Become a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)

The road to becoming a DO is very much like the educational track to becoming an MD. DO education is built on similar scientific and clinical foundational elements, with a focus on more holistic care. Like MDs, DOs are licensed professionals working within the scope of evidence-based medicine. DOs are recognized as MD and MBBS equivalents in most of the world.

Overview of Osteopathic Medicine

Osteopathic medicine, often referred to as osteopathy, is a distinct branch of medicine that emphasizes a patient-centered approach to healthcare. This profession views the body as an interconnected whole and focuses on the relationship between the body's structure and its function.

As a DO, you will have training in Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM), a unique aspect of being an osteopathic physician. OMM involves using the hands to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness or injury by manipulating, or adjusting, the body's musculoskeletal system. It's a key component of DO practice and may be incorporated into patient care as needed.

The Significance of Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine in the Healthcare Industry

Osteopathic medicine shares many similarities with allopathic (MD) medicine but also incorporates some unique principles and practices. Here are the key components of osteopathic medicine:

• Patient-Centered Approach: Osteopathic medicine considers the patient’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It focuses on treating the root causes of illness rather than just symptoms and takes the whole human (mind, body, and spirit) into account when treating a patient.
• Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT): OMT involves the use of manual movement of the patient’s body to diagnose and treat pain. It can be used in concert with medications or other treatments to treat a variety of medical issues or used alone.
• Preventive Care: Osteopathic physicians emphasize preventive care and work with patients to promote a healthy lifestyle to prevent illness and injury.

DO vs MD

Before discussing the difference, it’s important to discuss the similarities between DOs and MDs. Osteopathic medical education includes the same foundational science and clinical training as allopathic medicine (MD).

DOs are eligible for board certification in all medical specialties, just like MDs. Both DOs and MDs can pursue the same medical specialties through residency programs and fellowships. They have similar opportunities for specialization.

Osteopathic medical education consists of a four-year program, like allopathic (MD) medical schools. During these four years, students receive a combination of classroom-based instruction, clinical rotations, and hands-on training.

The primary distinction between DOs and MDs lies in their educational background and training philosophy. Here are the key differences:

• Educational Path: DOs attend Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine, which incorporate osteopathic principles, and learn osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) as part of the curriculum. MDs attend allopathic medical schools, which follow the traditional medical education model.
• Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT): One of the distinctive features of osteopathic medical education is learning OMT, which involves the use of hands-on techniques by DOs to diagnose, treat, and prevent a wide range of medical conditions. MDs do not receive OMT training.

The Journey to Becoming a DO

Becoming a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) involves a multi-step process that includes education, specialized training, and postgraduate studies. Here's a brief overview of the journey:

1. The path to becoming a DO begins with earning a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. It's important to take prerequisite courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and other relevant subjects to prepare for admission to a College of Osteopathic Medicine.
2. After completing a bachelor's degree, a student must apply to and gain admission to the College of Osteopathic Medicine. These medical schools offer a four-year program that combines traditional medical education with osteopathic principles and practices.
3. During the four years of medical school, they will undergo a comprehensive medical education that includes classroom-based instruction, clinical rotations, and hands-on training. They'll learn about anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and a wide range of medical specialties. A unique aspect of osteopathic medical education is the inclusion of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) in the curriculum.
4. Before they can practice medicine in the United States, they must pass the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX) series, which is the national board licensure examination for DOs. Successful completion of these exams is required to obtain a medical license. There are three examinations in the COMLEX series.  They must complete the first two during medical school, and the final one is taken after their first year of residency.
5. As with MDs, DOs enter residency programs in their chosen medical specialties. These residency programs provide specialized training, hands-on experience, and further education in a specific field of medicine. The length of a residency program varies depending on the chosen specialty.
6. After completing residency, DOs may choose to pursue additional training in the form of fellowships to become subspecialists in areas such as cardiology, gastroenterology, or sports medicine, among others.

