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A D.O., also called an osteopath, is a doctor of osteopathic medicine. Osteopathic medicine is a type of holistic medicine that centers on the belief that the body's systems are interconnected. Osteopathic medicine typically focuses on the musculoskeletal system, which reflects and influences the condition of all other body systems.
An osteopath must undergo training that's very similar to the training required of doctors of medicine (M.D.s). An osteopath must graduate from an accredited osteopathic medical school and complete an internship and residency training. A D.O. also must be licensed — just like an M.D. — to treat people and prescribe medications.
The major difference between osteopathic and conventional (also called allopathic) doctors is that some osteopathic doctors provide manual medicine therapies, such as spinal manipulation or massage therapy, as part of their treatment.
An osteopath must undergo training that's very similar to the training required of doctors of medicine (M.D.s). An osteopath must graduate from an accredited osteopathic medical school and complete an internship and residency training. A D.O. also must be licensed — just like an M.D. — to treat people and prescribe medications.
The major difference between osteopathic and conventional (also called allopathic) doctors is that some osteopathic doctors provide manual medicine therapies, such as spinal manipulation or massage therapy, as part of their treatment.