Osteopathic MedicineOsteopathic Medicine

By: Greg DoctorBy: Greg Doctor

What is a D.O.?What is a D.O.?

D.O. stands for Doctor of Osteopathy. DOs are very similar to M.D.s in a sense that they are certified doctors who may diagnose patients and prescribe medications.

DOs can specialize in all the same areas as MDs.

D.O. stands for Doctor of Osteopathy. DOs are very similar to M.D.s in a sense that they are certified doctors who may diagnose patients and prescribe medications.

DOs can specialize in all the same areas as MDs.

DO cont.DO cont.

DOs traditionally focus more on preventative medicine and manipulative techniques, though generally utilize advanced treatments much like MDs.

The central dogma of osteopathy is reliance on the body’s innate ability to heal itself.

DOs are generally highly encouraged to practice in rural areas

DOs traditionally focus more on preventative medicine and manipulative techniques, though generally utilize advanced treatments much like MDs.

The central dogma of osteopathy is reliance on the body’s innate ability to heal itself.

DOs are generally highly encouraged to practice in rural areas

EducationEducation

DO school is very similar to MD school 4 years of undergraduate studies are required as

well as 4 years of DO school, a residency and possibly a fellowship

Different specializations require varying degrees of post DO school education (e.g. residency, fellowship, etc)

DO school is very similar to MD school 4 years of undergraduate studies are required as

well as 4 years of DO school, a residency and possibly a fellowship

Different specializations require varying degrees of post DO school education (e.g. residency, fellowship, etc)

FinancesFinances

The average cost of DO school is about $50,000/year though it ranges from about $40,000-$70,000 Scholarship or financial aid is often available

The salary of osteopathic physicians ranges from about $80,000 to over $300,000 depending on specialty In general, osteopathic physicians earn the same

amount as medical doctors of the same specialty

The average cost of DO school is about $50,000/year though it ranges from about $40,000-$70,000 Scholarship or financial aid is often available

The salary of osteopathic physicians ranges from about $80,000 to over $300,000 depending on specialty In general, osteopathic physicians earn the same

amount as medical doctors of the same specialty

ScheduleSchedule

Osteopathic physicians work anywhere from 3-6 days/week depending on their work situation For example: a doctor who owns his own practice may

only work 3 days/week

On top of work, many DOs will be “on call” much of the week When on call, a physician must always be reachable

and ready to go to work in case of an emergency

Osteopathic physicians work anywhere from 3-6 days/week depending on their work situation For example: a doctor who owns his own practice may

only work 3 days/week

On top of work, many DOs will be “on call” much of the week When on call, a physician must always be reachable

and ready to go to work in case of an emergency

ProfessionalismProfessionalism

As with most health care professions, a background check as well as continued good behavior and legal standing is necessary.

Acceptance into a DO program is generally highly dependant on past volunteer work. Community involvement is highly encouraged.

As with most health care professions, a background check as well as continued good behavior and legal standing is necessary.

Acceptance into a DO program is generally highly dependant on past volunteer work. Community involvement is highly encouraged.

QuestionsQuestions

Do you know any osteopathic physicians?

How do you think osteopathy compares with standard western medicine?

If you wanted to be a doctor, would you want to be DO or MD?

Do you know any osteopathic physicians?

How do you think osteopathy compares with standard western medicine?

If you wanted to be a doctor, would you want to be DO or MD?