What is a D.O.?

Osteopathic Physicians, also known as D.O.'s,            
                                     work in partnership with their patients.

As part of their medical school curriculum, osteopathic physicians receive extra training in the musculoskeletal system, your body's interconnected system of nerves, muscles and bones that make up two-thirds of its body mass. This training provides osteopathic physicians with a better understanding of the ways that an injury or illness in one part of your body can affect another. 

Many D.O.'s use osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) with other traditional medical procedures to diagnose and treat injury and illness. This makes them a favorite among Olympic athletes, sports teams, and personal fitness enthusiasts who focus on diet, exercise and manipulation. Many of our professional sports teams including the Phoenix Suns, Phoenix Coyotes and Arizona Rattlers use D.O.'s as team doctors. 

There are approximately 1,400 licensed osteopathic physicians in Arizona and more than 40,000 in the U.S. today. More than half of all D.O.'s practice in primary care areas, such as family practice, pediatrics and internal medicine. Many D.O.'s fill a critical need for family doctors by practicing in small towns and rural areas.

How do M.D.'s and D.O.'s compare in qualifications?

Both D.O.s, and M.D.s are complete physicians who:

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