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What is a D.O.? D.O.'s are Doctors of Osteopathy. We are complete physicians who offer patients something extra. We believe in the interrelationships between body, mind, and spirit. D.O.'s consider the whole person, not just the sum of the parts. We are concerned about the whole you. Andrew Taylor Still, M.D., D.O. founded the first Osteopathic school in 1892, Kirksville, Missouri. Osteopathic physicians perform surgery, child delivery, and practice the full scope of medicine (adult and pediatric). We can prescribe medication in the office setting or in the hospital, in all 50 United States. We can serve in all branches of the military. We use the modern tools available to diagnose and treat diseases. We are also trained to perform Osteopathic Manipulation. We are skilled at using our hands to diagnose and treat illnesses of our patients. Manipulations improve joint range of motion, enhance blood supply to tissues, improve neurologic function, and thereby enable the body to heal itself. Osteopathic physicians attend 4 years at an accredited College of Osteopathic Medicine. This is followed by a 1 year rotating internship and 2-5 residency years at an accredited post-graduate training hospital. What is OMT? OMT is Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment, or simply “manipulation.” This involves restoring function by aligning structural elements of the spine, connective tissue, and muscular tissues. It helps improve blood flow and neurological function. Dr. Lauer is trained in the art of OMT, a skill handed down through generations of Osteopathic Physicians. What is an Osteopathic Family Physician? Family physicians understand you and your family members of all ages. We attend 3 years of post-graduate internship/residency training. Some Family physicians deliver babies. Think of our practice as one stop shopping. If you need specialty care, we can coordinate your healthcare with the appropriately skilled specialist. An Osteopathic Family Physician is willing and able to accept the total responsibility of the patient and/or family as a whole. We are your physician and provide complete continuity of care. Osteopathic Physicians in Maine Click here to learn more about the Maine Osteopathic heritage. The article was generously supplied by the Maine Osteopathic Association. |
