When you hear the word “doctor,” what comes to mind? Often, people think of someone in a white coat, stethoscope in hand, ready to diagnose and treat illnesses. But What Does A Doctor Do Mean in today’s complex healthcare landscape? Specifically, what differentiates a D.O. (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) from an M.D. (Doctor of Medicine)? Let’s clarify these roles.
Both D.O.s and M.D.s are fully licensed physicians in the United States, meaning they have the same rights and responsibilities when it comes to patient care. They both attend medical school, complete residency training in a chosen specialty, and must pass the same licensing examinations to practice medicine and prescribe medication. Whether you see a D.O. or an M.D., you are seeing a qualified medical doctor.
Alt: A doctor, an MD, explains a diagnosis and treatment plan to a patient in a clinic setting, emphasizing clear communication and patient understanding.
The primary distinction lies in their educational philosophies and, for some D.O.s, their approach to treatment. Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine are trained to consider the “whole person” – body, mind, and spirit. Many D.O.s utilize osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), a hands-on technique involving massage, stretching, and resistance to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness or injury. This manual medicine approach is an additional tool in their medical toolkit, not a replacement for conventional medical treatments.
In conclusion, when considering what does a doctor do mean, it’s clear that both D.O.s and M.D.s are committed to providing comprehensive medical care. The choice between a D.O. and an M.D. ultimately comes down to personal preference. Both are rigorously trained and dedicated to helping you maintain and improve your health.
References
- What is a D.O.? American Osteopathic Association. https://osteopathic.org/what-is-osteopathic-medicine/what-is-a-do/. Accessed Oct. 27, 2022.
- Roberts A, et al. Osteopathic manipulative medicine: A brief review of the hands-on treatment approaches and their therapeutic uses. Medicines. 2022; doi:10.3390/medicines9050033.
- Chin J, et al. Assessing the knowledge of the osteopathic profession in New York City’s Easter European communities. Cureus. 2022; doi:10.7759/cureus.21664.
