Doctor of Osteopathy Profession (DO)
Information:
HISTORY OF PROFESSION
The first college of osteopathy was started in 1892 at Kirksville, Missouri, by Dr. Andrew Taylor Still. Dr. Still, who was originally educated as a conventional Doctor of Medicine (MD), believed that the continuum between health and illness was primarily influenced by the soundness and mechanical functioning of the body's structures. In contrast to conventional medicine, which historically focused on the individual systems of the body, osteopathic medicine's original premise emphasized the interactive relationships between all body systems, with a continually shifting balance to maintain a state of health.
Osteopaths tend to focus on the neuro-musculoskeletal system and may perform manipulations to treat a wide range of problems. DOs are trained to evaluate the body through taking histories, focusing not only on the health problem or concern but lifestyle issues as well (which in recent years have been emphasized more in conventional medical schools also). Over the years, the gap between "conventional" medicine and osteopathic medicine has narrowed as MDs have embraced many of the premises of osteopathic medicine (such as recognizing the impact of stress upon the immune system or posture upon various system functions) and DOs have incorporated many of the diagnostic and therapeutic techniques common to conventional medicine (such as obtaining lab work, prescribing medications).
SCOPE OF PRACTICE
The scope of practice for osteopaths includes diagnostic and therapeutic techniques (including musculoskeletal manipulations as well as prescriptions and other therapies) and preventive measures. Much diversity can be found among practicing osteopathic doctors. Some model their practice so closely with conventional medicine that they may be indistinguishable from MDs. Others practice a very "classic" or "pure" style of osteopathic medicine, relying on drugs or surgery only if absolutely necessary after other measures have been unsuccessful.
PRACTICE SETTINGS
Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine may be found in nearly any health care setting from community clinics or private practices to osteopathic or conventional hospitals or academic medical centers. Practice specialties are similar to those of MDs and may include obstetrics/gynecology, neurology, surgery, psychiatry, and others.
REGULATION OF PROFESSION
Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine, like physicians and many other professionals, are regulated at 2 different levels. Licensure is a process that takes place at the state level in accordance with specific state laws. In contrast, certification is established through a national organization(s) with nationally consistent requirements for minimal professional practice standards.
Licensure: Most states require that applicants for DO licensure be graduates of an approved school of osteopathic medicine and have completed a 12-month internship, or the equivalent, in an approved hospital. Some states do not maintain a separate professional board and licensure specifically for DOs. In such states, DOs are licensed as physicians through the same process as MDs.
Certification: DOs who wish to specialize may become "Board Certified" (in much the same manner as MDs) by completing a
3- to 4- year residency within the specialty area and passing the board certification exams.
See also types of health care providers.
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