The Osteopathic Manipulative Approach
An outgrowth of two basic concepts

1. Structure influences function, which means that if there is an imbalance, injury or other problem in one part of the body's structure, it will affect function in that area - and sometimes elsewhere in the body, as well.
2. The body has an innate capacity for self-healing. Thus, the object of osteopathic manipulation is to eliminate or reduce impediments to proper structure and function, in order to promote the body's own self-healing mechanisms.

Approximately 50% of all D.O.s practice general or family medicine, general internal medicine, or general pediatrics. The rest specialize in a wide range of practice areas, including emergency medicine, anesthesiology, obstetrics and gynecology, psychiatry, and surgery.

There are approximately 54,000 osteopathic physicians in the United States, and 25 osteopathic medical schools. In addition, several new schools of osteopathic medicine currently are being built and will be admitting students within the next couple of years.

Physicians examine patients, obtain medical histories, and order, perform and interpret diagnostic tests. They counsel patients about illness, injuries, health conditions, and preventive healthcare (diet/fitness, smoking cessation, etc.). They can also conduct medical research, teach, and run medical centers.  People with medical education are in demand in many areas.  Physicians work in one or more specialties, including, among others:

• anesthesiology
• family and general medicine
• general internal medicine
• general pediatrics
• obstetrics and gynecology
• psychiatry
• surgery

For more information about medical specialties, visit the Careers in Medicinepage on the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) Website. For a fascinating glimpse into the real-life experiences of seven doctors, see NOVA Online's special feature, "Survivor M.D."  

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