Choosing a healthcare provider can be confusing, especially when you encounter different types of doctors. Among them are MDs (Doctors of Medicine) and DOs (Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine). Both are fully licensed physicians who practice medicine in the United States, but their training and philosophies have some key distinctions. Understanding these differences can empower you to make informed decisions about your healthcare journey.
Similarities in Training and Practice: MDs and DOs
It’s crucial to first recognize the strong similarities between MDs and DOs. Both pursue rigorous undergraduate education followed by four years of medical school. Their medical school curriculum is largely overlapping, encompassing subjects like anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and pathology. Upon graduation, both MDs and DOs must complete residency training, which can last from three to seven years depending on their chosen specialty, such as surgery, internal medicine, or pediatrics. Furthermore, both MDs and DOs are required to pass licensing exams to practice medicine, ensuring a standardized level of competency. The specific licensing exam might vary by state, but the rigorous standards remain consistent for both types of physicians.
Perhaps most importantly for patients, the quality of care provided by MDs and DOs is comparable. Research has directly examined patient outcomes, revealing no significant differences between doctors with MD versus DO degrees. A notable study analyzing over 300,000 Medicare patients hospitalized for various conditions found virtually identical outcomes whether they were treated by an MD or a DO. This included similar lengths of hospital stays, readmission rates, mortality rates, and healthcare costs. This evidence underscores that both MDs and DOs are highly qualified to provide excellent medical care.
Key Distinctions: Exploring the Differences Between DO and MD
While the similarities are significant, some important distinctions set DOs apart from MDs. One notable difference lies in the number of practicing physicians. MDs are more prevalent in the United States, with approximately 9 out of 10 doctors from U.S. medical schools holding an MD degree. Studies indicate that around 81% of doctor’s visits are to MDs, compared to 19% to DOs. However, the number of DOs is steadily growing, reflecting an increasing interest in osteopathic medicine.
Another difference lies in the educational path. While both allopathic (MD-granting) and osteopathic (DO-granting) medical schools are highly competitive, students entering colleges of osteopathic medicine historically have presented slightly lower average GPAs and MCAT scores compared to their counterparts entering MD programs. It’s important to note that these statistics don’t necessarily indicate a difference in student quality. Osteopathic medical schools are fewer in number and have smaller class sizes, representing about a quarter of all medical students in the U.S. Interestingly, enrollment in DO programs has seen a significant surge, increasing by 68% between 2011-2012 and 2021-2022, signaling growing recognition and demand for this approach to medicine.
A core differentiator in DO training is the emphasis on osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM), also known as osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT). DO students receive approximately 200 hours of specialized training in OMM, learning hands-on techniques to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness or injury. OMM focuses on the musculoskeletal system – the interconnected network of bones, muscles, nerves, and tissues – and its influence on overall health. These techniques can be used to address a variety of conditions, particularly back pain, neck pain, muscle strains, and headaches, offering a unique tool in the DO’s medical toolkit.
Contrasting Approaches: Holistic vs. Targeted Medicine
MDs and DOs also tend to approach patient care with slightly different philosophies. MDs are traditionally trained within an allopathic medical model, which often focuses on identifying symptoms and diagnosing diseases through targeted testing and interventions. The treatment approach is often directed at managing specific symptoms and the disease itself.
DOs, on the other hand, are educated in osteopathic philosophy, which emphasizes a holistic approach. This means DOs consider the patient as a whole person – body, mind, and spirit – and how different systems within the body are interconnected. They consider how lifestyle, environmental factors, and the musculoskeletal system contribute to overall health and disease. Due to this holistic perspective, DOs often place a greater emphasis on preventative medicine and lifestyle modifications as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. While an MD may focus on treating the immediate illness, a DO might also explore underlying contributing factors and recommend lifestyle changes to promote long-term wellness and prevent recurrence.
It’s important to recognize that the lines are not always rigid. Many MDs also adopt a holistic approach and incorporate lifestyle recommendations into their practice. However, the core training in osteopathic principles and OMM provides DOs with a distinct perspective and a broader range of diagnostic and therapeutic tools from the outset.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Doctor for You
Ultimately, both MDs and DOs are highly qualified and capable physicians dedicated to providing excellent patient care. The choice between an MD and a DO often comes down to personal preference and what you seek in a healthcare provider. If you value a holistic approach that considers the interconnectedness of your body and emphasizes preventative medicine, a DO might be a good fit. If you are seeking a doctor with a more conventionally targeted approach to diagnosing and treating specific diseases, an MD would also be an excellent choice. Regardless of the degree, the most important factor is finding a doctor who is knowledgeable, compassionate, and with whom you feel comfortable and confident in their care.
