There are only two kinds of
physicians qualified to be licensed for the unlimited practice
of medicine in all 50 states; those holding the M.D. (Doctor of
Medicine) degree and those who have earned the D.O. (Doctor of
Osteopathic Medicine) degree.
Osteopathic physicians perform
surgery, deliver babies and prescribe medicine in hospitals and
clinics across the nation. Whether they are family doctors or
specialists, D.O.’s use all the tools of modern medicine.
They help their patients develop
attitudes and lifestyles that do not just fight illness, but
prevent it. They give special attention to how the body’s
nerves, muscles, bones and organs work together to influence
health. They are trained to perform osteopathic manipulative
treatment, which gives them an extra tool they can use to treat
injury and illness.
These "extra touches" distinguish
the D.O.’s "whole person" philosophy of medicine. It is a
century old tradition of caring for people, not just treating
symptoms.