Role of an Osteopath
An osteopath focuses on the whole body, including the soft tissues (such as muscles, ligaments and tendons), the spine and nervous system, and may use a variety of different hands-on methods, including: Spinal manipulation. Soft tissue massage techniques. Articulation – gentle rhythmic joint movements.
American Osteopathic Association
Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine use a unique whole-person approach to help prevent illness and injury.
Accounting for approximately 11% of all physicians in the United States, Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine, or DOs, bring a unique, patient-centered approach to every specialty across the full spectrum of medicine. They are trained to listen and partner with their patients to help them get healthy and stay well.
DOs practice in all medical specialties, including primary care, pediatrics, OBGYN, emergency medicine, psychiatry and surgery.
DOs hold some of the most prominent positions in medicine today, including overseeing care for the President of the United States, the NASA medical team, Olympic athletes and many who serve in the uniformed services.
From their first days of degree, DOs are trained to look beyond symptoms to understand how lifestyle and environmental factors impact well-being. They practice medicine according to the latest science and technology, but also consider options to complement pharmaceuticals and surgery.
As part of their education, DOs receive special training in the Musculoskeletal System, body’s interconnected system of nerves, muscles and bones. By combining this knowledge with the latest advances in medical technology, they offer patients the most comprehensive care available today.
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine complete Four Years Degree, with an emphasis on preventive medicine and comprehensive patient care.
DOs are trained to recognize the interrelated unity among all systems of the body, each working with the other to promote overall health and wellness.
Upon graduating, DOs complete internships, residencies and fellowships. This training lasts three to eight years and prepares them to become licensed and board-certified.
How are DOs licensed and certified?
Like all physicians in the U.S., Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine are licensed to practice medicine by licensing boards.
The licensure requires successful completion of a medical licensing exam administered by the licensing boards or acceptance of a certificate issued by the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners upon completion of a rigorous series of exams.
DOs earn board certification when they achieve expertise in a medical specialty or subspecialty by meeting the requirements of a specialty certifying board.
The board certification process involves a combination of written, practical and simulator-based tests.