Mar 09

What Is Osteopathic Medicine?

Happy Monday, and welcome to Medical Mondays!

I’m going to talk about what I’m currently studying today, aka: what the hecks is osteopathic medicine anyway?

With the most recent ruling of a single accreditation system between the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) and Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), there are definitely more people aware of osteopathic medicine now than ever before…

However, since a lot of people assume I’m going to get an MD, and I still get asked:

  • …If I’m “going to become a bone doctor“
  • …Why I didn’t apply to real medical schools
  • …It wasn’t so far into my past that my dad asked me how much longer it’d take til I “got my OD”

…I figured it might help to clear things up a bit! :P

What Is Osteopathic Medicine?

www.osteopathic.org

There are two types of complete physicians in the United States: MD’s and DO’s.

We go through the same number of years of training, take comparable exams, can practice in any specialty, and need to complete a residency to practice in said desired specialty, so all that’s the same.

The difference is in the focus.

  • Osteopathic medicine emphasizes training its student to become primary care physicians.

    When I was applying to medical schools, I was fairly certain through my experiences volunteering at Paul Hom Asian Clinic that I wanted to go into primary care. This has not changed. Ideally, I’d actually love to go back there to volunteer on weekends once I’m a licensed physician. I wanted to continue working with the under-served, and I also felt that a program dedicated to training their students to become primary care physicians would be the best fit for me, so I applied exclusively to DO schools.
  • We learn osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), which involves moving your muscles and joints using techniques that include stretching, gentle pressure, and/or resistance to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness or injury.In terms of general understanding on what OMT looks like, I can probably best describe this as somewhat of a cross between what physical therapists and chiropractors do. (I think we just have different names for said techniques. Some examples, aka two pages of my study notes, are provided here and here.)
  • There is a focus on preventive health care and taking a “whole person” approach so that we focus on the entire body, instead of just treating specific symptoms/illnesses.That being said, there are obviously exceptions to this. I’ve met a ton of MD’s who do this as well, so it’s definitely not that one can’t practice the principles that the other stresses. Some DO’s don’t ever practice OMT again after they graduate, so as with so much in life, it all really comes down to the individual. I don’t believe that one is better than the other. It really just depends on where your interests lie, and what you want to focus on.
JAOA -- Rogers 105 (5): 255 Figure IG5

www.jaoa.osteopathic.org — Rogers 105 (5): 255 Figure IG5

What is Osteopathic Medicine? Find out on #MedicalMondays! #osteopathicmedicine #medschool

Click To Tweet

I came up with this design ages ago for our class t-shirt contest! :]
Disclaimer: This is where I reiterate that I am merely a medical student struggling through the world that is her clinical rotations. The statements made on this blog should not be taken as medical advice to treat, cure or prevent any disease. Please contact your own physician or health care provider before starting a health or fitness/wellness program. (See full disclaimer here.)

Permanent link to this article: https://www.fairyburger.com/what-is-osteopathic-medicine/

38 comments

Skip to comment form

  1. I think this was a very clear and understandable way to describe the differences between the two types of physicians that we come across–it can definitely be a confusing distinction for us laypeople!
    Rachel G recently posted…When Someone Judges You…My Profile

    1. Thank you! I’m glad it was understandable! I get worried sometimes that I get too technical and/or go into way too much detail, so I’ve been using my Monday posts to work on that! :P

  2. I just keep loving all the learning that I am getting! :) It stuck to me that I basically need to find a doctor that works for me as opposed to the credentials they have. It is good to start by looking at them but in the end you need to like the care they offer. :)

    1. Yes indeed! I think at the end of the day, the letters at the end of the doctor’s name shouldn’t matter so much as the care that they provide to you, and how well their approach/philosophy works for you! :]

  3. Very interesting!! Just by you explaining the difference, I think I like the osteopathic approach as a possible patient. It goes along more with what I think about health and being healthy. Interesting stuff!! I learn something new from you all the time. :)
    Melanie recently posted…Weekly RundownMy Profile

    1. I’m glad! :D I was drawn to the osteopathic approach as well, although I will admit that my initial thought was, “Shouldn’t all doctors be doing this already anyway?” :o

  4. First time stopping by your site and I LOVE it! My friend is in med school to become an OD, so I am familiar with this type of doctor and schooling, and honestly think it’s the best route to go! I am a whole person, not just a single disorder, and when someone has multiple conditions, ALL must be taken into account WITH their lifestyle!
    Amber recently posted…Meal Prep – Taste the Rainbow EditionMy Profile

    1. Thanks, Amber! So glad to hear that! :D I like the whole-person approach a lot too! I think all the best physicians (both MD and DO) I’ve had the chance to work with/learn from have adopted that approach! :]

  5. This is a really thorough and useful description of what an osteo does. There is a bit of resistance towards them in Australia, some people seem to think they are on par with witch doctors, which is a totally unfair representation!

    I had a car accident in 2008 where I was in a cab and it got hit by a huge coach style bus. I slipped two discs in my lower back, and saw an osteo 3x a week for the first few months, then went down to 2, then to 1, then occasionally, and now I never see a medical professional for it, and it’s probably in a better state than before my accident! I put that completely down to the help of an osteo. She did this fantastic thing for my pain management too – deep tissue needling I think it was called, kinda like very deep acupuncture. I’ve never had anything as good for pain before!
    jess meddows recently posted…Cable Car Museum San FranciscoMy Profile

    1. Thank you! :D There’s still some bias against DO’s in certain parts of the country, and it makes me kinda sad, but…baby steps! I will admit that there are some things we’ve learned that I don’t believe in as much (e.g. cranial manipulation), but there have been a lot of techniques that we’ve learned that are super helpful for musculoskeletal injuries/conditions!

