Technical requirements to become an osteopathic physician

A person must possess specific abilities in order to become an osteopathic physician. The acquisition of knowledge, the ability to apply the knowledge and the ability to perform appropriate treatment are necessary for students in training. A student needs to have the ability to develop a skill set to progress to the level necessary in both learning and skill acquisition before matriculating into an osteopathic training institution. The abilities necessary for a person to be able to progress to a practicing DO are discussed in this article, as well as the issues that led to the development of a recommended technical standards document. Potential issues are raised, and the currently accepted skills are also discussed. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.