A Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) is a fully licensed physician who practices in the United States. Like a Doctor of Medicine (MD), a DO is trained to diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries, prescribe medication, and perform surgery. Graduating from an osteopathic medical school, a DO brings a unique perspective to patient care, emphasizing a “whole person” approach to medicine.
The core distinction between DOs and MDs lies in their approach to patient care and, to some extent, their training philosophy. While both MDs and DOs receive rigorous medical education, DO programs incorporate additional training in osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM). OMM is a set of hands-on techniques used to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness or injury by manipulating muscles and joints. This holistic approach considers the interconnectedness of the body’s systems and how they influence overall health.
The training pathway for both DOs and MDs is remarkably similar. After completing four years of medical school, both DOs and MDs must complete a residency program in their chosen specialty, such as family medicine, surgery, or cardiology. Residency can last from three to seven years, depending on the specialty. Furthermore, to become licensed physicians, both DOs and MDs must pass the same national licensing examinations. This ensures that both types of doctors meet the same rigorous standards of medical knowledge and competency required to provide patient care.
In practice, patients may not notice a significant difference between the care provided by a DO and an MD. Both are qualified to work in all fields of medicine, from primary care to highly specialized surgical fields. The choice between a DO and MD often comes down to personal preference. For patients seeking a physician who emphasizes a holistic approach and may incorporate manual medicine into their treatment plan, a DO might be a fitting choice. Ultimately, the most important factor is finding a doctor, whether a DO or MD, who is knowledgeable, compassionate, and capable of providing high-quality medical care.
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.