      I’m sorry about your car accident, and so glad that you got fixed up! :D I had my neck kindasorta cracked back into place a couple months after a car accident, and it’s definitely nice to have that motility back again (+ no more headaches! <3)!
      I

  6. This was a great and much needed overview- a few years ago, when my man was applying to medical school, he also applied to a few DO schools. I had never heard about it before, and was also one of the many guilty of assuming “bone doctor.” I love the focus and principles behind training to become a DO. One of the best doctors I see is a DO!
    Lauren @ Eating with a Purpose recently posted…Risotto Cakes with Lemony Arugula SaladMy Profile

    1. Haha, no worries! It’s actually a pretty logical thought of you break down the roots of the word! :P I didn’t meet/know of any DO’s until I got to college and was volunteering at a free medical clinic! :o

  7. Many of my friends went through the DO program and absolutely loved the experience! I love the preventative approach, and I have no doubt that’s the kind of practice you will strive for ;)
    Min recently posted…Achieving a Healthy Balance Series – Stress ManagementMy Profile

    1. Thanks! :] That’s definitely what I hope to do with my future practice! <3

  8. Thanks for explaining the difference! I kind of knew but didn’t REALLY know. I used to assume, but then when I was looking into different types of drs, care etc for some medical issues my daughter had going on, I read a little about it. This is very clear and an easy way to understand!
    AJ @ NutriFitMama recently posted…Healthy Eating in Nashville- SaladWorks + $25 Giveaway!My Profile

    1. Thank you! I’m glad it wasn’t confusing! I started learning the difference when one of my cousins was applying to med schools and went to an osteopathic medical school. I hope your daughter’s okay now! <3

  9. Such a great comprehensive post – my primary care physician for years was a D.O. – I loved her.

    1. Thanks, Deanna! :] I hope to be super-awesome in primary care someday! *-*

  10. Fascinating. Different from what Alex does–I find all the different part of the medical profession so interesting!
    Susie @ SuzLyfe recently posted…When was the last time… (Marvelous Monday Weekend)My Profile

    1. There are so many different fields! :o I think a lot of them are super interesting, but none so much as family med for me. <3 Lots of limbs crossed! *-*

  11. My childhood doctor was a DO and he was great! Thanks for spelling out the differences!
    Jill recently posted…Bits & PiecesMy Profile

    1. That’s awesome! The pediatrician I worked with 2 months ago is a DO too, and even though peds isn’t something I want to go into, it was still one of my favorite rotations just because he was so cool. :D!

  12. I know someone who is thinking about going into osteopathic medicine right now! It sounds so interesting and I think I would prefer to be treated by a DO than an MD. I think it’s so important to look at the entire body as a whole, rather than just looking at specific signs of illness. Happy Monday!
    genevieve @ gratitude & greens recently posted…Be Amazing + Spring Gratitude BowlsMy Profile

    1. Agreed! I like to think that both adopt that approach with their patients, although I’ve definitely seen exceptions in both fields–in the end, I really think it comes down to the individual, but I like the emphasis that osteopathic medical schools put on it!

  13. Learn something new every day ;) Very interesting!
    Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine recently posted…Power Monday #70 Why Affirmations Don’t Always WorkMy Profile

    1. Thanks! Happy Monday to you! :D

  14. I definitely like the DO approach – thanks for clearing up that! Lovely post.
    Alanna recently posted…Honey-Pistachio Baked Sweet PotatoMy Profile

    1. Thanks, Alanna! :]! Hope you have an awesome day!

  15. I saw a DO when I fractured a rib and he was the best doctor. I really felt cared for. Great breakdown :)
    Pragati // Simple Medicine recently posted…Super C SmoothieMy Profile

    1. Yay! I’m glad to hear that! I’m sorry about your fractured rib! Hope everything healed up okay!

  16. I have heard of the different types, but honestly until just a moment ago I couldn’t have told anyone the differences:)
    This is quite thought out, and explains it perfectly!
    My childhood doctor was a DO and he was amazing, in fact he still practices even though he should be retired, but he’s so sharp. I don’t go to him anymore, because he moved his practice across the valley. But my dad still travels out to him. He’s one of the most respected doctors in the state, and anytime I mention him to other Dr’s I visit, they immediately have a ton of respect for the man.
    Kristy @Runaway Bridal Planner recently posted…Queen of Procrastination, That’s MeMy Profile

    1. That’s so amazing! :D! That’s what I hope to get to someday in my future practice (or, y’know, just provide the best care possible to all my patients <3). :]! It'll make all the current struggles worth it! :D

  17. So interesting! I’m ashamed to say I had no clue about the difference between DO and MD despite working in a hospital for 6 years. I even carpooled to work with a DO and STILL had no clue! Great post!
    Rachael@AvocadoADayNutrition recently posted…Mujadara with Harissa Tomato Sauce, Parsley Pesto and Lemon Tahini SauceMy Profile

    1. Aww, don’t worry! I don’t think anyone ever often goes out of their way to explain, so the difference is kinda hard to distinguish sometimes!

  18. Interesting read – thanks for sharing! I forgot what the difference was, and this was a great refresher.
    Jess @hellotofit recently posted…Link Love #8 and an engagementMy Profile

    1. Thanks, Jess! :D!

  19. I spent about a month in a teaching hospital due to a super high risk pregnancy (everything worked out great). The daily OMT visits from the Osteopath students were really helpful and definitely helped the stay be, I won’t say pleasant, but a lot less sucky.
    Kristen recently posted…Spinach, Sausage, and Cheddar Quiche to Celebrate Pi DayMy Profile

    1. Ack, I’m so sorry! :[ I’m really glad that everything’s okay and that the OMT visits helped though! <3 I need to learn to get better at the manipulations!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

CommentLuv badge