A pediatric doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO) is a pediatrician who has studied medicine at an osteopathic medical school and has gone on to complete a pediatric residency.
What kind of training do doctors of osteopathic medicine have?
A DO is a physician licensed to perform surgery and prescribe medication. Like an allopathic physician (MD), an osteopathic physician completes 4 years of medical school and can choose to practice in any specialty of medicine. However, osteopathic physicians receive an additional 300 to 500 hours in the study of using the hands to mobilize and stabilize the spine and the body’s musculoskeletal system. Many pediatric DOs are Fellows of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
What types of treatments do doctors of osteopathic medicine provide?
Osteopathic medicine is dedicated to treating and healing the patient as a whole, rather than focusing on one condition or body part. An osteopathic physician can, in addition to using all of the methods used by an MD, use a treatment method called manipulation. Manipulation is a hands-on approach to ensure that the body is using its own healing systems as effectively as possible.
Where can I find a doctor of osteopathic medicine?
Doctors of osteopathic medicine in a variety of medical settings including children’s hospitals, university medical centers, and community hospitals, as well as private offices throughout the country.
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