An osteopath or doctor of osteopathic medicine is similar to a traditional physician, but with a different educational background and focus for care. At first glance, an osteopath is distinguishable from other physicians by the appearance of D.O. after the doctor's name rather than M.D.

Function

Osteopaths focus medical care on treating the entire body rather than just the area immediately affected by an illness or injury. Additionally, osteopaths place a large emphasis on preventive care.

Types

About half of all osteopaths are general practitioners or family doctors, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Others specialize in specific areas of medicine or a particular type of patient, such as pediatrics, internal medicine, dermatology or cardiology.

Features

Osteopaths are licensed to prescribe medications and order diagnostic tests. Some osteopaths perform surgery.

Education

Most prospective osteopaths have a four-year bachelors degree in a scientific field before entering a four-year osteopathic medical program. After graduation, osteopaths serve as an intern for one year and then complete a two- to six-year residency in their chosen field.

Licensure

After graduation from the osteopathic medical program and before treating patients independently, osteopaths must pass a state licensing exam. For most specialties, a second exam is required at the conclusion of the residency.

Compensation

In November 2009, the average annual salary range for osteopaths was between $97,294 and $198,726, according to payscale.com.

Source:

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Physicians

Payscale.com: Osteopaths