What is a do in the medical field?

A "do" in the medical field refers to a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. D.O.s are licensed physicians who, like M.D.s, can practice in all areas of medicine, prescribe medication, and perform surgeries. However, D.O.s receive additional training in osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), a hands-on approach to diagnosing and treating patients that emphasizes the musculoskeletal system and its link to overall health. D.O.s also specialize in preventative medicine and holistic care, focusing on the patient as a whole rather than just treating individual symptoms or diseases. There are currently over 130,000 D.O.s practicing in the United States.