It’s common to wonder, what kind of doctor is a D.O., and are they as qualified as an M.D.? The answer is definitively yes. A Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) is a fully licensed physician in the United States, just like a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.). Both D.O.s and M.D.s complete rigorous medical training, but their approaches to patient care can differ slightly.
D.O. vs. M.D.: Similarities in Training and Licensing
Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine attend osteopathic medical schools, while M.D.s attend traditional medical schools. However, the curriculum and rigor of training are very similar. After four years of medical school, both D.O.s and M.D.s must complete a residency program in their chosen specialty, such as surgery, pediatrics, or internal medicine. The length of residency varies depending on the specialty.
Crucially, both D.O.s and M.D.s are required to pass the same licensing examinations to be able to practice medicine, prescribe medication, and treat patients. This ensures that all licensed physicians, regardless of whether they are a D.O. or M.D., meet the same high standards of medical competency.
Key Difference: Osteopathic Approach and Manual Medicine
The core distinction lies in the philosophy and approach to medicine. Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine are trained to consider the “whole person” – body, mind, and spirit. A distinctive aspect of osteopathic training is in osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT).
OMT is a set of hands-on techniques that D.O.s may use to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness or injury. This manual medicine approach involves using their hands to gently move and manipulate a patient’s muscles and joints. The goal of OMT is to relieve pain, improve range of motion, and support the body’s natural ability to heal itself. While not all D.O.s utilize OMT in their practice, it represents a unique tool in their medical toolkit.
Conclusion
In summary, a D.O. doctor is indeed a fully qualified and licensed physician with training comparable to that of an M.D. The primary difference is that D.O.s receive additional training in osteopathic philosophy and manual medicine techniques like OMT. When choosing a doctor, whether an M.D. or D.O., the most important factor is finding a qualified and compassionate physician who meets your 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.
