In some states, MDs and DOs in concert examine applicants. The basic premises accepted by this profession provide the osteopathic physician with a unique way of looking at health and disease. The adequate function of body systems depends on the unimpeded flow of blood and nerve impulses. The musculoskeletal system is a major body system, and its importance exceeds that of mere framework and support. There are musculoskeletal components to disease which are not only manifestations of the disease, but also important contributing and maintaining factors.
Appropriate treatment is of significant value.
The adoption of these basic premises led to the development of the osteopathic total-body concept. The patient is considered ecologically rather than as an isolated unit. Instead of emphasizing the momentary disease state, the osteopathic approach studies and treats the person's well-being, lifestyle and behavior as a whole. Primary care is emphasized in the educational program, and a majority of graduates enter primary care fields. However, DOs participate in all specialty and subspecialty areas of current medical practice.