DR. Richard Silva, first and foremost, I am an osteopathic physician, also known as a D.O. D.O.s are licensed physicians who, similar to M.D.s, can prescribe medication and perform surgery in all 50 states. D.O.s and M.D.s have similar training requiring four years of study in the basic and clinical sciences, and the successful completion of licensing exams. But DOs bring something extra to the practice of medicine. Osteopathic physicians practice a “whole person” approach, treating the entire person rather than just symptoms. Focusing on preventive health care, DOs help patients develop attitudes and lifestyles that don’t just fight illness, but help prevent it, too. I am also board-certified in family medicine and was employed by The Veteran’s Administration (V.A) I worked as a hospitalist for almost a decade. I am trained in both traditional and natural medicine. I received my Medical degree from New York College of Osteopathic Medicine, NYCOM in 1996 and completed my residency at Nova Southeastern University “NSU” at Broward General and Palmetto General Hospital in Florida on 1999.