What is a DO vs Doctor?
A Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) is a fully trained and licensed doctor who graduates from a U.S. osteopathic medical school, whereas a Doctor of Medicine (MD) graduates from a traditional medical school, with the main difference being that DOs focus on a holistic approach to medicine, considering the entire person, including their mind, body, and emotions, during treatment. The DO and MD have similar schooling, can prescribe medication, and can practice all over the U.S., but DOs tend to focus more on preventive health care and osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM).
Understanding the Difference
To delve deeper into the distinction between a DO and an MD, it’s essential to explore various aspects of their education, training, and practice. Here are 15 FAQs that provide additional insights:
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does DO stand for?: DO stands for Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, a fully trained and licensed doctor who graduates from a U.S. osteopathic medical school.
- Why would you get a DO instead of an MD?: You might choose to get a DO instead of an MD because DOs focus more on holistic health and prevention, and use osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) in their practice.
- What do osteopathic doctors do differently?: DOs practice a “whole person” approach to medicine, treating the entire person rather than just the symptoms, with a focus on preventive health care.
- What are the cons of being a DO?: The cons of being a DO include potentially higher education costs and a more challenging residency match process.
- How many years is osteopathic medical school?: Both osteopathic and allopathic medical school programs typically last four years and include medical science coursework as well as clinical rotations.
- Is a DO harder than an MD?: Getting a DO degree can be considered harder due to the limited number of schools offering DO programs, but MD programs might have a slightly higher GPA average.
- Is a DO more trained than an MD?: DOs and MDs fulfill similar roles, but DOs complete additional hands-on training in osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM).
- Is a DO less respected than an MD?: Unfortunately, earning a DO is not always respected to the same degree as earning an MD, despite covering the same content in their education.
- Does a DO or MD make more money?: MD physicians tend to earn higher incomes than DO physicians on average, mainly because they are more likely to specialize.
- Is there a big difference between DO and MD?: The main difference between DO and MD is the approach to medicine, with DOs focusing on holistic health and prevention, and MDs practicing allopathic medicine.
- Why is osteopathy considered alternative?: Osteopathy is considered alternative because it involves hands-on treatment without surgery or drugs, focusing on the bones and muscles to diagnose and treat patients.
- What percentage of doctors are osteopathic?: Over 11% of all physicians and 25% of all medical students in the U.S. are DOs, with the profession expected to continue growing.
- What is the benefit of osteopathic medicine?: The benefits of osteopathic medicine include easing pain, promoting healing, increasing mobility, and improving nerve signaling and blood flow.
- Can you be both an MD and a DO?: It is possible for a physician to have both MD and DO degrees, allowing them to practice medicine, perform surgeries, and prescribe medication in all 50 states.
- What is the difference between a PA and a DO?: The main difference between a Physician Assistant (PA) and a DO is the amount of time spent in school and clinical rotations, with DOs spending more time in medical school and residencies.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while both DOs and MDs are fully trained and licensed doctors, the key difference lies in their approach to medicine, with DOs focusing on holistic health and prevention, and MDs practicing allopathic medicine. Understanding these differences can help patients make informed decisions about their healthcare and choose the type of doctor that best suits their needs.