Specialty Training in Residency Programs and Fellowships

Specialty training is an important part of a physician’s medical career journey. Just like MDs, DOs can pursue various medical specialties and subspecialties through residency programs and, if desired, further specialization through fellowships. Here's an overview of specialty training for Dos & MDs:

After completing medical school, DOs typically enter residency programs, which provide specialized training and hands-on experience in a specific area of medicine. Residency programs vary in duration, with most lasting three to seven years, depending on the chosen specialty. The key points to consider for residency programs are:

• Choosing a Specialty: DOs & MDs can choose from a wide range of medical specialties, including but not limited to internal medicine, family medicine, surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, psychiatry, and emergency medicine, among others.
• Match Process: Dos & MDs participate in the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) to secure a residency position. These programs help align applicants with available residency slots.
• Standardized Examinations: During or after residency, Dos & MDs may take specialty-specific board examinations to become board-certified in their chosen field. This certification demonstrates their expertise and competence in their specialty.
• Optional Fellowships: For those who wish to further specialize within a particular medical field, there is the option of pursuing fellowships. Fellowships are additional training programs that allow Dos & MDs to gain in-depth expertise in a subspecialty or a particular area of their chosen field. DOs & MDs who aspire to pursue a fellowship should research programs that align with their interests and career goals.

Overall, specialty training through residency programs and fellowships is a vital part of the career progression for Dos & MDs, enabling them to provide specialized care, contribute to medical research, and expand their expertise in their chosen field of medicine.

The Growth of Osteopathic Medicine: Statistics and Significance

Osteopathic medicine has experienced significant growth and recognition in the healthcare industry. Some key statistics and the significance of this growth include:

• Increased Number of DOs: The number of DOs in the United States has been steadily increasing. According to the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM), there are over 186,000 DOs in the U.S.
• Increased Number of Osteopathic Medical Schools: Over the years, the number of osteopathic medical schools has grown to over 40. This expansion has improved access to medical education and healthcare services in various regions. Many DO schools are located in rural areas and have a strong emphasis on practicing primary care and serving the underserved.
• Recognition and Integration: DOs are fully licensed physicians who can practice in the same clinical settings as MDs. Osteopathic medicine is increasingly integrated into the mainstream healthcare system, and many DOs hold leadership positions in hospitals and healthcare organizations.
• Patient-Centered Care: Osteopathic medicine's emphasis on patient-centered care aligns with the evolving healthcare landscape, which recognizes the importance of considering the whole patient and addressing the social and psychological aspects of health.
• Rising Acceptance: The acceptance and recognition of DOs by the healthcare industry, insurance companies, and the public have been on the rise, ensuring that patients have more choices when seeking medical care. US-trained DOs are now recognized as fully licensed physicians equivalent to MDs in a majority of the world, including the UK, Africa, and Canada.

The growth of osteopathic medicine has had a significant impact on healthcare, increasing access to well-trained physicians and promoting a patient-centered approach to medical practice. DOs are an integral part of the healthcare system, contributing to the diversity and quality of healthcare services.

Deep Dive into Osteopathic Medicine Education at Touro University California (TUC)

Touro California is a well-regarded institution within the Touro University System that offers a variety of health science programs, including osteopathic medicine. TUC’s Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine education is built upon a curriculum that integrates the tenets of osteopathic medicine. The focus is on primary care, but the program is not defined by it and TUC's DO graduates are divided almost equally between careers in primary care and specialty medicine.

MSMHS to Osteopathic Program

MSMHS stands for Master of Science in Medical Health Sciences. It is a postgraduate degree program designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the medical and health sciences to prepare them for further education or careers in healthcare-related fields.

It consists of two semesters total, beginning in August, and allows students to strengthen their health sciences foundation while giving them a look at the rigors and demands of medical school.

Touro California's MSMHS program can make an application stand out among the thousands reviewed by admission officers. The program provides the knowledge to improve GPA and perform competitively on the MCAT, while also pursuing a research project. TUC’s MSMHS program has several agreements with local universities.

Completing the one-year program while maintaining a 3.0 GPA or 80% or higher throughout the program, receiving a 490 or higher on the MCAT, and meeting all eligibility criteria guarantees graduates an admissions interview at TUC’s College of Osteopathic Medicine program, and Touro Montana’s College of Osteopathic medicine.  In addition, TUC’s Physician Assistant program will guarantee an interview to a minimum of 2 MSMHS graduates with an MSMHS GPA greater than 3.0.

