An osteopathic surgeon is a doctor who has completed osteopathic medical school rather than allopathic or conventional medical school. Although the training and standards for a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree are similar to those for a Doctor of Medicine (MD), these medical professionals hold a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree. Osteopathic surgeons can specialize in a variety of surgical fields and spend three years or more in residency and fellowships to gain the skills they need to practice in the operating room safely and effectively.
Doctors who want to be osteopathic surgeons must first complete an undergraduate program, usually with a degree in biology or a closely related field. Then comes four years of medical school to learn basic clinical skills and classroom training, followed a surgery residency. During their training, surgeons have the option of focusing on specific specialties such as orthopedics or cardiac surgery. They can also pursue fellowships in the field in addition to residency.
Osteopathic surgeons are trained in fewer institutions. As a result, some doctors may choose to train with MDs rather than fellow DOs in an allopathic residency. The distinction between these two medical specialties has become increasingly blurred as training standards have become more similar and the nature of practice has become more similar. Although an osteopathic surgeon views the body as a whole system and takes this into account when evaluating and treating patients, he or she offers the same procedures and treatment options as a surgeon with an MD.
An osteopathic surgeon’s education includes in-depth discussions of infection control and other surgical protocols that protect patients and team members. Surgeons also learn how to deal with surgical complications and patient care during recovery to reduce infection risk and promote healing. Some practitioners may practice Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM). This entails placing hands in specific positions to assist patients in stretching, addressing musculoskeletal pain, and correcting imbalances.
The osteopathic surgeon may also participate in medical research in addition to working directly with patients. This can include things like developing new surgical techniques, testing medical devices, and learning more about how different treatment approaches affect patient outcomes. The goal is to raise the standard of care in general. The results of studies can be published in trade journals or presented at annual conferences for professionals. To provide more assurances to their patients, some osteopathic surgeons may pursue board certification as well as specialty credentials.