What's The Difference Between MD And DO?

When it comes to choosing a medical professional, you may have come across the terms MD and DO. But what do these acronyms mean, and how do they differ?

MD stands for Doctor of Medicine, while DO stands for Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. Both types of physicians are fully qualified to diagnose and treat patients, prescribe medications, and perform surgeries.

However, there are some key differences between MDs and DOs. MDs traditionally focus on treating specific symptoms or diseases using medication or surgery. They tend to specialize in a particular area of medicine, such as cardiology or dermatology.

On the other hand, DOs take a more holistic approach to medicine, considering the patient as a whole person rather than just a set of symptoms. They are trained to use osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) to diagnose and treat patients, in addition to traditional medical techniques.

One of the main differences between MD and DO programs is the training they receive. MDs attend allopathic medical schools, which focus on traditional Western medicine. DOs, on the other hand, attend osteopathic medical schools, which incorporate OMT into their curriculum.

Despite these differences, both MDs and DOs must pass the same licensing exams and meet the same requirements to practice medicine. They are both recognized as physicians in the United States and can pursue the same specialties and subspecialties.

According to the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine, there are currently over 37,000 DOs practicing in the United States, making up about 11% of all physicians.

While MDs still outnumber DOs, the number of osteopathic medical schools and graduates is on the rise. In 2020, there were 37 accredited colleges of osteopathic medicine in the US, compared to just 31 in 2010.

So, when it comes to choosing a healthcare provider, whether you opt for an MD or a DO, rest assured that both types of physicians are highly trained and qualified to provide you with the best possible care.

Next time you visit a healthcare professional, you'll have a better understanding of the differences between MDs and DOs and how they approach patient care.