Doctor of Osteopathy “DO”

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Doctor of Osteopathy “DO”

American Medical Academy (AMA) is proud to announce the Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) for the qualified US and international Candidates at the Atlanta campus. The DO program is preparing to offer from the 2019 academic year (the program will be offered after AMA secured necessary approval and accreditation from the concerned authorities). AMA will announce the actual starting date at a later date.

Osteopathic Philosophy:

Doctor of Osteopathic physicans are trained to look at the whole person from their first days of medical school, which means they see each person as more than just a collection of organ systems and body parts that may become injured or diseased. This holistic approach to patient care means that osteopathic medical students learn how to integrate the patient into the healthcare process as a partner. They are trained to communicate with people from diverse backgrounds, and they get the opportunity to practice these skills in their classrooms and learning laboratories, frequently with standardized and simulated patients.

The OD Curriculum:

In addition to studying all of the typical subjects, candidates also would expect student physicians to master, osteopathic medical students take approximately 200 additional hours of training in the art of osteopathic manipulative medicine. This system of hands-on techniques helps alleviate pain, restores motion, supports the body’s natural functions and influences the body’s structure to help it function more efficiently.

One key concept osteopathic medical students learn is that structure influences function. Thus, if there is a problem in one part of the body’s structure, function in that area, and possibly in other areas, may be affected.

Another integral tenet of osteopathic medicine is the body’s innate ability to heal itself. Many of osteopathic medicine’s manipulative techniques are aimed at reducing or eliminating the impediments to proper structure and function so the self-healing mechanism can assume its role in restoring a person to health.

Clinical Research:

In addition to a strong history of providing high-quality patient care, DOs conduct clinical and basic science research to help advance the frontiers of medicine and to demonstrate the effectiveness of the osteopathic approach to patient care. Currently, several organizations are involved in osteopathic clinical research in coordination with the Osteopathic Research Center. The facility’s staff develops, facilitates, and conducts multi-center, collaborative clinical research studies.

56 percent of all DOs choose to practice in the primary care disciplines of family practice, general internal medicine, and pediatrics

Due to the whole-person approach to medicine, 56 percent of all DOs choose to practice in the primary care disciplines of family practice, general internal medicine, and pediatrics. The remaining 44 percent go on to specialize in any number of practice areas.

As per the latest information, there are more than 100,000 DOs in the United States. DOs boast a strong history of serving rural and underserved areas, often providing their distinctive brand of compassionate, patient-centered care to some of the most economically disadvantaged members of our society.

DOs conduct clinical and basic science research to help advance the frontiers of medicine.

In addition to their strong history of providing high-quality patient care, DOs conduct clinical and basic science research to help advance the frontiers of medicine and to demonstrate the effectiveness of the osteopathic approach to patient care. Founded in 2002, the Osteopathic Research Center (ORC) in Fort Worth, TX conducts and promotes research on the pathophysiological mechanism and clinical outcomes of OMM. The center serves as a catalyst for developing and conducting multi-center, collaborative clinical research studies. Initial studies have focused on demonstrating the effectiveness of OMM as it applies to many facets of patient care.

For more information:

  1. Source: American Osteopathic Association; International Practice Rights Map; http://www.osteopathic.org/inside-aoa/development/international-osteopathic-medicine/ Pages/international-practice-rights-map.aspx

  2. Source: American Osteopathic Association; 2016 Osteopathic Medical Profession Report

    3. Tenets of Osteopathic Medicine

    The American Osteopathic Association’s House of Delegates approved the "Tenets of Osteopathic Medicine" as policy which follows the underlying philosophy of osteopathic medicine. The tenets are:

    1. The body is a unit; the person is a unit of body, mind, and spirit.

    2. The body is capable of self-regulation, self-healing, and health maintenance.

    3. Structure and function are reciprocally interrelated.

    4. Rational treatment is based upon an understanding of the basic principles of body unity, self-regulation, and the interrelationship of structure and function.

    What Does a Doctor of Medicine Do?