The Role of DOs in Primary Care

DOs play a crucial role in primary care and healthcare systems, addressing physician shortages in rural and underserved areas while also offering versatility in various medical and surgical specialties.

Addressing Physician Shortages in Rural and Underserved Areas

• Primary Care Providers: DOs often choose careers in primary care, including family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, and general practice. This focus on primary care is particularly valuable in rural and underserved areas where access to healthcare is limited. At TUC, 64% of graduates go into primary care.
• Community Health: DOs have a tradition of serving in community-based health centers, free clinics, and rural hospitals. Their commitment to patient-centered, whole-person care aligns with the needs of underserved communities.
• Preventive Medicine: DOs emphasize preventive healthcare, which is essential for improving community health outcomes and reducing the burden on the healthcare system.
• Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT): DOs who provide OMT can address a wide range of musculoskeletal issues, including pain and injuries, which is especially beneficial in areas where manual therapy services may be scarce.
• Health Education: DOs often engage in health education and community outreach to promote wellness and empower patients to take control of their health.
• Cultural Humility: DOs are trained to consider the cultural, social, and economic factors that influence patients' health. This approach is valuable when serving diverse and underserved populations.
• Long-Term Relationships: DOs often establish long-term relationships with their patients, which can be particularly important in rural areas where continuity of care may be challenging.

Versatility in Various Medical and Surgical Specialties

While many DOs practice in primary care, they are not limited to this field. DOs can be found in various medical and surgical specialties, including internal medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, surgery, anesthesiology, and more.

• Osteopathic Principles in Specialties: DOs who specialize in various fields often incorporate osteopathic principles, such as considering the body as a whole unit and focusing on the interrelationship between structure and function, into their practice. This approach can lead to more comprehensive and patient-centered care.
• Surgical Proficiency: DOs who become surgeons are highly skilled, as their training emphasizes a deep understanding of anatomy and a hands-on approach. They contribute significantly to surgical specialties.
• Patient-Centered Care in Specialties: DOs in various specialties often prioritize patient-centered care, taking the time to listen to their patients and consider the full context of their health.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: DOs frequently collaborate with other healthcare professionals, creating well-rounded care teams that address complex patient needs.

In summary, the role of DOs in primary care and their versatility in various medical and surgical specialties are critical to the healthcare system. They help address physician shortages in rural and underserved areas, provide essential primary care services, and contribute their expertise to a wide range of medical specialties. DOs' patient-centered approach to healthcare benefits patients across the country, making them integral members of the healthcare workforce.

Whole-Person Care Approach

The whole-person care approach in osteopathic medicine underscores a patient-centered model of healthcare that values engaging with and listening to patients, looking beyond symptoms to understand lifestyle factors, and promoting natural healing. Here's a deeper exploration of these principles:

• Patient-Centered Approach: Osteopathic medicine places the patient at the center of care. It recognizes that patients are unique individuals with distinct needs, values, and circumstances. As a result, the care provided by DOs is personalized, respectful, and collaborative.
• Significance: This approach empowers patients to actively participate in their healthcare decisions. DOs strive to establish strong doctor-patient relationships built on trust, mutual respect, and open communication.
• Engaging and Listening to Patients: DOs prioritize active engagement and attentive listening to their patients. They take the time to understand a patient's medical history, concerns, and goals. Listening attentively to a patient's narrative is considered an integral part of the diagnostic process.
• Significance: Patient engagement and active listening allow DOs to gather essential information about the patient's health, lifestyle, and concerns. This deeper understanding enables more accurate diagnoses and patient-tailored treatment plans.
• Looking Beyond Symptoms to Understand Lifestyle Factors: Osteopathic medicine encourages DOs to consider the patient's whole health. Instead of merely addressing symptoms, DOs examine the patient's lifestyle, social determinants of health, and emotional well-being. They explore how these factors may contribute to the patient's condition.
• Significance: By considering the broader context of a patient's health, DOs can identify the underlying causes of illness and develop comprehensive treatment plans that not only manage symptoms but also promote long-term well-being. This approach is particularly beneficial for preventive care.
• Reducing Medication and Promoting Natural Healing: Osteopathic medicine emphasizes reducing the reliance on medication when possible and promoting the body's innate capacity for natural healing. DOs aim to use pharmacological interventions judiciously and, where appropriate, advocate for non-pharmacological approaches.
• Significance: This approach aligns with the principle of supporting the body's ability to self-regulate and heal. It can lead to a reduction in the use of medications, particularly for chronic conditions, and encourages patients to make lifestyle changes that support their health.

