Who We Are Services What's New Your Health |
Osteopathic MedicineBy Dennis Colby, DO and Tanya Vreeke, DO
If you are like most people, you’ve been going to a doctor ever since you were born, and perhaps were not aware whether you were seeing a D.O. (osteopathic physician) or a M.D. (allopathic physician). You may not even be aware that there are two types of licensed physicians in the United States. The fact is, that both D.O.s and M.D.s are fully qualified physicians licensed to perform surgery and prescribe medication. Is there any difference between these two kinds of doctors? Yes and no. D.O.s and M.D.s are alike in many ways. Applicants to both D.O. and M.D. medical colleges typically have a four-year undergraduate degree with an emphasis on scientific courses; complete four years of basic medical education; may choose to practice in a specialty area of medicine such as pediatrics, family practice, psychiatry, surgery or obstetrics after completing a residency program (typically two to six years of additional training); must pass comparable state licensing examinations; and both practice in fully accredited and licensed health care facilities.
Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) is incorporated in the training and practice of osteopathic physicians. With OMT, osteopathic physicians use their hands to diagnose injury and illness, and to encourage your body’s natural tendency toward good health. By combining all available medical procedures with OMT, D.O.s offer their patients the most comprehensive care available in medicine today. To make an appointment to see Dr. Colby or Dr. Vreeke, please call the Cresco Medical Clinic at (563) 547-2022 or 1-888-547-5474. Cresco Medical Clinic A Department of Regional Health Services of Howard County |
Our patients often ask us, “What is the difference between
a medical doctor (M.D.) and a doctor of osteopathic medicine (D.O.)?”
Osteopathic physicians have a somewhat different focus. They understand
how all the body’s systems are interconnected and how each
one affects the others, practicing a “whole person” approach
to health care instead of just treating specific symptoms or illnesses.
They focus special attention on the musculoskeletal system, which
reflects and influences the condition of all other body systems.
This system of bones and muscles makes up about two-thirds of the
body’s mass, and a routine part of the osteopathic patient
examination is a careful evaluation of these important structures.
D.O.s know that the body’s structure plays a critical role
in its ability to function. They can use their eyes and hands to
identify structural problems and to support the body’s natural
tendency toward health and self-healing. Doctors of osteopathic
medicine help patients develop attitude and lifestyles that don’t
just fight illness, but help prevent it.