National DO Day Recognizes Osteopathic Medicine

CHICAGO - Healthcare workers celebrated National Osteopathic Physician (D.O.) Day April 18.

With 2.2 million Americans losing health insurance annually, the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) used the day to recognize a group of physicians that are frequently overlooked.

"D.O.s have a strong commitment to serving the needs of the underserved communities," says James E. Zini, D.O., president of the AOA. "As insurance problems escalate, the healthcare options for individuals in this country are jeopardized."

D.O.s are licensed physicians that comprise 6 percent of the total physician population. There are more than 47,000 D.O.s in the United States, with the majority practicing in primary care facilities. Physicians in this category are able to prescribe medication and perform surgery, in addition to their osteopathic manipulative treatment training.

For more information about the association or this option in healthcare, log on to: www.aoa-net.org.