What is osteopathic medicine?

Osteopathic medicine is a distinctive approach to healthcare practiced by Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine, or DOs, who account for approximately 11% of all physicians in the United States. The osteopathic philosophy of care is centered on listening and partnering with patients to look beyond symptoms and understand how lifestyle and environmental factors can impact well-being.

DOs can be found practicing in every specialty across the full spectrum of medicine, including primary care, pediatrics, emergency medicine, OBGYN, psychiatry and surgery. They practice medicine according to latest science and technology, but also consider options to complement pharmaceuticals and surgery.

From their first days of medical school, DOs are trained to look beyond your symptoms to understand how lifestyle and environmental factors impact your well-being. They receive special training in the musculoskeletal system, your body’s interconnected system of nerves, muscles and bones. By combining this knowledge with the latest advances in medicine, they offer patients one of the most comprehensive approaches available in healthcare.

Learn more about the DO distinction.