A Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, abbreviated as DO, is a fully licensed physician in the United States. Just like a Doctor of Medicine (MD), a DO is trained to diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries, prescribe medication, and perform surgery. Both DOs and MDs complete rigorous medical education and training.
The key distinction lies in their educational philosophy. DOs attend osteopathic medical schools, which emphasize a “whole-person” approach to medicine. This includes considering the interconnectedness of the body’s systems and how lifestyle and environmental factors impact health. A core component of osteopathic training is learning Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT). OMT is a hands-on set of techniques used to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness or injury by manipulating muscles and joints. While not all DOs utilize OMT in their practice, it remains a foundational aspect of their training.
After medical school, both DOs and MDs must complete residency training in their chosen specialty, such as family medicine, surgery, or cardiology. Furthermore, to become licensed physicians, both DOs and MDs are required to pass comparable licensing examinations. This ensures that both types of physicians meet the same standards of competency to provide patient care.
In essence, “DO” signifies a doctor who has completed osteopathic medical training, offering a distinct yet equally comprehensive approach to healthcare. Patients can confidently seek care from either a DO or an MD, knowing both are highly qualified medical professionals.
