Osteopathic Medicine Explained: Holistic, Patient-Centered Healthcare About Osteopathic Medicine What is Osteopathic Medicine? Osteopathic medicine is a "whole person" approach to medicine —treating the entire person rather than just the symptoms. With a focus on preventive health care, Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs) help patients develop attitudes and lifestyles that don't just fight illness, but help prevent it, too. How is osteopathic medicine different? DOs are complete physicians who, along with MDs, are licensed to prescribe medication and perform surgery in all 50 states. But DOs bring something extra to the practice of medicine— a holistic approach to patient care . DOs are trained to be doctors first, and specialists second. The majority of DOs are family-oriented primary care physicians. Many DOs practice in small towns and rural areas, where they often care for entire families and communities. Learn more about the differences between DOs and MDs What is osteopathic manipulative medicine? Osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) is a comprehensive approach to health care in which osteopathic physicians apply osteopathic philosophy , structural diagnosis and use of osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) in the diagnosis and management of patients. As part of their osteopathic medical school studies, DOs receive extra training in manipulating the musculoskeletal system—your body's interconnected system of nerves, muscles and bones that make up two-thirds of your body mass. This training in osteopathic manipulative medicine provides osteopathic physicians with a better understanding of how an injury or illness in one part of the body can affect another The art and science of OMM pertain to the assessment of the impact of the malfunctioning neuromusculoskeletal systems on health and disease, and designing appropriate interventions which often include some form of OMT. There are approximately 15 major types of OMT and more than 1,000 individual techniques. OMM is incorporated into the training of all osteopathic physicians. With OMM, DOs 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 OMM, DOs offer their patients the most comprehensive care available in medicine today. How long does it take to become a DO? The osteopathic curriculum involves four years of academic study, with an emphasis on preventive medicine and holistic patient care. DOs serve a one-year internship, gaining hands-on experience in family medicine, internal medicine, obstetrics-gynecology, pediatrics and surgery. This experience ensures that osteopathic physicians are first trained as primary care physicians—even if they plan to pursue a specialty. Many DOs then complete a residency program in a specialty area , which typically requires two to six years of additional training. Ready to Stand Out? Secure Your Free Guide to a Competitive Application Complete this form to access the Pre-Medical Student's Guide to a Competitive Application and opt-in to receive communications and updates about PCOM’s DO program! Learn About PCOM Loading... Prospective Students Admissions Programs and Degrees What is Osteopathic Medicine? Request Information Costs and Financial Aid Mission Statement Student Life Housing Options History Clery Act Current Students myPCOM Academic Calendar Course Catalog Financial Aid Bursar Registrar Faculty Commencement Library Bookstore Security Faculty and Staff Off-Campus Access Administration Administrative Departments Academic Departments Technical Support Website Support Faculty Directory Alumni Alumni Portal Alumni Association Class Notes Get Involved Alumni Events Alumni Resources Give Digest Magazine Community President's Podcast Office of Campus and Community Partnerships Community Wellness Initiative Primary Care Innovation Fund Events Calendar Career Opportunities Patient Services For the Media Connect With Us More Information Maps and Directions Virtual Tour Accreditation HEOA Disclosures and Policies Program Statistics Title IX Non-Discrimination State Licensure Information Financial Aid Programs Admissions Events Philadelphia, PA Suwanee, GA Moultrie, GA Manage Cookies 2026 Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine