Osteopathic physicians understand how all the body's systems are interconnected and how each one affects the others. They focus special attention on the musculoskeletal system, which reflects and influences the condition of all other body systems.

This system of bones and muscles makes up about two-thirds of the body's mass, and a routine part of the osteopathic patient examination is a careful evaluation of these important structures. D.O.s know that the body's structure plays a critical role in its ability to function. They can use their eyes and hands to identify structural problems and to support the body's natural tendency toward health and self-healing.

To become an osteopathic physician an individual must be a graduate of one of 15 osteopathic medical schools. Each school is accredited by the Bureau of Professional Education of the American Osteopathic Association. This accreditation is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council on Postsecondary Education. Typically, applicants to osteopathic colleges have a four-year undergraduate degree, and complete specific science courses. Applicants must take the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT). Osteopathic medical schools also require a personal interview to assess the student's interpersonal communication skills.

The osteopathic curriculum involves four years of academic study. As a reflection of the osteopathic philosophy, the curriculum emphasizes preventative medicine and holistic patient care. Medical students learn to use osteopathic principles and techniques for diagnosis and treatment of disease throughout the curriculum.

After completing osteopathic medical college, D.O.s serve a one-year internship, gaining hands-on experience in internal medicine, obstetrics/ gynecology, family practice, pediatrics and surgery. This experience ensures that osteopathic physicians are first trained as primary care physicians - even if they plan to pursue a specialty. The internship provides every D.O. with the perspective to see and treat every patient as a whole person.

D.O.s are complete physicians. That means they are fully trained and licensed to prescribe medication and to perform surgery. D.O.s and allopathic physicians (M.D.s) are the only two types of complete physicians.

D.O.s practice in all branches of medicine and surgery, from psychiatry to obstetrics; from geriatrics to emergency medicine. However, D.O.s are trained to be doctors first, and specialists second. The majority are family-oriented, primary care physicians. Many D.O.s practice in small towns and rural areas, where they often care for entire families and whole communities.

Some facts about osteopathic physicians:

If you're like most people, you've been going to a doctor ever since you were born, and perhaps were not aware whether you were seeing a D.O. (Osteopathic Physician) or an M.D. (Allopathic Physician). You may not even be aware that there are these two types of complete physicians in the United States.

The fact is, both D.O.s and M.D.s are complete physicians. They are both licensed to perform surgery and prescribe medication in all 50 states. Is there any difference between these two kinds of doctors? Yes. And no.

What is a D.O.?

D.O.s and M.D.s are alike in many ways:

Osteopathic medicine is a unique form of American medical care that was developed in 1874 by Andrew Taylor Still, M.D. Dr. Still was dissatisfied with the effectiveness of 19th Century medicine. He believed that many of the medications of his day were useless or even harmful. Dr. Still was one of the first in his time to study the attributes of good health so that he could better understand the process of disease.

In response Dr. Still founded a philosophy of medicine based on ideas that date back to Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine. The philosophy focuses on the unity of all body parts. He identified the musculoskeletal system as a key element of health. He recognized the body's ability to heal itself and stressed preventative medicine, eating properly and keeping fit.

Dr. Still pioneered the concept of "wellness" 100 years ago. In today's terms, personal health risks - such as smoking, high blood pressure, excessive cholesterol levels, stress and other lifestyle factors - are evaluated for each individual. In coordination with appropriate medical treatment, the osteopathic physician acts as a teacher to help patients take more responsibility for their own wellbeing and change unhealthy patterns.

Just as Dr. Still pioneered osteopathic medicine on the Missouri frontier in 1874, today osteopathic physicians serve as modern day medical pioneers.

They continue the tradition of bringing healthcare to areas of greatest need:

Today osteopathic physicians continue to be on the cutting edge of modem medicine. D.O.s are able to combine today's awesome medical technology with the tools of their ears, to listen caringly to their patients; their eyes, to see their patients as whole persons; and their hands, to diagnose and treat injury and illness.

D.O.s bring something extra to medicine:

A D.O., or doctor of osteopathic medicine, is a complete physician, fully trained and licensed to prescribe medication, perform surgery, and utilize manipulative therapy.

Osteopathic medicine emphasizes the relationship among the body's nerves, muscles, bones and organs. The osteopathic philosophy of treating the whole person is applied to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of illness, disease and injury.

To be considered for admission to one of 15 osteopathic medical schools, applicants typically complete four years of undergraduate work culminating in a bachelor's degree. Most osteopathic medical schools also require one year each of English, biological sciences, physics, general chemistry and organic chemistry. Some schools have other requirements such as genetics, mathematics or psychology; these are listed in the catalogs available from each osteopathic medical school.

Applicants should take the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) during their junior year of college. The MCAT examines knowledge and skill in areas such as biology, math, reading and problem-solving. A pre-med advisor can assist applicants in scheduling and preparing for this examination.

Most future D.O.s major in sciences, such as biology or chemistry, in their undergraduate studies. However, applicants may major in any area as long as they meet the minimum course and grade requirements, and demonstrate their potential for successfully completing an osteopathic medical curriculum.