    • Throughout the country, DOs practice the full scope of medicine in all specialties of the medical field, from pediatrics and geriatrics to sports medicine and trauma surgery

    • DOs receive the same medical training as other physicians, as well as 200 additional hours of OMM training. OMM is a hands-on treatment used to diagnose and treat illness and injury.

    • OMM has been proven to be effective in treating a variety of injuries and illnesses. For example, the use of OMM in treating patients with pneumonia has been found to shorten the length of hospital stays and complications associated with pneumonia.

    • DOs are trained to focus on the whole person, working with patients to achieve high levels of wellness and disease prevention.

  3. Source: The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association (JAOA), February 2002, Vol. 102, 63-65

AMA Osteopathic Physician (DO) Medical Education Timeline:

Academic Degrees:

4 years undergraduate study (Bachelor's degree with science background; International candidates also do 30 + pre-requisites courses prior to start the DO program)

4 years undergraduate study (Bachelor's degree with science background; International candidates also do 30 + pre-requisites courses prior to start the DO program)

4 years osteopathic medical (DO) degree

AMA Osteopathic Physician (DO) Medical Education Timeline:

Board Certification / Licensure:

3 - 7 years internship / residency

1 - 3 years specialty fellowship

Medical Education Roadmap

Board Examinations and Licensure:

Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensure Exam (COMLEX-USA) | United States Medical Licensure Examination (USMLE)

Osteopathic physicians are licensed in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, other territories and areas of the United States, and many foreign countries. Licensure is determined by each state through the appropriate licensing board.

To be licensed as an osteopathic physician, one must:

  • Graduate from an accredited U.S. college of osteopathic medicine (COM).

  • Successfully complete a licensure exam sequence accepted by a state’s licensing board (COMLEX-USA or USMLE).

  • Successfully complete more than one year of graduate medical education (GME), depending on state licensure requirements.

  • Osteopathic physicians stay abreast of the latest medical developments related to their specialty training through continuing medical education (CME) programs. CME requirements are determined by each state’s licensure board. The American Osteopathic Association (AOA) also requires its members to complete a certain number of CME credits to maintain board certification.

For state-specific licensure information, please visit www.fsmb.org/usmle_eliinitial.html.

Many foreign countries recognize the U.S. Doctor of Osteopathy degree and grant full licensure to American-trained DOs who wish to practice internationally. The scope of licensure is determined by each country. For more information, visit the International Osteopathic Medicine page on the AOA website.

Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensure Exam (COMLEX-USA):

The Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensure Exam (COMLEX-USA) is a standardized test of medical knowledge. The goal of the exam is to assess competency in the areas of knowledge related to practicing medicine. It tests the medical knowledge and clinical skills that are considered essential for an osteopathic physician to practice medicine without supervision. The COMLEX-USA includes standardized test questions and a pass/fail observed clinical examination performed by the student.

The COMLEX-USA comprises Level 1, Level 2 CE and PE (Cognitive Evaluation and Performance Evaluation), and Level 3. It is administered by the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners (NBOME). The NBOME is independent from the colleges of osteopathic medicine and has as its role the protection of the public.

Level I of the exam is taken by the end of the second year of medical school prior to the clerkship training. Level 2-CE is taken during the clinical clerkship years prior to graduating from osteopathic medical school. COMLEX-USA Level 2-PE is an examination developed to test physical examination skills and is also taken prior to graduation. Level 3 is taken during GME.

The COMLEX-USA Level 1 and 2 (CE and PE) are required for graduation from an osteopathic medical college. Each of the osteopathic colleges has its own requirements for progression through the stages of the COMLEX-USA before graduation.

All 50 states in the United States accept COMLEX-USA as a licensure exam for the practice of medicine by osteopathic physicians. To learn more about the COMLEX-USA exam, please visit www.nbome.org.

United States Medical Licensure Examination (USMLE):

The United States Medical Licensure Examination (USMLE) is the standard examination for graduates of U.S. MD-granting medical schools and graduates of international medical schools seeking to practice in the United States. Osteopathic medical students and residents also are eligible to take the USMLE.

