Osteopathic Medicine

If you are considering a career in medicine it is important to know that becoming an M.D. is not your only option. Becoming a D.O. (Doctor of Osteopathy) may be a better fit for you. DOs are fully liscensed physicians who graduate from fully accredited medical universities in the United States. They are found practicing in every realm of medical science, although many choose to pursue a career in primary medicine practices. In short, the requirements for admission to an osteopathic medical college are largely similar to those for allopathic colleges (MD schools). The medical approach between DOs and MDs, however, has some subtleties that set osteopathic medicine apart.

Osteopathic medical philosophy and practice has three main differences from allopathic medicine. The first is that DOs are trained to see the patient on the level of the whole person, rather than on a strictly systemic or pathological basis. This allows osteopathic physicians to evaluate a patient's complaints based on the complete anatomical and physiological functioning, as well as the psychological and emotional status of the patient. Second, osteopathic physicians recognize that the body is capable of healing itself, if given the proper conditions. Therefore, DOs approach a patient with the intent of removing obstructions to natural healing whenever possible. Finally, DOs are taught a unique method of healing based solely on structural manipulations termed osteopathic manipulative medicine. OMM as a diagnostic and treatment tool can be a very effective alternative to pharmacological treatments, especially for pain management and preventative measures.

The decision to pursue a career in medicine is a very difficult decision to make. From the intense amount of work involved with the application process to the extraordinary effort required from you upon acceptance, a great deal of your time and energy is invested in your medical education. It is crucial that you choose the right path that excites you and meets your standard of care you will be providing to your future patients. Learn more by coming to one of our specialty meetings, checking out the information we've linked, and contacting our VP of Osteopathic Medicine.

Integrative Medicine

Nontraditional medicine is growing in popularity and practice throughout the west, with many healthcare practitioners are finding that it's a viable alternative to western medicine or a valuable supplement to their training. Naturopathic Medicine incorporates and encompasses a broad spectrum of healing modalities, including Herbal Medicine, Essential Oil Therapy, Reflexology, Iridology, and many more. Links and information about alternative forms of healthcare will be coming soon.