Two types of physicians have unrestricted licenses and may practice medicine in all 50 states. They are the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) and the Doctor of Allopathic Medicine (M.D.). While both types of physicians are qualified, competent, and trained in all aspects of patient care, D.O.s offer an approach to medical care that emphasizes holistic and patient- centered treatment with an emphasis on wellness, prevention of disease, and disability.

Osteopathic physicians are distinguished by an emphasis on holistic, patient-centered primary care, by using osteopathic manipulative medicine as indicated and when beneficial, and by their tradition of caring for patients in underserved rural and urban areas. Osteopathic physicians respect the relationship between physical structure and organic function and view the human body as an interdependent unit rather than an assortment of separate parts and systems.

All medical and surgical specialties are represented within the osteopathic medical profession. However, the training of primary care, community-based physicians, and the desire to reach rural, minority, geriatric, and indigent populations make the osteopathic medical profession unique.

We at Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine are dedicated to our stated mission of producing vitally needed primary care physicians with a goal of placing fifty percent of our graduates in community-based medical practices in the state and region. We are committed to providing an education for our students that will prepare them to enter any resident program and advance the health of their patients in all patient care settings.