Originally posted by flindophile Osteopathy in Australia is totally different from osteopathy in the US. In the US, a DO is equivalent to an MD. In Australia, osteopaths are advanced allied health professionals (they take a 6 yr course) who focus on musculoskeltal problems. They are somewhat similar to physical therapists in the US; however, they operate independently and also do some spinal manipulation. Unlike US osteopaths, Australian osteopaths are not physicians.
Osteopathy and chiropractic both used to be six years, but no longer... they found it impossible to get internship postings for all their students. So it's now a five year combined bachelors and masters degree offered at RMIT, Victoria University and the University of Western Sydney.
Australian osteopaths have equal licensure to chiropractors, and like them are primary contact neuromusculoskeletal specialists, but they utilise the full scope of manual medicine, including spinal manipulation. They employ a holistic approach, do not prescribe drugs or perform sugery and unfortunately have limited referral rights.
Unlike physiotherapists (some of whom use manual medicine), osteopaths don't have hospital access as a rule (again, unfortunately).
If you're an American DO wanting to do your residency (ie. internship) in Oz, you're best bets are to contact the Australian Medical Council and the particular Royal College whose speciality you're interested. You might also like to get in touch with the Australian Osteopathic Association or one of the Universities to help with 'translation.'
There is also a small Australian Musculoskeletal Medicine Association for medical doctors only.
Do some networking and don't give up hope. Best wishes
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