Alan Barton receives D.O. degree recently

Alan Barton, D.O., received the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree from the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine during commencement exercises June 3, 2000. There were 138 graduates in the graduating class.

Dr. Barton, who received his undergraduate education from Truman State University, is an intern at University Hospital and Clinics in Columbia. He is the son of Jack and Lois Barton of Gallatin.

The Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine is the founding college of osteopathic medicine. Osteopathic physicians (D.O.s) and allopathic physicians (M.D.s) are the only two types of complete physicians. They are both fully trained and licensed to prescribe medication and perform surgery.

There are two main differences between these two types of physicians. First, D.O.’s practice a “whole person” approach to medicine, believing that all elements of people’s bodies, minds, and spirits should be incorporated into their care. Thus, osteopathic medical students tend to choose to go into primary care instead of choosing to specialize.

Nearly 65 percent of osteopathic medical school graduates become primary care physicians – compared with 26 percent of M.D. graduates.

Second, D.O.s receive more training in the musculoskeletal system – the body’s interconnected system of nerves, muscles, and bones. In addition, Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) is included in the training and practice of osteopathic physicians.