The Profession
Who they are: Just like MDs, Doctors of Osteopathy are physicians. Osteopathic physicians use their hands to diagnose injury and illness and to encourage your body's natural tendency toward good health.
Source: Rural Health School Program
What they do: Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) is incorporated in the training and practice of osteopathic physicians. Osteopathic medicine provides all of the benefits of modern medicine including prescription drugs, surgery, and the use of technology to diagnose disease and evaluate injury. It also offers the added benefit of hands-on diagnosis and treatment through OMT.
Source: Rural Health School Program
Where they work: Like MDs, many DOs work in hospitals and clinics. Others work in private practices, academia, or for the government. DOs also choose to do research and can work in the public or private sector.
Outlook: There is a growing need for physicians. By 2028, the number of physicians is expected to increase by 7%, which is faster than the national average. This increase is expected due to the aging population in our country.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Education
Similar to pursuing an MD, DO students complete four years of medical training. The first two years are primarily classroom-based learning. Course cover material including anatomy, physiology, clinical skills, biochemistry, immunology, and more. DO students also learn osteopathic principles and practices. Years three and four are dedicated to clinical rotations. After completing four years, DO students complete a residency in the specialty of their choosing.
Source: Choose DO
Resources
- PHSRC Medicine Career Page
- American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine
- AACOM (for Applicants)
- American Osteopathic Association
- Medical School Admission Requirements database
- Choose DO Explorer Database