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Doctors of osteopathic medicine (DOs) offer a distinct form of medical practice that provides all the benefits of modern medicine (prescription drugs, surgery, modern technology to diagnose and evaluate disease, etc.) with the added benefit of hands-on diagnosis and treatment through a system of therapy known as osteopathic manipulative medicine. Osteopaths typically emphasize health promotion and disease prevention. Grande Ronde Hospital currently employs 11 DOs across eight specialties within its medical staff.

Skilled physicians

DOs complete four years of medical school. They also spend three to eight years in internships, residencies and fellowships.

Although there are DOs in every medical specialty, most practice in primary care fields, such as family medicine, pediatrics and obstetrics-gynecology. Like MDs, they must pass state licensing examinations in order to practice.

When you see a DO, you can expect the latest in medical techniques and services. DOs diagnose and treat illnesses and prescribe medicine, and some perform surgery. They also are trained to treat the patient as a whole person and to emphasize wellness and healthy lifestyles.

These physicians help relieve the growing shortage of physicians in the U.S. Their contribution is especially important because DOs often practice in rural and urban areas where access to medical care can be difficult.

Healing touch

DOs focus special attention on the musculoskeletal system. They practice a hands-on system of gentle pressure, stretching and resistance to move muscles and joints.

This technique is called osteopathic manipulative treatment. It's one tool DOs use to help prevent, diagnose and treat illnesses.

A growing field

About 7 percent of physicians in the U.S. are DOs, and that number is rapidly rising. Today, about 1 in 5 medical students is attending an osteopathic medical school.

Sources: American Osteopathic Association; American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine; U.S. Department of Labor