British Columbia Osteopathic Association
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What
is Osteopathic Medicine?
Osteopathic medicine is a distinctive form of medical practice in Canada and the United States. The practice of osteopathic medicine utilizes all available modern medical technologies to assess and treat injury and disease. It also offers the added benefit of hands-on diagnosis and treatment through a system of therapy known as osteopathic manipulative medicine.
Osteopathic physicians understand how all the body’s systems are interconnected and how each one affects the others. When indicated, they focus special attention on the musculoskeletal system, which reflects and influences the condition of all other body systems. D.O.s know that the body’s structure plays a critical role in its ability to function. They can use their eyes and hands to identify structural problems and to support the body’s natural tendency toward health and self-healing.
AACOM
has launched “Osteopathic Medical Student Profiles: In their Own
Words: A Snapshot of the Osteopathic Medical Student,” a student
recruitment web page that features the experiences of students at each of
the nation’s colleges of osteopathic medicine. With each student
profile, included is a link to the student’s college of osteopathic
medicine web site, so that prospective applicants can learn more about
that medical college and its academic programs. Visitors can also
click on links to the Recruitment Calendar and to order/view the 2012
College Information Book:
http://www.aacom.org/InfoFor/applicants/profiles/Pages/default.aspx
To view a new 8 minute video regarding osteopathic medical education from the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine called "Explore the DO Difference", follow this link:
http://data.aacom.org/video/AACOMv14.wmv
What services
does an Osteopathic Physician provide?
D.O.s are complete physicians, and
through comprehensive residency training, may specialize in any field of
medicine of their choosing. That means they are fully trained and licensed
to order any required laboratory and imaging diagnostic procedures,
prescribe medication, and perform surgery. D.O.s and allopathic
physicians (M.D.s) are the only two types of complete physicians in North
America. Osteopathic
manipulative treatment (OMT) is incorporated in the training and practice
of osteopathic physicians. By combining all available medical
procedures with OMT, D.O.s offer their patients the most comprehensive
care available in medicine today.
Are osteopathic
services covered by my BC provincial health insurance plan?
Yes. Osteopathic physicians are fully licensed medical practitioners, and all medical services provided, including lab tests and imaging studies, are covered by your provincial health care plan.
I am interested in
pursuing a career in osteopathic medicine. How do I apply?
Contact the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine at www.aacom.org
The
2012 Osteopathic Medical College Information Book (CIB) now available.
The American Association of Colleges of
Osteopathic Medicine 'College Information Book' (CIB) is the official
publication for prospective applicants, students, pre-health advisors and
others interested in gaining information about or applying to US
osteopathic medical colleges. This year's CIB, for students applying
for the fall of 2012, has been expanded to cover a variety of new topics,
and includes updated admission requirements, tuition, fees, deposits,
important deadlines and special programs at each of the osteopathic
medical colleges. To order or download the 2012 College Information Book,
follow this link:
http://www.aacom.org/resources/bookstore/cib/Pages/default.aspx
NOTE : If
you are a Canadian interested in applying to AACOM schools, the AACOM
has confirmed that the following colleges of osteopathic medicine may
accept applications from Canadians that do not hold U.S. Permanent
Resident Status (contact your school of interest directly to confirm
eligibility): ATSU-KCOM,
AZCOM, CCOM, DMUCOM, KCUMB-COM, LECOM-Erie, LECOM-
Are there COA/AOA accredited colleges of osteopathic medicine in BC or other parts of Canada?
No. Currently, the only accredited colleges of osteopathic medicine graduating qualified osteopathic graduates are found in the USA. There are 29 accredited osteopathic medical schools in the United States.
I hold an osteopathic
diploma or certificate granted from a school outside of North America.
Can I register to practice osteopathy in British Columbia?
No. Only those graduates from COA/AOA accredited colleges of osteopathic medicine meet the qualifications and are eligible for registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC.
I am aware of a
non-physician 'osteopathic practitioner' practicing without college of physician
registration. What should I do?
Please advise the BC Minister of Health and
the Registrar of College of Physicians and Surgeons.
January 22, 2012