If you're like most people, you've been going to a doctor ever since you were born, and perhaps were not aware whether you were seeing a D.O. (osteopathic physician) or a M.D. (allopathic physician). You may not even be aware that there are two types of complete physicians in the United States.

The fact is, that both D.O.s and M.D.s are fully qualified physicians licensed to perform surgery and prescribe medication. Is there any difference between these two kinds of doctors? Yes. And no.

D.O.s and M.D.s are Alike in Many Ways

• Applicants to both D.O. and M.D. medical colleges typically have a four-year undergraduate degree with an emphasis on scientific courses.
• Both D.O.s and M.D.s complete four years of basic medical education.
• After medical school, both D.O.s and M.D.s can choose to practice in a specialty area of medicine-such as psychiatry, surgery or obstetrics-after completing a residency program (typically two to six years of additional training).
• Both D.O.s and M.D.s must pass complete state licensing examinations.
• D.O.s and M.D.s both practice in fully accredited and licensed health care facilities.
• D.O.s comprise a separate, yet equal, branch of American medical care. Together, D.O.s and M.D.s enhance the state of care available in America.

D.O.s Bring Something Extra to Medicine

• Osteopathic medical schools emphasize training students to be primary care physicians.
• D.O.s practice a "whole person" approach to medicine. Instead of just treating specific symptoms or illnesses, they regard your body as an integrated whole.
• Osteopathic physicians focus on preventive health care.
• D.O.s receive extra training in the musculoskeletal system-your body's interconnected system of nerves, muscles and bones that make up two-thirds of its body mass. This training provides osteopathic physicians with a better understanding of the ways that an injury or illness in one part of your body can affect another.
• Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) is incorporated in the training and practice of osteopathic physicians. With OMT, osteopathic physicians use their hands to diagnose injury and illness, and to encourage your body's natural tendency toward good health. By combining all other medical procedures with OMT, D.O.s offer their patients the most comprehensive care available today.

Facts About Osteopathic Physicians

• D.O.s account for about 64 percent of all primary care physicians nationwide.
• Many D.O.s fill a critical need for doctors by practicing in rural and medically underserved areas.
• There are currently 19 schools of osteopathic medicine across the country.
• At the end of 2004, over 48,000 osteopathic physicians were in active practice .
• D.O.s represent 5.5 percent of the total U.S. physician population and 18 percent of all U.S. military physicians.
• Each year, 100 million patients visit D.O.s.