How to Be Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Sep 11, 2023 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

The Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) is a type of physician who is trained in all the same areas as a Medical Doctor (MD), but also has an additional emphasis on the body's musculoskeletal system, preventive medicine, and holistic patient care. As a result of this additional training, DOs are able to provide a more comprehensive approach to patient care, focusing on the individual's physical, psychological, and social well-being. This emphasis on preventative care can result in positive long-term health outcomes, such as fewer hospitalizations, improved physical functioning, and better quality of life.

Furthermore, DOs are uniquely qualified to use manipulative techniques to diagnose and treat problems with the body's muscles and joints. By utilizing these techniques, DOs can help patients with conditions such as chronic pain, headaches, neck pain, and sports injuries. The combination of traditional and holistic approaches to patient care makes DOs an invaluable asset to the healthcare industry.

Steps How to Become

Take the necessary pre-med courses in college and earn a bachelor's degree. Pre-med courses should include chemistry, biology, physics, math, and English.
Take the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) and score well.
Apply to medical school and complete the four-year Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) program.
Take the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) and score well.
Participate in a residency program to gain clinical experience.
Pass the American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine (AOBIM) certification exam to become a board-certified DO.
Apply for and obtain a medical license from your state's medical board.
Complete continuing medical education (CME) credits yearly to maintain licensure status.

The Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) is an ideal and capable degree for aspiring physicians. With the DO degree, physicians have the same rigorous medical training as MDs, but they also receive an additional 400 hours of training in osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM). This additional training provides DOs with a unique skill set that allows them to diagnose and treat the body more holistically, with a focus on preventive care.

The additional training also helps DOs to better understand the relationship between the body's musculoskeletal system and how it affects other body systems. By utilizing OMM, DOs can help patients find relief from pain and other health issues without the use of drugs or surgery. In short, the DO degree offers a powerful combination of medical expertise and holistic knowledge that makes it an ideal and capable degree for any aspiring physician.

You may want to check Doctor of Education (EdD), Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), and Doctor of Theology (ThD) for alternative.

Job Description

Primary Care Physician: Provide preventive health care and diagnose and treat acute and chronic illnesses in patients of all ages.
Hospitalist: Manage the care of hospitalized patients, including diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions, prescribing medications, and arranging for follow-up care.
Urgent Care Physician: Provide prompt medical treatment to patients who require immediate care for minor injuries or illnesses.
Emergency Physician: Diagnose and treat life-threatening illnesses and traumatic injuries in the emergency room.
Sports Medicine Physician: Diagnose and treat sports-related injuries and illnesses in athletes of all ages.
Occupational Medicine Physician: Diagnose and treat work-related injuries and illnesses, as well as provide preventive care and advice to employers about workplace safety.
Rehabilitation Medicine Physician: Diagnose and treat physical disabilities, including musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiovascular impairments.
Pediatrics Physician: Diagnose and treat pediatric patients, including newborns, infants, children, adolescents, and young adults.
Geriatrics Physician: Provide primary care and preventive health services to elderly patients.
Hospice Care Physician: Provide palliative care to terminally ill patients and their families.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and other basic sciences.
Understanding of the principles of diagnosis and treatment of disease.
Ability to obtain and interpret medical histories, conduct physical examinations, and order and interpret diagnostic tests.
Skill in prescribing appropriate medications and treatments.
Ability to educate patients and families on preventive healthcare, lifestyle modifications, and disease management.
Knowledge of medical ethics and legal responsibilities related to the practice of medicine.
Ability to work with a multidisciplinary healthcare team to coordinate patient care.
Understanding of health disparities, cultural competency, and patient-centered care.
Expertise in osteopathic principles and philosophy of patient-centered care.
Ability to use technology for patient care and communication.

The Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) is a vital profession that requires a unique set of skills. To be successful in this role, a DO must possess strong communication and interpersonal skills, a deep understanding of the medical field and the ability to think critically. Furthermore, a DO must be able to work collaboratively with other medical professionals, be highly organized and have a genuine interest in helping people.

These qualities are essential for DOs to diagnose and treat patients effectively and to provide the best possible care. By possessing these skills, a DO can provide the highest quality of care to their patients and make a positive impact on the health of their community.

Doctor of Chiropractic (DC), Doctor of Psychology (PsyD), and Doctor of Social Work (DSW) are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What inspired you to become a DO?
How have you applied the osteopathic principles of body unity and the interrelationship between structure and function in your practice?
How do you keep up with the latest developments and technologies in your field?
What is the most rewarding part of being a DO?
How do you handle difficult or challenging patient situations?
What do you think sets DOs apart from other medical professionals?
How do you ensure your patients receive the best possible care?
What strategies do you use to build trust and rapport with your patients?
What has been your most memorable patient experience?
How do you prioritize patient care while managing competing demands?

Common Tools in Industry

Stethoscope. Used to listen to a patient's heart and lungs. (e. g. To listen for any abnormal heart rhythms or breath sounds)
Osteotome. Used to cut and shape bone during surgeries. (e. g. To reshape a fractured bone)
Reflex Hammer. Used to test a patient's reflexes. (e. g. To assess the muscle response in the arms and legs)
Digital Otoscope. Used to examine the ears. (e. g. To look for signs of infection or inflammation)
Diagnostic Imaging Machines. Used to scan the body for medical diagnosis. (e. g. X-ray and MRI machines)
Surgical Instruments. Used to perform surgeries. (e. g. Scalpels and forceps)
Electronic Medical Records Software. Used to store and organize patient information. (e. g. To create patient charts and track medical history)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Osteopathic Association (AOA)
American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians (ACOFP)
American Academy of Osteopathy (AAO)
Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (OPSC)
National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners (NBOME)
American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians (AOBFP)
American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine (AOBIM)
American Osteopathic Board of Pediatrics (AOBP)
American Osteopathic Board of Surgery (AOBS)
American Osteopathic Board of Radiology (AOBR)
American Osteopathic Board of Anesthesiology (AOBA)
American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM)

We also have Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (DAOM), Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA), and Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) - A type of hands-on treatment used by DOs to diagnose, treat and prevent illness or injury.
Primary Care Physician (PCP) - A health care provider who is the primary point of contact for patients seeking medical care and advice.
Holistic Medicine - A form of health care that looks at the whole person, including physical, emotional, social, economic, and spiritual aspects.
Osteopathic Principles - A set of guidelines for treating patients that include looking at the patient as a whole, using the bodys self-healing abilities to treat illness and injury, and using manual therapy.
Residency - A period of postgraduate medical training that allows physicians to specialize in a particular field of medicine.
Board Certification - A medical credential that certifies a doctor has met certain standards in their specialty field.
Professional Organizations - Organizations dedicated to advancing the osteopathic profession and promoting the highest standards of care for patients.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)? A1: A Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) is a fully-licensed medical doctor who is trained in osteopathic principles and practices, which focus on the patient's overall well-being and the body's natural ability to heal itself. Q2: How long does it take to become a DO? A2: It typically takes four years to complete the undergraduate prerequisites and four years of medical school to become a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO). Q3: What type of degree does a DO receive? A3: After completing their medical school training, a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) receives a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree. Q4: What type of residency programs do DOs typically participate in? A4: Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) typically participate in residencies in areas such as internal medicine, family medicine, pediatrics, emergency medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, psychiatry, and surgery. Q5: Are DOs able to practice medicine in the United States? A5: Yes, Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) are fully-licensed to practice medicine in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.