Osteopathic medicine, founded in the United States in the 1860s, is a unique form of healthcare founded by Dr. Andrew Taylor Still. It is based upon a holistic viewpoint that incorporates a body-mind-spirit approach to the practice of medicine. Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine are full-practice physicians and licensed to practice medicine in all 50 states. DOs are found in every medical specialty, but their main emphasis has traditionally been in the fields of primary care (family practice, internal medicine, obstetrics/gynecology, and pediatrics).
DOs partner with their patients to promote health, prevent disease, as well as treat acute and chronic illness. Osteopathic physicians receive full training in all the basic biological sciences, medicine, surgery, and obstetrics. In addition, extra training is provided in the areas of preventive medicine, and the inter-relationship of body systems and the musculoskeletal system. DOs are trained in the use of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) as useful tool they can utilize in the diagnosis and treatment of illness. By combining all available medical options (medication, surgery, physical therapy, etc.) with OMM, DOs offer their patients the most comprehensive care available in medicine today.