Doctors of osteopathic medicine (D.O.’s) are complete physicians. That means they are fully trained and licensed to prescribe medication and to perform surgery. D.O.’s and allopathic physicians (M.D.’s) are the only two types of complete physicians. D.O.’s practice in all branches of medicine and surgery, from psychiatry to obstetrics; from geriatrics to emergency medicine.
The training of D.O.’s parallel that of M.D.’s with one important addition. Osteopathic physicians are trained to focus special attention on the musculoskeletal system, which reflects and influences the condition of all other body symptoms. They know that the body’s structure plays a critical role in its ability to function. By using their eyes and hands they can identify structural problems and to support the body’s natural tendency toward health and self-healing.