Osteopathic Physicians (DOs): Holistic Philosophy, OMM & Whole-Person Care

Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs) are fully licensed physicians with a distinct philosophy:

• Holistic/Whole-Person Approach: Integrate physical, mental, emotional, social, spiritual health.
• Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM): Hands-on diagnosis/treatment of somatic dysfunction (joints, muscles, fascia) to restore motion, reduce pain, enhance self-healing.
• Primary Care Emphasis: ~56% practice primary care (family, internal med, peds, OB/GYN).
• Prevention & Wellness: Lifestyle, nutrition, exercise as core therapeutics.
• Patient-Centered Partnership: Shared decision-making, communication, empowerment.

Training Parity: Same 4-year medical school + residency as MDs; additional 200+ hours OMM. Same licensing exams (COMLEX/USMLE), same practice rights in all 50 states.

DOs bring a structural/functional lens to every specialty.