Choosing a healthcare provider can be confusing, especially when you encounter different types of doctors. You might have heard of both MDs and DOs, but what exactly sets them apart? This article clarifies the distinctions and similarities between Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs) and Medical Doctors (MDs) to help you understand their roles in healthcare.
Both MDs and DOs are fully licensed physicians in the United States, meaning they have the same rights and responsibilities to practice medicine. They both complete rigorous undergraduate education, attend medical school, complete residency training, and must pass licensing exams to practice. In fact, the quality of care provided by MDs and DOs is remarkably similar. A study analyzing over 300,000 Medicare patients found no significant differences in health outcomes between patients treated by MDs and those treated by DOs. The study considered factors like length of hospital stay, readmission rates, death rates, and treatment costs, and the results were nearly identical across both groups. Licensing exams are also a shared requirement, although the specific exam might vary by state.
However, some key differences exist in their educational paths and philosophical approaches to medicine. Firstly, MDs are more prevalent. Approximately 9 out of 10 doctors in the U.S. hold an MD degree. Statistics indicate that around 81% of doctor’s visits are to MDs, while 19% are to DOs. While both allopathic (MD-granting) and osteopathic (DO-granting) medical schools are competitive, students entering osteopathic medical colleges typically have slightly lower average GPAs and MCAT scores compared to their counterparts in allopathic schools. It’s important to note that this doesn’t necessarily reflect the quality of DO students. Osteopathic medicine programs are smaller, representing about a quarter of all medical students in the U.S., but interest in DO degrees is growing significantly. Enrollment in DO programs increased by 68% between 2011 and 2022, indicating a rising recognition of osteopathic medicine.
A core distinction lies in the additional training DOs receive in osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM), also known as osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT). DOs spend approximately 200 extra hours learning OMM techniques, which focus on the musculoskeletal system and its interconnectedness with overall health. OMM involves hands-on techniques to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness or injury by manipulating muscles, bones, and nerves. This training equips DOs with skills particularly useful in addressing conditions like back pain, neck pain, and muscle strains.
Philosophically, MDs and DOs often approach medicine with slightly different perspectives. MDs are traditionally trained in allopathic medicine, which focuses on diagnosing diseases based on symptoms and using targeted treatments like medication and surgery to address those symptoms. DOs, on the other hand, are trained in osteopathic medicine, which emphasizes a holistic approach. They view the body as an integrated system where the musculoskeletal system plays a vital role in overall health. This holistic perspective leads DOs to often focus on preventative medicine and lifestyle factors, alongside traditional medical treatments. While some MDs also adopt a holistic approach, it is a foundational principle of osteopathic medicine and a consistent focus for DOs.
In conclusion, both DOs and MDs are highly qualified and licensed physicians capable of providing excellent medical care. The choice between a DO and MD often comes down to personal preference and the patient’s values. If you are seeking a physician with a holistic approach and expertise in osteopathic manipulative treatment, a DO might be a great choice. If you prefer a more traditional, symptom-focused approach, an MD could be a better fit. Ultimately, the most important factor is finding a doctor, whether a DO or MD, with whom you feel comfortable and who meets your healthcare needs.
