% of all military physicians.
65% of all D.O.s practice primary care, many in rural communities.
There are currently 22 schools of osteopathic medicine in the United States with over 2,700 students graduating each year.
Historical Notes: Dr. Andrew Taylor Still founded the osteopathic medical profession in 1874. He successfully created a system of health care which emphasizes wellness and the prevention of disease. It emphasizes proper anatomic and physiologic relationships as well as the spiritual and psychologic components to health.