In 1874, Dr. A.T. Still, the founder of osteopathic medicine, recognized the power of hands-on care and incorporated it into the philosophy of medical care we now call osteopathic medicine.
What is a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine?
- There are two types of complete physicians in the United States. One has an M.D. (doctor of medicine) degree, and the other has a D.O. (doctor of osteopathic medicine) degree.
- Both D.O.s and M.D.s must pass a state medical board examination in order to obtain a license and enter practice.
- D.O.s perform surgery, deliver babies and prescribe medicine in hospitals and clinics across the nation.
- D.O.s give special attention to how the body's nerves, muscles, bones and organs work together to influence health.
What do D.O.s Do?
- Doctors of osteopathic medicine, or D.O.s, take a "whole person" approach to patient care.
- D.O.s consider your physical condition, plus mental and emotional factors (home, work and family) when diagnosing you.
- In keeping with their holistic approach, you'll find many D.O.s in primary care (family practice, internal medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology.)
Hands-On Care
- D.O.s understand how all the body's systems are interconnected and how each one affects the others.
- D.O.s focus special attention on the musculoskeletal system.
- D.O.s use their eyes and hands to identify structural problems and to support the body's natural tendency toward health and self-healing.
Osteopathic Manipulation
- D.O.s bring an added dimension to health care in the form of a non-invasive hands-on therapy called Osteopathic Manipulation Treatment (OMT).
- People of all ages and backgrounds have found relief from pain and dysfunction with OMT.
- D.O.s incorporate OMT in their treatment plans for top athletes and performance artists, workers with on-the-job injuries and hundreds of thousands of people just like you.
For more detailed information on Osteopathic Medicine and D.O.s you may go to: http://www.osteopathic.org
|
