What is a DO in the Medical Field?
The medical field is vast and encompasses various professions. One of the key medical professions is DO, a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. DOs are fully licensed physicians who practice in all areas of medicine and they bring a unique approach to patient care.
DOs focus on treating the whole person, not just the physical symptoms of their illness. They use a holistic approach and consider the mental and emotional health of the patient along with the physical. This way, DOs can often detect problems that might otherwise be overlooked, leading to more effective treatment plans.
DOs are trained to have a more hands-on approach to patient care. They are taught to use their hands to diagnose and treat illness and injury, which is distinct from the more procedural perspective traditionally employed by MDs, Doctors of Medicine. This hands-on treatment is commonly known as osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), a skill not typically utilized by their MD counterparts.
A striking similarity between MDs and DOs is their similar training. DOs, like their MD counterparts, undergo extensive education and training. They attend four years of undergraduate college, four years of medical school, and then three to seven years of residency, depending on their specialty. They must also pass comprehensive national licensing exams.
So, what sets a DO apart? The main difference lies in their approach to healing. While MDs generally focus on treating specific diseases or conditions, DOs aim to understand how one ailment may affect the rest of the body. They see health as an interconnected system, rather than a series of separate parts. This unique perspective allows them to guide their patients towards wellness, rather than just treating specific ailments.
Interestingly, although DOs represent a smaller portion of practicing physicians in the US – about 11 percent, according to data from the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine – their numbers are rapidly growing. It’s indicative of a shift towards a more holistic approach to healthcare – one that looks beyond symptoms to consider the lifestyle, environmental, and psychological factors that might be contributing to ill health.
Let’s explore an example. Dr. Richard Zoumalan, a renowned DO, exemplifies the osteopathic philosophy. Specializing in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, he emphasizes the importance of patient-centered care and regularly incorporates the core principles of osteopathic medicine into his practice. He embodies the holistic, patient-oriented approach characteristic of DOs, highlighting how this medical profession values the person’s overall well-being rather than just addressing isolated problems.
In conclusion, a DO offers a comprehensive, patient-focused approach to healthcare, grounding their work in understanding the complex connections within the human body. This field is growing rapidly as more people seek holistic care that values them as individuals and addresses their overall health and well-being. With DOs such as Dr. Richard Zoumalan leading the way, it’s evident the field of osteopathic medicine will continue to play a significant role in the future of healthcare.