About Osteopathic Medicine

---

A DO is a physician that holds a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree, while an MD is a physician that holds a Medical Doctor degree, also called an allopathic medicine degree. 

Both DOs and MDs attend 4 years of undergraduate training, followed by 4 years of medical school. This is then followed by residency training, which lasts a minimum of 3 years, to become board certified in their chosen specialty. 

There are two primary differences between DOs and MDs:

1. DO training emphasizes a holistic approach to healthcare, emphasizing that the mind, body and spirit function as one interconnected unit, and a person needs all three parts functioning to prevent disease.
2. DO's also receive additional training: approximately 300 hours is spent learning OMT, or osteopathic manipulative treatment, during their 4 years of medical school. OMT is a form of hands-on therapy used to diagnosed and treat musculoskeletal, nervous and lymphatic system dysfunctions.

Many patients now choose osteopathic physicians as their primary care provider because of the DO difference. 

Wondering if having a DO as your primary care provider is right for you? Book a new patient appointment with us today to learn more!