When you see “D.O.” after a doctor’s name, it signifies “Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine.” But what exactly does that mean, and how does it differ from the more commonly known “M.D.” (Doctor of Medicine)? Understanding the credentials behind your healthcare provider is essential for making informed decisions about your health. Both D.O.s and M.D.s are fully licensed physicians in the United States, but they represent distinct paths in medical education and practice.
Decoding “DO”: Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
The “DO” designation stands for Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. Osteopathic medicine is a branch of healthcare that, like allopathic medicine (M.D.), provides the full scope of medical care. Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine emphasize a “whole-person” approach to treatment and care. This means they consider the interconnectedness of body systems and how they influence each other. A core tenet of osteopathic medicine is the focus on the musculoskeletal system and its role in overall health.
The term “osteopathic” itself highlights this focus. It comes from “osteo-” referring to bones and “-pathic” referring to disease or suffering. However, osteopathic medicine is not limited to bones. It’s a comprehensive medical philosophy that integrates the understanding of the body’s structure with its function in treating illness and promoting wellness.
D.O. vs. M.D.: Comparable Training and Licensing
A common question is whether D.O.s receive the same level of training as M.D.s. The answer is definitively yes. Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine undergo rigorous medical education that is very similar to that of their M.D. counterparts.
Both D.O.s and M.D.s:
- Complete four years of medical school: D.O.s attend osteopathic medical schools, while M.D.s attend allopathic medical schools. The curriculum in both types of medical schools covers the foundational sciences, such as anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and pathology, as well as clinical training in all areas of medicine, including surgery, internal medicine, pediatrics, and obstetrics and gynecology.
- Undergo residency training: After medical school, both D.O.s and M.D.s must complete residency training in their chosen specialty. Residencies can last from three to seven years, depending on the specialty. D.O.s and M.D.s often train together in the same residency programs after the merging of residency accreditation systems.
- Pass licensing examinations: To become licensed physicians, both D.O.s and M.D.s must pass comprehensive licensing exams. D.O.s typically take the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination of the United States (COMLEX-USA), while M.D.s usually take the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). Increasingly, both D.O.s and M.D.s are eligible to take either exam. Regardless of the exam taken, both must demonstrate competency to obtain licensure and practice medicine.
This rigorous and parallel training ensures that both D.O.s and M.D.s are qualified to diagnose and treat medical conditions, prescribe medication, and perform surgery across all fields of medicine. Legally and professionally, D.O.s have the same rights and responsibilities as M.D.s.
The Osteopathic Approach: Manual Medicine and More
While the fundamental medical education is largely the same, a key differentiator for Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine is their training in osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT). OMT is a set of hands-on techniques used to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness or injury. D.O.s are specifically trained to use their hands to feel the patient’s musculoskeletal system, identify structural imbalances, and use gentle pressure, stretching, and resistance to:
- Relieve pain
- Improve range of motion
- Support the body’s natural ability to heal
While not every D.O. uses OMT in their daily practice, it remains a core part of osteopathic medical education and philosophy. Beyond OMT, the osteopathic approach emphasizes preventative medicine, patient education, and lifestyle factors in overall health management. D.O.s are trained to look beyond the symptoms and consider the patient’s physical, emotional, and social well-being.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when you see “DO” after a doctor’s name, you can be confident that you are seeing a fully qualified and licensed physician. Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine represents a distinct but equally rigorous path to medical practice as Doctor of Medicine (M.D.). D.O.s bring a unique osteopathic philosophy to patient care, often emphasizing a holistic approach and manual medicine techniques. Ultimately, the “best” type of doctor for you depends on your individual health needs and preferences. Both D.O.s and M.D.s are dedicated to providing excellent medical care and improving patient outcomes.