The USMLE consists of Step 1, Step 2 CK and CS (Clinical Knowledge and Clinical Skills), and Step 3.

To learn more about the USMLE exam, please visit www.usmle.org.

International Students:

In addition to the basic academic qualification, a non-US Citizens must complete a minimum of 30 semester hours of coursework from a regionally accredited college or university in the United States, or from a recognized post-secondary Canadian institution that uses English as its primary language of instruction and documentation. Of the 30 semester hours, 15 hours must be in the sciences, six hours in non-remedial English composition, and three hours in speech/public speaking.

How to Obtain an I-20 form:

All non-U.S. citizens or non-U.S. permanent residents applying for admission in education within the United States must hold valid passports and entry visas. A student must have a valid student visa to study in the United States. Majority of the international students hold an F-1 visa type that is generally issued to students who are coming to the United States to study on an academic program. Upon successful acceptance to Midwestern University, we will issue the form I-20, which is required before you can apply for a student visa. The form I-20 form is a certificate of eligibility issued by the school and used by the students to apply for an F-1 visa to enter to the United States. Please note that it is the student's responsibility to maintain a legal status in the United States.

International Student Deadlines:

Due to varying visa processing times, we STRONGLY recommend that candidate start the application process 60-90 days in advance to the start of the program. Also, all international students are required to prepay tuition 60 days prior to matriculation date.

Visa Requirements:

Visa Requirements and Maintaining a Legal Status:

Once the I-20 document has been issued, make sure candidate contact the U.S. Embassy in your country to find out more about the visa requirements

  • You will need a valid passport

  • Before your visa appointment, you will be required to submit a SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Program) form I-901 and pay the I-901 fee online. Please process the I-901 application as soon as possible so you have enough time to enter the United States for orientation.

  • Make sure you have your I-20 form, SEVIS I-901 fee receipt, school acceptance letter and financial support documents for your consular visa appointment

All international students are required by Federal regulations to maintain their valid status while residing in the U.S.

  • Always keep your documents current

  • Maintain a full time course load during every academic session except during official break weeks.

  • Report any changes immediately to the Registrar's office

  • Notify the Registrar if you plan to transfer to another U.S institution

  • File annual income taxes

  • Do not work on or off campus without proper authorization

  • Make sure the fees are paid so the record in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is up-to-date and in Active status. SEVIS is a database that contains information for all F-1 students. A Designated School Official (DSO) places the record in Active status when candidate report to the school and after the first day of class.

International Police Clearance Requirement

An international student admitted to AMA must submit an International Police Clearance report from their country of origin by the end of the first month of the first quarter of enrollment for their degree program. For the criminal background check purposes, an international student is defined as an individual who was born in a foreign country, who immigrated to the U.S. after the age of 18 years, and who has not continuously resided in the United States for the seven year period prior to matriculation to AMA.

For More Information about Doctor of Osteopathy and its opportunities:

The American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine’s website provides information on the osteopathic medical schools across the United States, including information on location, admissions and the application process. The site’s "Become and Osteopathic Physician" pages are especially designed for the applicant, highlighting the osteopathic medical education experience (OME), financial information, the application process, and recruitment and open house events.

The DO online magazine is published by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA). Stay connected to and current with the osteopathic medical profession.

ExploreHealthCareers.org gives students a free, reliable, and comprehensive source of accurate, up-to-date information about the health professions. This includes information on and links to health-related education/training programs, financial aid resources, specialized learning opportunities, and current issues in healthcare.

AACOM Application Service's Facebook page gives prospective students and applicants information on the osteopathic medical application and events relevant to those that want to learn more about the profession.

AACOM’s Facebook page provides information about the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM).

