When you see “D.O.” following a physician’s name, it indicates they are a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. Similar to an M.D. (Medical Doctor), a D.O. is a fully trained and licensed physician in the United States, qualified to diagnose, treat, and prescribe medication. Both D.O.s and M.D.s undergo rigorous medical education, yet D.O.s bring a distinct, holistic philosophy to patient care.
The primary difference lies in their educational approach and osteopathic philosophy. Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine emphasize a “whole-person” approach to medicine, recognizing the interconnectedness of body systems and the influence of lifestyle and environmental factors on health. This philosophy is complemented by training in Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT). OMT is a set of hands-on techniques used to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness or injury by manipulating muscles and joints. While not every D.O. utilizes OMT in their practice daily, it remains a core component of their training and a valuable tool in their medical toolkit.
Both D.O.s and M.D.s graduate from separate medical schools – osteopathic medical schools for D.O.s and allopathic medical schools for M.D.s. However, the curriculum in both types of schools is very similar, covering subjects like anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and surgery. After medical school, both D.O.s and M.D.s must complete residency programs, which provide specialized training in a chosen medical field such as family medicine, surgery, or cardiology. Furthermore, to become licensed physicians, both D.O.s and M.D.s are required to pass the same national licensing examinations. This ensures that both types of physicians meet the same rigorous standards for medical practice.
Ultimately, whether you choose to see a D.O. or an M.D., you are selecting a qualified and licensed physician. The best choice often depends on individual patient preferences and the specific expertise or approach of the doctor. D.O.s offer a unique perspective with their osteopathic training, providing patients with a broad range of medical care options.
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.
