What Is Osteopathic Medicine?

Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine, or DOs, are fully licensed physicians who practice in every medical field and specialty.

Osteopathic physicians (DOs) are trained to treat the whole patient. DOs focus on prevention by applying a deeper understanding of a patient’s lifestyle and environment. DOs help patients become healthy in mind, body and spirit using a whole-person approach.

DOs Are Physicians

Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine practice in all medical specialties, including primary care, pediatrics, OB-GYN, emergency medicine, psychiatry and surgery.

The Osteopathic Approach

From their first days of medical school, DOs are trained to look beyond symptoms to understand how lifestyle and environmental factors impact a patient’s well-being.

As part of their education, DOs receive special training in the musculoskeletal system, the body’s interconnected system of nerves, muscles and bones.

Education & Training

Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine complete four years of osteopathic medical school, with an emphasis on preventive medicine and comprehensive patient care.

Upon graduating from medical school, DOs complete internships, residencies and fellowships. This training lasts three to eight years and prepares them to become licensed and board-certified.

Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment

Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment, or OMT, is a set of techniques used by Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine to diagnose, treat and prevent illness and injury.

Using OMT, a DO moves a patient’s muscles and joints using techniques including stretching, gentle pressure and resistance.

Learn More

American Osteopathic Association: What Is Osteopathic Medicine?

Find a DO: Search for a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine

POMA DO Fact Sheet: Download the fact sheet