What is a primary function of a doctor of osteopathic medicine?

A primary function of a doctor of osteopathic medicine is to diagnose and treat patients and perform surgery. This is because osteopathic physicians are fully licensed medical doctors who complete the same rigorous education and training as allopathic physicians (MDs). They are trained to use a holistic approach to patient care, which includes considering the patient’s entire lifestyle and environment.

Osteopathic physicians have the ability to prescribe medication, perform surgery, and provide a wide range of medical services to treat various health conditions. They also incorporate osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) as part of their practice, which allows them to address musculoskeletal issues, but their scope of practice is comprehensive. This makes them well-equipped to handle a diverse array of medical conditions beyond just physical therapy, lifestyle changes, or specific orthopedic issues.