Osteopathic

Osteopathic medicine is a branch of primary care that emphasizes a holistic approach to patient care. Osteopaths are medical doctors who have received osteopathic training and are licensed to practice medicine in the United States. The practice of osteopathic medicine was founded by Andrew Taylor Still in the late 19th century, and it is based on the idea that the body's structure and function are interrelated.

Osteopathic physicians (DOs) focus on treating the whole person - body, mind, and spirit - rather than just the symptoms of a disease. They use a variety of techniques, including manipulation, soft tissue treatments, and other manual therapies, in conjunction with conventional medical treatment. Osteopathic medicine also places a strong emphasis on preventive care and health promotion.

Osteopathic education and training are similar to those of allopathic physicians, with a few key differences. In the United States, most DOs graduate from osteopathic medical schools that are accredited by the American Osteopathic Association Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation. These programs include a minimum of four years of academic coursework and clinical training in a hospital setting. Osteopathic physicians are eligible to take the same licensing exams as allopathic physicians and are fully qualified to practice medicine.

Since the 1970s, osteopathic physicians have been participating in residency training programs in all specialties, and they are now fully integrated into mainstream medicine. Today, there are over 120,000 osteopathic physicians practicing in the United States, making up about 8% of all licensed physicians. Osteopathic medicine has become an accepted and respected part of the medical community, and its approach to patient care continues to grow in popularity.