Osteopathic Medicine

Developed more than 130 years ago by Andrew Taylor Still, M.D., D.O., osteopathic medicine brings a unique philosophy to traditional medicine. With a strong emphasis on the inter-relationship of the body’s nerves, muscles, bones and organs, osteopathic medical school curriculum prepares osteopathic medical students to apply the philosophy of treating the whole person to prevent, diagnose and treat illness, disease and injury.

Osteopathic Physicians

Osteopathic physicians (D.O.s) are fully licensed to prescribe medicine and practice in any specialty area, including surgery. D.O.s are trained to consider the health of the whole person and use their hands to help diagnose and treat their patients. In addition, D.O.s encourage their patients to adopt healthy lifestyles as a way to prevent illness. D.O.s and M.D.s are the only two types of fully-licensed physicians within the United States.

History, The Father of Osteopathic Medicine

Andrew Taylor Still, M.D., D.O., was the father of osteopathic medicine as well as the founder of the first college of osteopathic medicine. He was born in Jonesboro, Va. (now known as Jonesville), on Aug. 6, 1828. His father was both a Methodist minister and physician. Andrew Still decided at an early age to follow in his father's footsteps as a physician. As an apprentice physician to his father, he learned both from being at his father's side as well as from the course of study. He later served in the Civil War as a surgeon in the Union Army. It was not until the early 1870s that Dr. Still separated himself from his M.D. counterparts by his pervasive criticism of the misuse of drugs common to the day. Believing that medicine should offer the patient more, he supported a philosophy of medicine different from the practice of his day and in its place he advocated the use of osteopathic manipulative treatment. Dr. Still identified the musculoskeletal system as a key element of health and recognized the body's ability to heal itself. He stressed preventive medicine, eating properly and keeping fit. On May 10, 1892, Dr. Still founded the American School of Osteopathy – now known as the A.T. Still University-Kirksville (Mo.) College of Osteopathic Medicine – in Kirksville, Mo. Dr. Still died Dec. 12, 1917, at the age of 89.

Osteopathic Medicine Today

D.O.s are one of the fastest growing segments of health care professionals in the United States. By the year 2020, it is estimated that at least 100,000 osteopathic physicians will be in active medical practice. Approximately 60 percent of practicing D.O.s specialize in the primary care areas of family practice, internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, and pediatrics. Many D.O.s fill a critical need for doctors by practicing in rural and medically underserved areas.

Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment

With osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), D.O.s use their hands to diagnose injury and illness and to encourage the body’s natural tendency toward good health. OMT involves moving a patient’s muscles and joints using techniques including stretching, gentle pressure and resistance. D.O.s are specially trained in the nervous system and the musculoskeletal system. OMT can be used to help patients with a number of health problems, such as back pain,