Osteopathic Medicine What is a D.O. (Doctor Of Osteopathy)? If you're like most people, you've been going to physicians ever since you were born and perhaps were not aware whether some or all of them were osteopathic physicians, also known as DOs. You may not even be aware that there are two types of complete physicians in the United States—DOs and MDs. The fact is that both DOs and MDs are fully qualified physicians licensed to prescribe medication and perform surgery. DOs and MDs are Alike in Many Ways Students entering both DO and MD medical colleges typically have already completed four-year bachelor's degrees with an emphasis on scientific courses. Both DOs and MDs complete four years of basic medical education. After medical school, both DOs and MDs obtain graduate medical education through internships, residencies and fellowships. This training lasts three to eight years and prepares DOs and MDs to practice a specialty. Both DOs and MDs can choose to practice in any specialty of medicine—such as pediatrics, family medicine, psychiatry, surgery or ophthalmology. DOs and MDs must pass comparable examinations to obtain state licenses. DOs and MDs both practice in accredited and licensed health care facilities. Together, DOs and MDs enhance the state of health care available in the U.S. DOs, however, belong to a separate yet equal branch of American medical care. It is the ways that DOs and MDs are different that can bring an extra dimension to your health care.