It’s common to wonder about the different types of doctors and what their qualifications mean. You might have heard of both M.D.s and D.O.s, but what exactly is a D.O., and how does their training compare to that of an M.D., or Doctor of Medicine? The answer is straightforward: a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) is a fully licensed physician in the United States, just like a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.).
The primary distinction lies not in their qualifications or scope of practice, but in their educational philosophy and approach to patient care. Both D.O.s and M.D.s complete rigorous medical training, attend medical school, and must pass the same standardized licensing exams to practice medicine, prescribe medication, and perform surgery.
D.O. vs. M.D.: Shared Foundations in Medical Training
Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine and Doctors of Medicine share remarkably similar educational paths. Both are required to:
- Complete a four-year undergraduate degree.
- Attend four years of medical school. D.O.s attend osteopathic medical schools, while M.D.s attend allopathic medical schools. Despite the different names, the curriculum is very similar, covering subjects like anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and disease processes.
- Complete residency training in a chosen specialty. D.O.s and M.D.s train side-by-side in the same residency programs across all medical specialties, from family medicine and internal medicine to surgery and cardiology.
- Pass standardized licensing exams. Both D.O.s and M.D.s must pass the same licensing exams to be eligible to practice medicine in the United States.
This shared rigorous training ensures that both types of physicians are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to diagnose and treat medical conditions effectively.
The Osteopathic Difference: A Focus on Holistic Care
The core difference between a D.O. and an M.D. lies in the osteopathic philosophy, which emphasizes a “whole-person” approach to medicine. Osteopathic medicine recognizes the interconnectedness of the body’s systems and how they influence overall health. A key component of this approach is osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT).
OMT is a set of hands-on techniques that D.O.s are specifically trained in. Using their hands, D.O.s apply gentle pressure to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness or injury. This can involve massage, stretching, and articulation to improve joint motion, relieve muscle tension, and enhance the body’s natural healing capabilities. While not all D.O.s utilize OMT in their practice, it remains a distinctive tool in osteopathic medicine.
This holistic perspective means that a doctor of osteopathic medicine will often consider lifestyle factors, environmental influences, and the patient’s overall well-being when developing a treatment plan, in addition to standard medical and surgical approaches.
Choosing the Right Doctor: D.O. or M.D.?
Ultimately, the choice between a D.O. and an M.D. often comes down to personal preference. Both are highly qualified physicians capable of providing excellent medical care. The most important factor is finding a doctor with whom you feel comfortable and who meets your healthcare needs. Whether you choose a doctor who is a D.O. or an M.D., you can be confident that you are receiving care from a thoroughly trained and licensed medical professional.
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.
