A doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO) is a fully licensed physician who practices medicine with a whole-person, patient-centered approach. DOs receive the same medical training as medical doctors (MDs), including four years of medical school and residency training, and are licensed to perform surgery, prescribe medication, and practice in all medical specialties across the United States

. The key distinction of a DO is their additional training—typically 300 to 500 extra hours—in osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), which involves hands-on techniques to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness or injury by focusing on the musculoskeletal system (muscles, nerves, and bones)

. DOs emphasize the interrelationship between the body's structure and function and believe in the body's ability to self-regulate and heal

. DOs adopt a holistic philosophy that considers the mind, body, and spirit as interconnected, aiming to treat the whole person rather than just symptoms. They often focus on preventive care and lifestyle factors affecting health, partnering with patients to promote overall well-being

. In summary, a DO is a physician who combines conventional medical practices with a holistic approach and specialized manual techniques to provide comprehensive healthcare