Many people are familiar with the term M.D., referring to a Doctor of Medicine, but may wonder, What Is A Do Doctor? A D.O., which stands for Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, is a fully licensed physician in the United States, just like an M.D. Both D.O.s and M.D.s are qualified to diagnose and treat medical conditions, prescribe medications, and perform surgery. The core difference lies in their educational philosophy and approach to patient care.
Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine attend osteopathic medical schools, while M.D.s attend traditional medical schools. Although both types of medical schools provide rigorous training in medical science, osteopathic schools offer 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.
After graduating from medical school, both D.O.s and M.D.s must complete residency training in their chosen specialty, such as family medicine, surgery, or cardiology. Furthermore, they are required to pass the same licensing examinations to be able to practice medicine. This ensures that both D.O.s and M.D.s meet the same standards of medical competency.
While not all D.O.s utilize manual medicine in their practice, it remains a distinctive aspect of osteopathic training. D.O.s are trained to consider the interconnectedness of the body’s systems and how they influence each other. This holistic approach, combined with conventional medical training and, for some, the use of manual medicine techniques, equips D.O.s to provide comprehensive patient care.
In summary, a D.O. doctor is a highly qualified physician who has completed extensive medical training and is licensed to practice medicine. While sharing the same core medical knowledge as M.D.s, D.O.s bring a unique osteopathic perspective to healthcare, often emphasizing a whole-person approach and, in some cases, utilizing manual medicine as part of their treatment plans.
