In the United States, DO's (Doctors of Osteopathy) hold the same unlimited practice rights as MD's in all 50 states; they serve as commissioned officers in the medical corps, plus the Veterans Administration and Public Health Service and they are recognized by the AMA as full-practice physicians. They may prescribe drugs and perform surgery. Like MD's, DO's attend 4 years of medical school and then complete residency training in hospitals and clinics in their given specialty. Many DO's and MD's work as colleagues in a range of medical settings, and commonly refer to one another.

 

In addition to classic medical training, Osteopathic Physicians receive a foundation in Osteopathic Philosophy and Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM), which is more holistic in orientation, by acknowledging the interrelationship of body, mind, and spirit.