The goal of whole-person care in osteopathic medicine is to provide comprehensive, individualized, and patient-focused healthcare. DOs are trained to address not only the physical aspects of a patient's health but also the emotional, social, and environmental factors that contribute to their well-being. This approach fosters patient empowerment, improves doctor-patient relationships, and the potential for more effective healthcare outcomes. It distinguishes osteopathic medicine as a patient-centered and integrative approach to healing.

Conclusion

Osteopathic medicine offers a unique, patient-centered approach to healthcare that places it at the forefront of modern medicine. The key principles and values that underpin osteopathic medicine, including a comprehensive view of the body, the body's innate healing capacity, and a focus on understanding the interplay between structure and function, make it a distinctive and highly valuable field. Osteopathic medicine not only addresses the symptoms but also seeks to understand the root causes of health issues, empowering patients to achieve lasting well-being.

Osteopathic medicine is characterized by:

• Whole-Person Care: A patient-centered approach that recognizes the individuality of each patient and prioritizes open communication, active listening, and a comprehensive understanding of the patient's health.
• Preventive and Natural Healing: A commitment to preventive care and a focus on promoting the body's natural ability to heal, which often results in reduced reliance on medication.
• Versatility: DOs are trained in various medical and surgical specialties, allowing them to provide a wide range of healthcare services.
• Community Service: A tradition of serving in underserved areas, community health centers, and rural communities, addressing healthcare disparities and improving public health.

For prospective students considering a healthcare career, becoming a DO offers a unique and rewarding path. By choosing osteopathic medicine, you can be part of a healthcare community that values patient relationships, prevention, and whole-person care. You'll be equipped with the skills to address the diverse and complex health needs of individuals and communities. Furthermore, osteopathic medicine offers excellent prospects for making a meaningful impact on healthcare, both at the individual patient level and in broader public health initiatives.

If you are passionate about making a difference in people's lives, embracing a patient-focused approach to healthcare, and contributing to the well-being of communities, a career as a DO may be the ideal choice for you. Osteopathic medicine provides a distinctive and valuable perspective in the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, and it offers the opportunity to be an integral part of a profession that continually seeks to improve the quality of life for all.

Begin Your Journey to Becoming a DO

Are you an aspiring healthcare professional with a passion for a patient-centered care approach to medicine? Consider exploring our college's esteemed Osteopathic Medicine program, and for those who are ready to take their healthcare career to the next level, delve into our Dual Degree DO/MPH program. Here's your opportunity to make a difference in the world of healthcare.

In our Osteopathic Medicine program, you'll find a unique and patient-focused approach to healthcare. Join a community of dedicated professionals who value the whole person, preventive care, and natural healing. Learn how to make a lasting impact on individuals and communities while advancing your medical career.

For those who want to combine their medical training with a broader understanding of public health, our Dual Degree DO/MPH program is the perfect choice. This program offers a well-rounded education that equips you with the skills to address not only individual patient needs but also public health challenges on a larger scale.

Now is the time to take the first step toward an exciting and fulfilling career in healthcare. Explore our programs, speak with our knowledgeable faculty, and envision yourself as a part of a healthcare community that values compassion, expertise, and innovation.

Visit our website, attend our information sessions, and reach out to our admissions team to learn more about our programs and embark on your journey toward becoming a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine or a dual-degree professional in medicine and public health. Your future in healthcare starts here at Touro California's College of Osteopathic Medicine.