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About D.O.'s
If you're like most people, you've been going to a doctor ever since you were born and
perhaps not aware
whether you were seeing a D.O. (Osteopathic Physician) or an M.D. (Allopathic
Physician). You may
not even be aware that there are these two types of complete physicians in the
United States.
The fact is, both D.O.'s and M.D.'s are complete physicians. They are both licensed to
perform surgery and
prescribe medication in all 50 states. Is there any difference between these two
kinds of a doctor? Yes and No.
How are D.O.'s and M.D's alike
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Applicants to both D.O. and M.D. colleges typically have a four-year undergraduate
degree with an emphasis
on science courses.
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Both D.O.'s and M.D.'s complete four years of basic medical education.
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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).
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Both D.O.'s and M.D.'s must pass comparable state licensing examinations.
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D.O.'s and M.D.'s both practice in fully accredited and licensed hospitals and medical
centers.
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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.
However, it's the ways that D.O.'s and M.D.'s are different that can bring an extra dimension to your
family's healthcare.
Facts about D.O.'s
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More than half of all osteopathic physicians practice in primary care areas, such as pediatrics,
family practice, obstetrics/gynecology and internal medicine.
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Many D.O.'s fill a critical need for family doctors by practicing in small towns and rural areas.
Today osteopathic physicians continue to be on the cutting edge of modern medicine. D.O.'s are
able to combine today's awesome medical technology with the tools of their ears, to listen caringly
to their patients; their eyes, to see their patients as whole persons; and their hands, to diagnose and
treat injury and illness.
Lynne Carr Columbus, D.O. is not only a D.O. but is also a Diplomat of the American Board of
Anesthesiology; a Diplomat of American Academy of Pain Management and is a Board Certified
Independent Medical Examiner.
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