You may be wondering “if DOs can do manipulation similar to DCs, then what is the difference?
There are differences in each fields history of development and manipulation technique, but overall the goal is similar for both disciplines which is to aid the body’s innate ability to heal itself. However, with that being said, there IS A MAJOR DIFFERENCE on the education and practice rights of DOs and DCs: -DOs are trained to recognize and treat various medical conditions and determine if manipulation is appropriate and beneficial as an adjunct or as a replacement for conventional medical treatment -DOs must pass rigorous board examinations to demonstrate their knowledge in medical, pharmacological, surgical, radiological, and osteopathic fields in order to be LICENSED as a MEDICAL physician EQUAL to their MD counterparts -DOs complete at least a 3-year residency in the specialty field of their choice -DOs are expected to follow the standard of care equal to MDs -DOs have practice rights to perform surgical procedures within their scopof practice -DOs have license to prescribe medic
