Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs) are fully licensed physicians who practice in all areas of medicine. They provide comprehensive medical care, ranging from primary care to highly specialized surgical procedures. Like Medical Doctors (MDs), DOs can diagnose illnesses, prescribe medications, perform surgeries, and lead healthcare teams. Their approach integrates a holistic philosophy, considering overall patient well-being.
DO Medical Education and Training
Osteopathic medical schools offer a rigorous four-year curriculum that mirrors the educational pathway of MD programs. This comprehensive training includes foundational instruction in basic sciences, such as anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry, followed by extensive clinical rotations across various medical and surgical specialties. Students gain hands-on experience in diverse healthcare settings, preparing them for complex patient care.
After graduating from medical school, DOs complete postgraduate training programs, including internships and residencies, alongside MD graduates. These accredited programs, which can last from three to seven years depending on the specialty, provide in-depth, supervised training in a chosen field. Many DOs pursue residencies in surgical disciplines, where they acquire advanced procedural skills and specialized knowledge.
Surgical Practice for DOs
Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine perform surgery across all medical and surgical specialties. Their surgical training is comprehensive, preparing them for complex procedures in fields such as general surgery, orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, and cardiothoracic surgery. These surgeons manage pre-operative, operative, and post-operative care for their patients.
DO surgeons complete the same rigorous board certification processes as their MD counterparts in their chosen surgical fields. This certification signifies that they have met the highest standards of expertise and patient care within their specialty. Consequently, the qualifications and scope of practice for DOs in surgery are equivalent to those of MDs, provided they have completed the necessary specialized training and achieved board certification.
DO Medical Education and Training
Osteopathic medical schools provide a rigorous four-year curriculum that is comparable to MD programs, including both pre-clinical and clinical phases. This comprehensive training encompasses foundational basic sciences, such as anatomy and physiology, alongside extensive clinical rotations in various medical and surgical specialties. Students gain hands-on patient care experience across diverse healthcare settings, preparing them for complex medical practice.
After graduating from medical school, DOs complete postgraduate training programs, including internships and residencies, which are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). These programs, typically lasting three to seven years, are undertaken alongside MD graduates and provide in-depth, supervised training in a chosen field. Many DOs pursue residencies in surgical disciplines, where they acquire advanced procedural skills and specialized knowledge crucial for operative care.
Surgical Practice for DOs
Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine perform surgery across the full spectrum of medical and surgical specialties. Their training prepares them for complex procedures in areas like general surgery, orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, and cardiothoracic surgery, among others. DO surgeons are involved in all phases of surgical care, managing pre-operative assessments, performing the operations, and overseeing post-operative recovery.
DO surgeons undergo the same rigorous board certification processes as their MD counterparts in their chosen surgical fields. This certification, whether through American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) or American Osteopathic Association (AOA) boards, confirms that they have met the highest standards of expertise. Their qualifications and scope of practice in surgery are equivalent to those of MDs, encompassing traditional open surgeries, minimally invasive techniques, and robotic-assisted procedures, once specialized training and board certification are completed.