A “DO” is a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. Like many people, you may not be aware that there are two types of physicians in the United States––DOs and MDs, both of whom are fully qualified and licensed to prescribe medication and perform surgery. DOs and MDs complete four years of basic medical education and then obtain graduate medical education through internships, residencies and fellowships. This training lasts three to eight years and prepares DOs and MDs to practice a specialty such as pediatrics, family medicine, psychiatry, surgery or ophthalmology.
Osteopathic medical schools promote training that emphasizes a “whole person” approach to medicine. Instead of just treating you for specific symptoms or illnesses, DOs regard your body as an integrated whole. Osteopathic physicians focus on preventive healthcare and receive extra training in the musculoskeletal system—your body’s interconnected system of nerves, muscles and bones that makes up two thirds of your body mass. This training provides osteopathic physicians with a better understanding of how an illness or injury in one part of your body can affect another.
Bay Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery providers are made up of both DOs and MDs to offer a full range of care. If you have any further questions about our doctors of osteopathic medicine, please feel free to contact us today.