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Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine

A Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) is licensed to practice medicine and surgery equally with physicians who hold a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree. They both utilize all scientifically accepted methods of diagnosis and treatment, including the use of drugs and surgery.

The philosophy of osteopathic medicine is a complete, common-sense approach that recognizes the independence of all parts of the human body. It acknowledges the relationship of the body with the mind and emotions. It also pays attention to the relationship of a person's environment- not just physical, but social and cultural as well. Each person is viewed in his or her entirety, which is why the D.O.'s approach is called holistic.

Osteopathic medicine also emphasizes the fact that the human body has the inherent capacity to resist disease and heal itself. Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine do prescribe medication to treat their patients, but the D.O. is always aware that the most important weapons for combating illness may lie within the body itself.

The osteopathic physician, general practitioner or specialist, utilizes all the modern recognized procedures and methods for prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease, including drugs, radiation and surgery. Unlike the doctor of medicine, the osteopathic physician relies on the use of hands as another way to diagnose areas of dysfunction. The osteopathic approach to therapy is manual manipulation of the neuromusculoskeletal framework, which makes up more than 60 percent of the total body structure.

Osteopathic physicians have demonstrated repeatedly that the neuro-musculoskeletal system reflects internal illness and may actually aggravate or accelerate the process of disease. Manipulation, sometimes in the form of stretching of the soft tissues, other times in the form of corrective thrust forces to relieve dysfunction and restriction of motion in joints, can be highly beneficial to the treatment and prevention of diseases.

Job Outlook
The osteopathic profession is in a period of expansion and expects its number of physicians to double in the next 15 to 20 years. As a result of growth, the profession will experience greater familiarity and will play an increasingly vital role in the country's health care system.

Educational Requirements
The educational requirements for a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine are the same as for a Doctor of Medicine. Prior to entering an osteopathic medical school, students need to graduate from an undergraduate college. After completing four years of medical school, students will engage in a two-to-six-year residency program depending on the selected specialty.

Educational Programs - Chicago Area