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Osteopathic Medicine. By: Greg Doctor. What is a D.O.?. D.O. stands for Doctor of Osteopathy. DOs are very similar to M.D.s in a sense that they are certified doctors who may diagnose patients and prescribe medications. DOs can specialize in all the same areas as MDs. DO cont.
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Osteopathic Medicine By: Greg Doctor
What is a D.O.? • D.O. stands for Doctor of Osteopathy. DOs are very similar to M.D.s in a sense that they are certified doctors who may diagnose patients and prescribe medications. • DOs can specialize in all the same areas as MDs.
DO cont. • DOs traditionally focus more on preventative medicine and manipulative techniques, though generally utilize advanced treatments much like MDs. • The central dogma of osteopathy is reliance on the body’s innate ability to heal itself. • DOs are generally highly encouraged to practice in rural areas
Education • DO school is very similar to MD school • 4 years of undergraduate studies are required as well as 4 years of DO school, a residency and possibly a fellowship • Different specializations require varying degrees of post DO school education (e.g. residency, fellowship, etc)
Finances • The average cost of DO school is about $50,000/year though it ranges from about $40,000-$70,000 • Scholarship or financial aid is often available • The salary of osteopathic physicians ranges from about $80,000 to over $300,000 depending on specialty • In general, osteopathic physicians earn the same amount as medical doctors of the same specialty
Schedule • Osteopathic physicians work anywhere from 3-6 days/week depending on their work situation • For example: a doctor who owns his own practice may only work 3 days/week • On top of work, many DOs will be “on call” much of the week • When on call, a physician must always be reachable and ready to go to work in case of an emergency
Professionalism • As with most health care professions, a background check as well as continued good behavior and legal standing is necessary. • Acceptance into a DO program is generally highly dependant on past volunteer work. Community involvement is highly encouraged.
Questions • Do you know any osteopathic physicians? • How do you think osteopathy compares with standard western medicine? • If you wanted to be a doctor, would you want to be DO or MD?