Osteopathic physician numbers on rise

The total number of osteopathic physicians this year is 70,480-up from 67,167 last year and from 44,918 in 2000, according to a report released in September from the American Osteopathic Association.

At the current rate of growth, it is estimated that more than 100,000 DOs will be in active medical practice by the year 2020.

A comparison between the number of DOs and MDs in the report shows that DOs make up more than 10% of the physician population in 13 states. In Michigan and Oklahoma, the proportion of DOs exceeds 20%, meaning at least 1 in 5 physicians in those states is a DO.

More than 42% of DOs in their first 9 years of practice are female, as are 49.2% in their first 4 years.