In the United States, when you need medical care, you might encounter doctors with either an MD (Doctor of Medicine) or a DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) degree. While both are fully licensed physicians who practice medicine, there are some key distinctions between them. This article will explore the differences between MD and DO doctors, helping you understand their training, philosophy, and approach to patient care.
Key Differences in Training and Philosophy
One of the primary differences lies in their educational paths. MDs attend allopathic medical schools, which have historically focused on a disease-centered model, emphasizing diagnosing and treating illnesses with medication and surgery. DOs, on the other hand, attend osteopathic medical schools. While DO programs also provide comprehensive training in all areas of medicine, they include additional training in osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM), also known as osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT). This involves about 200 extra hours dedicated to learning hands-on techniques to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness or injury by manipulating the musculoskeletal system.
This difference in training reflects a slightly different philosophical approach to medicine. DOs are trained to consider the body as an interconnected system, taking a holistic approach to patient care. They focus on how the musculoskeletal system, nerves, and organs work together and influence overall health. This often leads DOs to emphasize preventive medicine and lifestyle factors in addition to traditional medical treatments. MDs are also increasingly incorporating preventative care into their practices, but the core philosophy in osteopathic medicine has always emphasized this whole-person approach. While MDs are trained to focus on specific symptoms and diagnose diseases based on those symptoms, DOs may consider how these symptoms relate to the patient’s overall physical and lifestyle factors.
Similarities in Practice and Patient Outcomes
Despite these differences in training and philosophy, it’s crucial to understand that both MDs and DOs are licensed to practice in all 50 states, and they have similar scopes of practice. They both can specialize in any area of medicine, from surgery to pediatrics to cardiology. Both MDs and DOs must complete rigorous undergraduate education, four years of medical school, and then residency training which can last from three to seven years depending on their chosen specialty. Furthermore, both MDs and DOs must pass licensing exams to practice medicine. While the specific licensing exam might vary by state, both types of doctors are held to the same standards of medical practice.
Importantly, studies have shown that the quality of care provided by MDs and DOs is comparable. For example, research examining Medicare patients found virtually identical outcomes in terms of length of hospital stay, readmission rates, death rates, and healthcare costs, whether patients were treated by an MD or a DO. This highlights that patients can expect to receive excellent medical care from both types of physicians.
Prevalence and Popularity
Historically, MDs have been more numerous in the United States. Currently, approximately 9 out of 10 doctors in the US are MDs. However, the field of osteopathic medicine is growing rapidly. While studies have indicated that around 19% of doctor’s visits are to DOs compared to 81% to MDs, interest in osteopathic medicine is on the rise. Enrollment in DO programs has increased significantly in recent years, demonstrating a growing recognition and acceptance of osteopathic medicine as a valuable approach to healthcare. Although, on average, students entering DO programs may have slightly lower GPAs and MCAT scores compared to those entering MD programs, this does not reflect the quality of DOs. The increasing popularity of DO programs points to a future where osteopathic physicians play an even more significant role in the healthcare landscape.
In conclusion, while MDs and DOs have distinct educational paths and philosophical approaches, they are both highly qualified and licensed physicians capable of providing excellent medical care. The choice between seeing an MD or a DO often comes down to personal preference. If you are seeking a doctor who emphasizes a holistic, whole-person approach and incorporates osteopathic manipulative treatment, a DO might be a good fit. However, if you are seeking conventional medical care, both MDs and DOs are equally capable of meeting your healthcare needs.
