Osteopathic physicians are the legal and professional equivilent of MD'ds. Although it does have some very strange roots, it has folded itself back more into the mainstream, although it does place additional emphasis on musculoskeletal diagnosis and treatment (and, IMO, osteopathic manipulative therapy is a bit "out there"). You have to do four years of post-graduate schooling (like med school), commit to a one-year rotating residency at an approved teaching hospital (many hospitals allow DO's into their programs) (specialization requires two to six additional years of residency training, depending on the specialty). However, DO's tend to get a bum rap because, it is probably fair to say, that more DO's tend to push the envelope of alternative medicine that MDs (or even leave the realm of reason), like Cranial Therapy, etc. MDs tend to have their nose out of joint regarding DOs because they, in their opinion, take an "easier" path to the same point, GPAs and MCATs tend to be lower for DOs than MDs. DOs tend to fight back by saying Osteopaths treat the patient not just the disease.
But ultimately, it is an INDIVIDUAL that you are placing in charge of your health. If her or she is qualified, suitable and able to treat you, schooling and slogans are not very important. Remember, some of the best lawyers in the country come from horrible law schools.
Swale is definately a leader in the specialized field of TRT. I would place him against most any board certified endo in the field.
Perhaps you can find a medical practice that had DOs on staff, that may indicate a willingness to work with a DO.
LiquidGib said:
Ok i just came back from a doctor.
I asked her if they would be willing to work on a consultation basis with you. I told her you are an osteopathic physician who specializes in HRT. She said she doesnt believe in that and asked if you had an M.D. She then that she didnt understand why I want to work with a doctor in the STATES when we have specialists here with experience.
I feel so weak now. Gonna have to look for another doctor again. Maybe I need to approach the subject in a better way. Any1 have any suggestions?