WHAT IS A D.O.?

Doctor of Osteopathy

When most people go to the doctor, they assume he or she is an M.D., or Medical Doctor.  Many are surprised to find their physician's name is followed by"D.O."  So, what is a D.O.?

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Both M.D.s and D.O.s require a rigorous 4 years of medical study and 3-7 year residency programs in order to gain licensure. The main difference between the two programs is that D.O.s learn osteopathic medicine, while M.D.s learn allopathic medicine.

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Short for Osteopathic Doctor, D.O.s receive their medical degree from a U.S. osteopathic school. D.O.s are trained to have a more holistic approach to medicine and follow a medical philosophy called osteopathic medicine. D.O.s are trained to consider a patient’s environment, nutrition, and body system as a whole when diagnosing and treating medical conditions. For example, they’re required to take an additional 200 hours of training in osteopathic manipulative medicine – the practice of manipulating musculoskeletal tissue to relieve pain – versus an M.D. who would, in theory, suggest taking pain relievers.

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By combining a holistic approach with modern medical procedures and technology, Dr. Foreit provides patients with a comprehensive and thoughtful treatment program that is unmatched in the field of pain relief.

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