Data are for December 2008. U.S. total includes territories and persons from the Pacific Islands.
Nonfederal physicians are not employed by the federal government and includes allopathic physicians (MDs) and osteopathic physicians (DOs). They represent 98% of total physicians. Data include retired and inactive doctors (approximately 12% of all nonfederal physicians).

American Medical Association, Physicians Professional Data, year of data 2008, copyright 2008: Special Data Request.

Allopathic Physicians practice allopathic medicine (sometimes called conventional medicine): the system of medical practice which treats disease by the use of remedies which produce effects different from those produced by the disease under treatment. Osteopathic Physicians practice osteopathic medicine which focuses primarily on the manipulation of the musculoskeletal system and emphasizes preventive medicine while taking a holistic approach to health. An osteopathic physician is licensed to perform surgery and prescribe medication. An osteopath completes four years of medical school and can choose to practice in any specialty of medicine.

Primary care physician specialties include Internal Medicine, Family Practice, Pediatrics, Obstetrics/Gynecology, and General Practice.