What is a D.O.?
	A D.O. is a physician of Osteopathic Medicine. D.O.s and allopathic physicians (M.D.s) are the only two types of complete physicians in the United States. Both D.O.s and M.D.s both have: Four-year undergraduate school degrees usually focused in the sciences.   Four years of medical school.   Both must complete a residency program in a particular specialty such as orthopedic surgery.    Both must pass comparable state licensing examinations.   Both must pass a national board certification.   Both must practice in fully accredited and licensed healthcare institutions.
	What’s the difference?
	D.O.s practice a “whole person” approach to medicine. Instead of just treating specific symptoms or illnesses, they assess the overall health of their patients including home and work environments. They also focus on preventative medicine. D.O.s also receive extra training in the musculoskeletal system. This training provides osteopathic physicians with a better understanding of the ways that an injury or illness in one part of your body can affect another. For more information on Osteopathic Medicine, please visit the American Osteopathic Association’s website at www.aoa-net.org.
	What is a fellowship?
	A fellowship is specialized training after completing a residency program that enables the physician to develop greater knowledge and surgical expertise in one area. For example, Dr. LaButti specializes in hip and knee surgery. Fellowships are optional and require at least six months to several years of extra training depending on the specialty.