The National Association of Advisors for the Health Professions. Students exploring or planning a career in medicine should seek out the health professions advisor on their campus to assist them. This website offers valuable resources and articles as well as volunteer advisors to help you on your path to a career in medicine

The National Area Health Education Center Organization is a network of health professionals and programs established around the nation for recruiting, training, and connecting students to careers in the various health professions

The Canadian Osteopathic Medical Student Association is dedicated to spreading awareness of osteopathic medicine throughout Canada, and helping Canadians realize their dream of practicing medicine.

The American Osteopathic Association is the largest organization representing the osteopathic profession. This website provides general information about the profession and current information on what is happening on the political level.

Directory of State Osteopathic Medical Associations Each state is served by a local osteopathic medical association. In addition to assisting their members and the osteopathic profession in a variety of ways, the local associations can also help you find an osteopathic physician (DO) in your area.

Pre-SOMA is the undergraduate division of the Student Osteopathic Medical Association (SOMA), which is the student affiliate organization of the AOA. Pre-SOMA’s mission is to promote osteopathic medicine, increase the number of applicants to osteopathic medical schools, support aspiring osteopathic physicians at all levels of education, and continue the proud legacy of osteopathic medicine. Pre-SOMA assists with finding both shadowing and mentoring opportunities in your area and provides periodic informational updates from National SOMA, including access to the National SOMA newsletter. On this website, pre-medical students will learn how to establish a local Pre-SOMA chapter at their school

Pre-SOMA Facebook page is managed by the national organization for premedical students interested in osteopathic medicine.

Publications about DO:

An Approach to Diagnosis and Treatment

by Eileen DiGiovanna, DO, and Stanley Schiowitz, DO A text that organizes currently taught concepts and techniques, this book serves as a reference for osteopathic medical students.

The Autobiography of A.T. Still by Andrew Taylor Still

Reprinted by the AOA

First published in 1908, this book, by the founder of osteopathic medicine, discusses his life.

A Brief Guide to Osteopathic Medicine, For Students, By Students

by Patrick Wu and Jonathan Siu

This comprehensive guide, written by current osteopathic medical students, is designed to help aspiring physicians understand osteopathic medicine and the path to becoming an osteopathic physician. Free download available on AACOM's bookstore.

The DOs: Osteopathic Medicine in

by Norman Gevitz, PhD

This book seeks to provide the first comprehensive portrait of the profession, focusing on the impact of ideas and institutions in promoting its early development in the last quarter of the 19th century, as well as in effecting subsequent changes within its belief system, educational program and scope of practice.

Foundations for Osteopathic Medicine

by Anthony Chila, DO, FAAO dist. FCA, American Osteopathic Association

The official textbook for the osteopathic profession. Contains information on how osteopathic theory and methods are incorporated in every aspect of medicine.

Glossary of Osteopathic Terminology

by the Educational Council on Osteopathic Principles of the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine

A glossary that presents important and frequently used words, terms and phrases of the osteopathic profession. Available on AACOM's bookstore.

The Lengthening Shadow of Dr. Andrew Taylor Still

by Arthur G. Hildreth and A. E. Van Vleck

A 1942 account of the life and work of the founder of osteopathic medicine.

Osteopathic Medicine: Past and Present

by G. A. Walter, BS, DO, Ed (Hon.)

A 19-page pamphlet that gives an historical account of osteopathy, its roots and its founder, A.T. Still. The work also provides information regarding the status of osteopathic medicine in the United States in 1981.

Osteopathic Medicine–An American Reformation

by George W. Northup, DO

A short book that tells the story of A.T. Still and the beginnings of osteopathy. A good overview of the profession in the 1890s.

Osteopathic Medicine–A Reformation in Progress

by R. Michael Gallagher, DO, FACOFP, and Frederick J. Humphrey, II, DO, FACN

An authoritative work discussing the past, present and future challenges facing osteopathic medicine as well as its philosophical tenets and clinical contributions.

Osteopathic Principles and Practice

by Michael Kuchera, DO, FAAO, and William Kuchera, DO, FAAO A text that presents osteopathic philosophy, treatment methods and techniques.

Journals:

Journal of the American Osteopathic Association

The scientific journal of osteopathic medicine, published by the AOA.