Osteopathic Medicine

What is osteopathic medicine?

Osteopathic medicine is a branch of healthcare that takes a comprehensive and holistic approach to patient care. Osteopathic physicians, also known as Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs), undergo rigorous medical training that encompasses both traditional medical education and additional coursework in osteopathic principles and practices. They are trained to view the patient as a whole, considering not only physical symptoms but also the impact of emotional, social and environmental factors on health.

Osteopathic medicine promotes preventive care, wellness and the body's self-healing mechanisms, recognizing the importance of a balanced musculoskeletal system for overall well-being. With a focus on patient-centered care, osteopathic medicine aims to foster a strong doctor-patient relationship and provide compassionate, individualized, and comprehensive healthcare services.

Learn more about osteopathic medicine on the American Osteopathic Association's website.

What are the benefits of chosing to study osteopathic medicine?

Osteopathic medicine focuses on holistic care — treatment with a focus on the whole person (body, mind and spirit), and with an investment in care and wellness for all people.
Osteopathic medical students are extensively trained in both the both the neuromusculoskeletal system and in osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), which increase’s a physician’s understanding of how an injury or illness in one part of the body can affect another.
Osteopathic physicians are pioneers in preventative medicine and promote the body’s natural tendency toward health and healing.
A patient-centered philosophy is at the heart of osteopathic medicine. Many osteopathic physicians are driven to become the kind of doctor they would want to treat their own families, friends and communities.

What is the difference between allopathic schools and colleges of osteopathic medicine?

Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine:

Award the degree of Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
Utilize standard and advanced medications and surgical procedures to treat diseases.
Emphasize a holistic approach to medicine, considering the interrelationship between the body's structure, function and its innate ability to heal
Include coursework in osteopathic principles and manipulative treatment, which involves hands-on techniques to diagnose and treat medical issues
Promote the integration of preventive care and wellness practices into patient treatment plans
Encourage primary care and a comprehensive understanding of the patient as a whole, considering physical, emotional and social factors influencing health
Place a strong emphasis on osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM), which involves using manual techniques to diagnose and treat patients
Often require completion of the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) for admission.

Allopathic Medical Schools:

Award the degree of Doctor of Medicine (MD)
Focus primarily on the allopathic approach to medicine, which uses standard and advanced medications and surgical procedures to treat diseases
Emphasize specialization and sub-specialization in various medical fields
May have a narrower scope of holistic patient care, with a stronger focus on treating symptoms and diseases rather than addressing the whole person
Typically have a longer history and broader recognition within the medical field
Often require completion of the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) for admission

Find more information about colleges of osteopathic medicine on the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine website.

What is an example of osteopathic medicine?

An osteopathic physician, trained in the principles of osteopathic medicine, might approach the treatment of a patient with a bacterial sinus infection from a holistic perspective focusing on the inter-relationship of structure and function.

The physician would not only assess the physical symptoms but also the underlying factors contributing to the condition (such as smoking exposure or the risk of allergic rhinitis contributing to sinus congestion).
The physician would perform a standard ear, nose and throat examination and additionally assess the patient's head, facial structures, neck, upper back, and the lymphatic system taking into account any abnormalities that may be affecting the head, neck, upper chest and adjacent structures.
With a true bacterial infection, the physician would likely prescribe appropriate course of an antibiotic and possibly a prescription nasal steroid spray.
As a DO, the physician could also offer osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) by providing gentle hands-on techniques to address and improve lymphatic drainage to promote optimal immune system function. The physician could also instruct the patient on similar self-treatment options.

Additionally, the osteopathic physician would collaborate with the patient to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that may include exercise, lifestyle modifications, spiritual growth and other interventions to support the body's natural healing abilities and improve overall well-being.

How does osteopathic medicine align with Jesuit values?

Osteopathic medicine aligns harmoniously with the Jesuit education tradition, encompassing the values of intellectual rigor, ethical reasoning and holistic care. Jesuit institutions strive to cultivate well-rounded individuals who demonstrate compassion and a commitment to the greater good.

Osteopathic medicine, with its emphasis on treating the whole person and recognizing the interconnectedness of body, mind and spirit, embraces this holistic approach. By promoting a comprehensive understanding of health and integrating scientific knowledge with a deep appreciation for the human person, osteopathic physicians trained within the Jesuit education tradition embody the Jesuit ideal of cura personalis, or care for the whole person, in their medical practice. They combine their expert medical skills with a genuine concern for the well-being of patients, nurturing their physical, emotional, and spiritual health.