Physicians, Osteopathic

There are currently about 61,000 osteopathic physicians in the United States; they constitute about 7% of the nation's practicing physician workforce. But osteopathic physicians are responsible for [Page 936]16% of patient visits in small communities with populations of fewer than 2,500 individuals. In addition, 22% of all osteopathic physicians practice in rural and medically underserved areas.

The osteopathic medical philosophy emphasizes preventive care and focuses on the unity of all body parts. Instead of just treating specific symptoms or illnesses, osteopathic physicians regard the body as an integrated whole, and they help patients develop attitudes and lifestyles that help prevent illness. Like allopathic physicians, osteopathic physicians are fully licensed to prescribe medications and practice in all medical specialty areas, including surgery.

Osteopathic physicians also receive extra medical training in the musculoskeletal system, the body's interconnected system of nerves, muscles, and bones that make up two thirds of its body mass. This training provides osteopathic physicians with a better understanding of the ways that an injury or illness in one part of the body can affect another.

Furthermore, osteopathic physicians incorporate osteopathic manipulative treatment into their medical care. With this treatment, osteopathic physicians use their hands to diagnose injury and illness and to encourage the body's natural tendency toward good health.