When you’re looking for healthcare, you might encounter different types of doctors, including M.D.s and D.O.s. If you’ve ever wondered, What Does Do Mean In A Doctor?, you’re not alone. The term D.O. stands for Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. These are fully licensed physicians who practice in all areas of medicine.
Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine attend osteopathic medical schools, primarily in the United States. Just like their M.D. (Doctor of Medicine) counterparts who graduate from traditional medical schools, D.O.s undergo rigorous training to become physicians. Both D.O.s and M.D.s are qualified to diagnose illnesses, prescribe medication, and perform surgery.
Alt text: A doctor in a white coat explains medical information to a patient in a clinic setting, emphasizing clear communication and patient understanding.
One of the core distinctions often highlighted when discussing what does DO mean in a doctor relates to their approach to patient care. While both M.D.s and D.O.s receive comprehensive medical education, Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine are also trained in osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT). OMT is a set of hands-on techniques used to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness or injury. This can involve massage, stretching, and applying gentle pressure to move muscles and joints.
After completing medical school, both D.O.s and M.D.s must complete residency programs in their chosen specialties, such as family medicine, surgery, or pediatrics. Furthermore, to become licensed physicians, both types of doctors must pass the same national licensing examinations. This ensures that regardless of whether a doctor is a D.O. or an M.D., they meet the same rigorous standards for medical practice.
In summary, when considering what does DO mean in a doctor, it’s crucial to understand that D.O.s are highly qualified and licensed physicians. They offer a unique, whole-person approach to medicine, often incorporating osteopathic manual therapy into their treatment plans. Choosing between a D.O. and an M.D. ultimately comes down to patient preference and finding a doctor who best meets individual healthcare needs.
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.
