Welcome Future Physicians
Osteopathic Medicine: A Patient-Centered Pathway to Becoming a Doctor
More than
25%
of all U.S. medical students
over
141k
practicing physicians
40+
U.S. Colleges of
Osteopathic Medicine
92.3%
Placement rate
across all specialties
Osteopathic medicine is both a philosophy and practice of healthcare in the United States, distinguished by its holistic, whole-person approach. It emphasizes wellness by focusing on prevention, the body’s natural ability to heal and the importance of patient-physician partnerships in achieving optimal health.
Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs) are trained to consider the connections between the body, mind and spirit when diagnosing and treating patients. They use their hands not only to diagnose and treat illness or injury but also to promote overall wellness.
Following graduation from a college of osteopathic medicine, DOs complete specialty training through residency programs and fellowships in hospitals, community health centers and other clinical settings. With over 11 percent of all physicians in the U.S. now being DOs, osteopathic medicine is one of the fastest-growing segments in healthcare today.
Why Choose Osteopathic Medicine?
- Holistic Approach: DOs treat patients with a whole-person perspective, integrating the connection between body, mind and spirit. You'll use your hands to both diagnose and treat, offering care that goes beyond symptoms to address underlying causes.
- Hands-On Skills: Through specialized training in the neuromusculoskeletal system and Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT), you'll gain unique skills that allow you to reduce or eliminate the need for medications and promote natural healing.
- Growing Field: Osteopathic medicine is one of the fastest-growing segments of healthcare, with over 141,000 DOs practicing in the U.S. today. You’ll join a community that’s making a real difference, especially in primary care and underserved areas.
- Versatile Training: Whether you’re interested in primary care or a surgical specialty, DOs are well-represented across all medical fields. Your osteopathic education will prepare you for diverse career opportunities.
Four Tenets of Osteopathic Medicine
- The body is a unit of body, mind and spirit.
- The body can self-regulate, self-heal and maintain health.
- Structure and function are interrelated.
- Treatment is based on understanding these principles.
Charting Your Future as a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
By choosing osteopathic medicine, you'll embark on a journey that combines rigorous medical training with a compassionate, patient-centered approach. You'll be prepared to listen, engage and look beyond symptoms to provide care that truly makes a difference in your patients' lives.
This is your chance to be part of a movement that’s reshaping healthcare—one that prioritizes the dignity and well-being of every patient. Get started today!
Start Your DO Journey Here
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