My New Physician Is a D.O.: What Is Osteopathic Medicine?

Michael B. Clearfield, DO; FACOI, FACP, Dean, Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine; Chair of the Board of Deans, American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine
R. Mitchell Hiserote, DO; Chair, Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine Department, Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine; Member, American Osteopathic Association Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation
Patricia Rehfield, DO; MPH, Associate Professor and Chair of the Primary Care Department, Touro University of California; Former Foreign Service Officer, Rover Medical Officer for the U.S. State Department; Member, Board of Directors of the Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons of California
Shelley Berkley, JD; CEO and Senior Provost, Touro University California; Former Member, Committee on Ways and Means, Health Care Subcommittee, United States House of Representatives - Moderator

There are two degrees that physicians in the U.S. earn, the M.D. (allopathic medicine) or D.O. (osteopathic medicine) degree. While doctors with the two degrees carry the same rights and privileges compared to one degree, there are differences in their education and training, considering that one in five students currently enrolled in medical school is in an osteopathic program. Join three local osteopathic physician educators on what the field can offer, a comparison of allopathic versus osteopathic medicine, and what to expect in relation to the Affordable Care Act.