When you’re looking for medical care, you might encounter different types of doctors, including Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine, identified as D.O.s. You may wonder, what does D.O. mean and how does their training compare to that of a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.)? This article clarifies the meaning behind “D.O.” and explains the qualifications and expertise of these fully licensed physicians.
What is a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.)?
A D.O. is a physician who has earned a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree. Just like M.D.s, D.O.s are fully qualified and licensed doctors in the United States. They attend osteopathic medical schools, which are accredited institutions that provide comprehensive medical education. Upon graduation, a D.O. is equipped to practice the full spectrum of medicine, from primary care to specialized surgical fields.
D.O. vs. M.D.: Similarities in Training and Practice
The training pathways for D.O.s and M.D.s are remarkably similar. Both types of doctors:
- Complete rigorous medical school education: D.O.s and M.D.s both undertake four years of medical school, learning foundational sciences, medical procedures, and patient care.
- Undergo residency training: After medical school, both D.O.s and M.D.s must complete residency programs in their chosen specialties, such as family medicine, surgery, or cardiology. These residencies typically last from three to seven years, providing in-depth practical experience.
- Pass standardized licensing exams: To become licensed physicians, both D.O.s and M.D.s must pass the same standardized medical licensing exams. This ensures that all licensed doctors meet the same national standards of competence.
- Prescribe medication and perform surgery: D.O.s have the same legal rights and responsibilities as M.D.s, including the ability to prescribe medications, perform surgeries, and practice in all areas of medicine.
The Osteopathic Difference: A Focus on Holistic and Manual Medicine
While D.O.s receive training comparable to M.D.s, osteopathic medicine incorporates a distinctive philosophy and approach to patient care. A key difference lies in osteopathic medicine’s emphasis on the musculoskeletal system and its interconnectedness with overall health.
Many D.O.s are trained in osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT). This involves using their hands to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness or injury. OMT techniques can include massage, stretching, and gentle pressure to move muscles and joints. D.O.s who utilize OMT believe that by addressing structural imbalances in the body, they can enhance the body’s natural healing capabilities.
This holistic approach considers the patient as a whole person, taking into account the interplay of body, mind, and spirit in health and disease. While not all D.O.s utilize OMT in their practice, the osteopathic philosophy of comprehensive patient care remains a core tenet.
Choosing the Right Doctor: D.O. or M.D.?
Ultimately, the choice between a D.O. and an M.D. is a matter of personal preference. Both are highly qualified medical professionals. The most important factor is finding a doctor with whom you feel comfortable and who meets your healthcare needs.
Whether you see a D.O. or an M.D., you can expect a physician who has undergone extensive medical training and is dedicated to providing quality patient care. Understanding the Doctor Do Meaning and the osteopathic approach can help you make informed decisions about your healthcare.
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.
