The practical skills required to diagnose and treat patients, including physical examination, history taking, and communication.
Anatomy: Anatomy is the study of the human body structure and its parts. It is an essential subject for osteopathic medicine as it helps in understanding the functions of different body parts and how they are connected with each other.
Physiology: Physiology deals with the functions of the various body parts, their coordination, and their role in maintaining the homeostasis of the body.
Biochemistry: Biochemistry is the study of the chemical processes that occur in living organisms. A basic understanding of biochemistry is necessary to understand the mechanisms of disease and how different biochemical agents can affect the body.
Pharmacology: Pharmacology is the study of drugs, their effects, uses, and how they are administered. A thorough knowledge of pharmacology is essential for an osteopathic physician to prescribe the right medication to the patient.
Pathology: Pathology is the study of diseases, their causes, and their effects on the body. This subject helps to understand the causes of different diseases and their symptoms.
Microbiology: Microbiology is the study of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. It is essential to identify the causative agents of infections and devise appropriate treatment plans.
Radiology: Radiology is the branch of medicine that deals with imaging techniques such as X-rays, CT scans, MRI, and Ultrasound. It is crucial to identify various diseases, fractures, and injuries.
Neurology: Neurology is the study of the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. An understanding of neurology is necessary to identify and treat neurological diseases.
Orthopaedics: Orthopaedics deals with the musculoskeletal system, including muscles, bones, and joints, and their related injuries and disorders.
Pediatrics: Pediatrics is the branch of medicine that focuses on the medical care of infants, children, and adolescents. Pediatricians specialize in child health care and development.
Obstetrics and Gynecology: Obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) deals with the reproductive system of females, including pregnancy, childbirth, and related disorders.
Emergency Medicine: Emergency medicine is a medical specialty that involves the care of patients with urgent and life-threatening medical conditions. This branch of medicine requires quick and prompt decision-making skills.
Ethics: Ethics is the branch of philosophy that deals with moral principles and values. In medicine, it is essential to follow ethical principles in decision-making, maintaining patient confidentiality, and patient care.
Communication skills: Communication skills are essential for a medical practitioner to establish a rapport with the patient, understand their concerns, and convey information effectively.
Documentation: Good documentation skills are vital for keeping accurate medical records, which are essential for providing quality patient care, ensuring compliance with legal requirements, and facilitating smooth interaction with insurance companies.
Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT): The use of hands-on techniques by an Osteopathic Physician to diagnose and treat illnesses, injury, and chronic pain.
Palpation: The use of the sense of touch to examine different body structures and assess for tenderness, swelling, or other abnormalities.
Range of Motion (ROM): The evaluation of the movement of a joint in its natural direction with the aim of diagnosing or treating joint-related issues.
Muscle Strength Testing: The assessment of muscle strength in specific areas by having the patient perform various exercises and then testing for resistance.
Diagnostic Testing: The use of various diagnostic tools and methods such as blood tests, MRI, X-rays, CT scans, etc. to diagnose medical issues.
Physical Examination: The examination of different body systems through the use of techniques such as auscultation, percussion and inspection of patients.
Clinical Decision Making: The process of making decisions regarding the best possible diagnosis and treatment plan based on the assessment of patient's clinical symptoms, medical history, and test results.
Communication Skills: The ability to convey empathy and understanding to patients and their families by listening and responding appropriately to their needs and concerns.
Patient Education: The process of providing patients with relevant information about their medical conditions, treatments, and self-care in a way that is easily understood.
Documentation and Record-Keeping: The process of recording all necessary details of a patient's medical history, tests conducted, and all recommended treatments in the patient's medical records for future referral.