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Gerald Parker, D.O. John Taylor,
D.O.
What is a D.O.?
"D.O."
stands for Doctor of Osteopathy
They
are fully licensed physicians in medicine and surgery with prescription
and hospital privileges in all 50 states.
D.O.’s
practice in specialties from neurosurgery to family practice.
Unlike
M.D.’s, D.O.’s receive 300-500 additional hours of training in
osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT).
Osteopathic
medicine is a system of medical care with a philosophy that combines
the needs of the patient with the current practice of medicine and
surgery.
Their
philosophy puts an emphasis on internal relationships of structure and
function, with an appreciation of the body’s ability to heal itself.
How are D.O.’s and
M.D.’s similar?
- D.O.’s and M.D’s
typically have a four-year undergraduate degree with an emphasis on
science courses.
- Both D.O’s and
M.D.’s complete four years of basic education.
- After medical
school, both D.O.’s and M.D.’s can choose practice in a
specialty are of medicine, such as surgery, obstetrics, or sports medicine,
after completing a residency program (usually 2-6 years of additional
training.)
- D.O.’s and M.D.’s
must pass comparable state licensing exams.
- D.O’s and M.D.’s
both practice in fully accredited and licensed hospitals and
medical centers.
How are they
different?
- Osteopathis
physicians (D.O.’s) attend unique medical schools; in addition to the
traditional four year comprensive medical education, there is an
additional emphasis on disease prevention and treatment of the total person,
rather that their disease alone.
- D.O.’s receive extra
training in the
musculoskeletal system, which is comprised of the nerves, muscles, and bones.
- This training gives
them a better understanding of how an injury or
illness in one part of the body can affect another part of the body;
therefore, D.O.’s have a therapeutic and diagnostic advantage.
- Other than that,
there are few differences.
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