Press Release
Home

Touro University Nevada Celebrates Over 150 Years of Osteopathic Medicine in America

April 14-20 is recognized as National Osteopathic Medicine Week, and Touro University Nevada, which established in 2014 Southern Nevada’s first medical school, the College of Osteopathic Medicine, offers the only Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree in the state. Osteopathic medicine, founded in the U.S. in 1874, is based on a patient-centered philosophy and practice of modern medicine that emphasizes prevention, wellness, and self-healing.  

 

Touro Nevada’s College of Osteopathic Medicine will graduate more than 160 DO students this year - students who just celebrated a remarkable 99.4% match/placement rate for residency programs. This year, the osteopathic medicine community is proud of a new record number of DOs who secured residencies nationwide, with Touro Nevada students contributing to this success. According to The American Osteopathic Association (AOA) of a total of 8,049 osteopathic students nationwide matched with a 92.6% match rate, an increase of .3% from 2024. In the past decade, the number of osteopathic physicians in the country has increased by more than 70% based on a report from The AOA.

 

More patients may notice 'DO' after their doctor's name as compared to 'MD,' which designates a Doctor of Medicine trained in allopathic medicine. MDs typically are more “part-focused” and treat the specific ailment and tend to be more reactive as illnesses manifest. Osteopathic medicine has a more proactive approach to identify potential health concerns early to prevent further diagnoses. A DO will provide a holistic approach that views the body as a whole, seeing every system, organ, and function is interlinked.

 

Similarities between a DO and MD physician:

  • Utilize scientifically accepted methods of diagnosis and treatment

  • Fully licensed; practice in all specialties of medicine, although DOs often are more prevalent in primary care

  • Completed four years of medical school followed by a residency program, the length of which depends on specialty and can range from three to seven years

  • Passed licensing exams to practice medicine


 

Differences between a DO and MD physician:


  • DO medical students complete more than 200 hours of hands-on clinical training in the diagnosis and treatment of the musculoskeletal system and musculoskeletal manipulation treatment (OMT)

  • A DO has received training in order to practice OMT, which is a hands-on non-invasive treatment that can reduce pain, improve mobility, and promote overall health

  • Osteopathic medicine philosophy encourages the body’s natural healing abilities often forgoing forgo the need for prescription medication,


Both “systems” or approaches aim for the best possible patient care and outcome that promotes good health and quality of life. Touro Nevada DO medical students partner with fellow healthcare professionals to advocate for their patient and provide their own unique perspective to provide the best treatment possible.

 


Link: http://www.tun.touro.edu

Submitted: 04/16/25
Article By: Touro University Nevada