A Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) is a licensed physician in the United States, fully trained to practice medicine. Like their M.D. (Doctor of Medicine) counterparts, D.O.s complete years of rigorous medical training, but they also receive additional education in osteopathic manipulative medicine.
Both D.O.s and M.D.s attend medical school, although D.O.s attend osteopathic medical schools while M.D.s attend allopathic medical schools. Despite attending different institutions for their initial medical education, the curriculum is very similar, covering the foundational sciences and clinical practice needed to become a physician. After medical school, both D.O.s and M.D.s must complete residency training in their chosen specialty, such as surgery, pediatrics, or internal medicine. Furthermore, to become licensed physicians, both D.O.s and M.D.s must pass the same national licensing examinations. This ensures that all licensed physicians, regardless of their degree, meet the same high standards of medical competency.
The key distinction lies in osteopathic medicine’s emphasis on a “whole person” approach to healthcare. D.O.s are trained in osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), a set of hands-on techniques used to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness or injury. OMT involves using the hands to gently manipulate muscles and joints, which can help the body heal itself. While not all D.O.s utilize OMT in their practice, it represents a unique aspect of their training and philosophy, focusing on the interconnectedness of the body’s systems.
In conclusion, a D.O. is a fully qualified physician with comprehensive medical training comparable to that of an M.D. Choosing between a D.O. and an M.D. often comes down to personal preference, but patients can be confident in the qualifications and expertise of both types of physicians.
