VCOM College Catalog and Student Handbook

called osteopathy. He based his new approach to health care on the concepts of body unity, the body’s inherent ability to heal itself given all the optimum conditions, and on the proper alignment and function of the musculoskeletal system. Over the years, with the advancement of the use of antibiotics, surgical techniques, and the recognition of the immune system, the practice of both allopathic medicine (M.D.) and osteopathic medicine (D.O.) have evolved. Today, Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs) serve the public with full medical practice rights utilizing all of the modern practices science has to offer in medical and surgical care while incorporating the concept of treating the whole person, utilizing hands-on examination (palpation) in physical diagnosis, pharmacologic treatments, surgical practices, and musculoskeletal manipulation as an important additional therapeutic tool in alleviating pain, and treating illness or injury pain.

9