The record of practice in general medicine and primary care by osteopathic physicians of the U.S. is outstanding. The number of D.O.'s in the U.S. totals about 14,000 of whom some 13,000 are estimated to be active. Over 2,600 D. O.'s hold a current practice license in Florida but only about one quarter of these are presently living in the state. Osteopathic physicians tend to cluster around osteopathic hospitals, of which there are 17 in the state. The separate status of osteopathic and allopathic physicians shows many signs of disappearing. The cost of educating an osteopathic physician is quite similar to that for the M.D. since educational requirements are hardly distinguishable. The actual costs will vary somewhat with location and availability of existing resources, physical and professional. One point of unresolved difference between the two medical organizations involves the length of preparation for general/family practice. M.D.'s need 3 years of post-degree residency for certification; D.O.'s now require only 1 year of post-degree training. A lapse of some 7 to 10 years must be expected between authorization of any new school and the beginning of practice by its first graduates. (Author/PG)