Osteopaths or Osteopathic physicians (as they are known in the USA) are allowed to do much more in the United States than in most other countries. This fact causes much confusion around the world about exactly what osteopathic physicians can do for their patients.

In America, DOs (osteopathic physicians) are considered equal to their MD (allopathic physician) colleagues. Osteopathic physicians can perform surgery and prescribe medications. They can either be primary care physicians or specialists (cardiologist, neurosurgeon, opthalmologist, etc.) The training for osteopathic medicine in America is almost identical to the allopathic medicine (MD) training. Osteopathic physicians are still trained in manipulation in America, but they use the manipulation to complement all other aspects (drugs,surgery,etc.) of modern medicine.

Thanks to Bradley J. Goad, a Medical Student at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, for the above information on Osteopathy in America.