Osteopathic surgery is a rewarding career path.
Osteopathic practitioners are typically doctors of osteopathic medicine, or DOs. Their practices are centered around family medicine, and they function similar to general physicians. They are seldom qualified to perform surgery. Those who desire to practice surgery need additional schooling and typically become orthopedic surgeons in addition to their osteopathic training.
Becoming a Doctor of Osteopathic
Osteopathic medicine is a holistic approach, focused on the health of the entire patient, rather than single ailments. DOs follow a traditional medicine track for their training, starting with a four-year university degree and medical school. In medical school, students study anatomy, physiology, osteopathic medicine and other relevant courses.
Licensing
After successful completion of osteopathic training, physicians take the appropriate examination in their state to become licensed.
Surgery
To practice surgery, osteopathic doctors become orthopedic surgeons. The track to becoming an orthopedic surgeon takes a minimum of 14 years to complete, starting from university. After four years of medical school, orthopedic surgeons are required to complete five years of residency training.
