How Are DOs Licensed?
Osteopathic physicians (DOs) are licensed to practice medicine in the United States by licensing boards in each state. Requirements for licensure vary by state, but there are generally three ways a DO can become licensed to practice medicine:
- Successful completion of a medical licensing examination administered by the state licensing board. State boards may prepare their own examination or administer an examination that has been prepared and purchased from a specialized agency.
- Acceptance of the certificate issued by the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners (NBOME), awarded after an applicant has satisfied the requirements, including the successful passage of a rigorous series of tests.
- Reciprocity or endorsement of a license previously received from another state. The license presented for reciprocity or endorsement usually must have been issued on the basis of a written examination.
How are DOs Certified?
When an osteopathic physician (DO) is "certified," it means he or she has chosen to achieve expertise in a medical specialty or subspecialty by meeting the requirements of one (or more) of the 18 AOA Specialty Certifying Boards. Certification by an AOA Approved Board is not a requirement to practice in a medical specialty. DOs can become certified in the following areas:
Anesthesiology
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Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology
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Dermatology
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Orthopedic Surgery
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Emergency Medicine
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Pathology
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Family Practice
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Pediatrics
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Internal Medicine
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Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
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Neurology and Psychiatry
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Preventive Medicine
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Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine
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Proctology
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Nuclear Medicine
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Radiology
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Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Surgery
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Tuesday's Hastag: DO Hero Day. Check out The DO’s Hero Next Door series. DOs are revolutionizing the profession by working with NASA astronauts, pioneering ear infection treatment in South Africa, and penning a series of health-focused books for children. Use the hashtag #ILoveDOs to share any stories of Hero DOs.
