Are you aware that there are two types of physicians in the United States? Yes, you heard that right. We have doctors of medicine, commonly referred to as MDs, and doctors of osteopathic medicine, commonly known as DOs. While the two groups are similar in many respects, there are a few exclusive things that differentiate them from each other. As someone who may require medical attention in the future, it’s essential to understand how they differ to make an informed decision when selecting a physician.
Perhaps the most striking difference between MDs and DOs is the training they receive during their formative years in medical school. MDs tend to concentrate more on pharmacological and conventional medical procedures, whereas DOs are often revolutionaries in advanced techniques for healing the body through manipulating the musculoskeletal system. The ultimate goal in both cases is to provide outstanding patient care and improve outcomes in all aspects of medicine. So, while both MDs and DOs strive to achieve the same end result, their journeys to get there are quite different.
Another crucial difference between MDs and DOs lies in their practices. Although both types of physicians typically work in the same settings, from clinics to hospitals, their practice focuses can vary. MDs may be more likely to concentrate on the treatment of ailments like diabetes, cancer, emergencies, and infectious diseases and resorting to drugs and surgery. DOs, on the other hand, are more likely to focus on preventive healthcare, sports medicine, and other alternative therapies and manipulations that consider the whole-body health of a patient. Understanding these differences will help you make an informed choice when selecting the type of physician best suited for your needs.
MD and DO Degrees:
Medical doctors (MDs) and doctors of osteopathic medicine (DOs) are two types of medical practitioners with similar training but with some notable differences in their approach to patient care.
Virtually, both types of doctors go through an extensive and rigorous medical education before practicing in their chosen fields. However, the fundamental difference lies in their philosophy of treatment. MDs are considered experts in allopathic medicine, which is typically associated with treating illnesses with drugs or surgery. On the other hand, DOs are known for their holistic, hands-on approach to healing.
- MDs undergo 4-year medical school training and typically specialize in a specific area such as cardiology or internal medicine. Doctors who hold MD degrees go through more rigorous training in pharmacology and the use of prescription drugs to treat various diseases.
- DOs follow the same path but also learn osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), which is a treatment method that involves using hands to help diagnose, treat, and prevent injury or illness. DOs typically focus more on prevention rather than just treating symptoms and consider the effects of lifestyle on overall health.
- Both types of physicians are qualified to prescribe medications, perform medical procedures, and diagnose and treat various conditions.
MDs and DOs are in high demand because of their level of expertise and their ability to diagnose and treat illnesses. Both practices are valuable, and their approach to medicine varies based on their specific areas of specialization and the nature of the disease or illness.
In summary, the choice of which type of physician to consult for medical care is essentially a patient’s preference. An individual’s philosophy and approach to medical treatment can guide the decision between a medical doctor or a doctor of osteopathic medicine; MDs are more conventional and scientific, while DOs are more holistic and hands-on.
MD Education Requirements
MD stands for Doctor of Medicine, which is a degree that allows individuals to practice medicine in the United States. The process of becoming an MD requires several years of rigorous education and training. The following are the education requirements for MD:
- Completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
- Completion of the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), which is a standardized exam that assesses an individual’s knowledge of natural, behavioral, and social science concepts
- Completion of a Doctor of Medicine (MD) program from an accredited medical school
- Completion of a residency program, which is a period of specialized training in a particular field of medicine and can last from 3 to 7 years depending on the specialty
- Completion of a fellowship program, which is an additional period of specialized training that can last from 1 to 3 years and is optional for some specialties
The education requirements for MD are rigorous and demanding, but they are necessary to ensure that individuals who practice as doctors have the knowledge and skills necessary to provide high-quality medical care to patients.
DO Education Requirements
DOs, or Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine, receive education and training that is similar to that of allopathic medical doctors (MDs). However, DOs receive additional training in osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), which is a hands-on approach to diagnosing, treating, and preventing illness or injury. The following are the education requirements for becoming a DO:
- Complete a four-year undergraduate degree with specific prerequisite courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and English.
- Attend a college of osteopathic medicine for four years, which includes coursework in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and other medical sciences.
- Complete clinical rotations in various specialties including family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, surgery, OB/GYN, psychiatry, and emergency medicine.
- Pass the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX).
- Complete a residency program, which can range from three to seven years depending on the specialty chosen.
- Obtain a license to practice medicine from the state in which they plan to work.
The rigorous education and training requirements for becoming a DO ensure that these healthcare providers are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide exceptional patient care. In addition to conventional medical treatments, DOs also use osteopathic manipulative treatment as a holistic approach to healing that addresses the whole body, not just the symptoms of a specific illness or injury.
Below is an overview of the coursework included in a typical DO medical school curriculum:
| Year | Coursework |
|---|---|
| First Year | Anatomy, Physiology, Histology, Immunology, Medical Genetics, Osteopathic Principles and Practice (OPP) |
| Second Year | Pharmacology, Pathology, Microbiology, OPP II |
| Third Year | Clinical Rotations in Various Specialties |
| Fourth Year | Elective Rotations, Residency Applications, Board Prep |
As you can see, DO education requirements are extensive and include both classroom instruction and clinical experience. This thorough education ensures that DOs are highly qualified healthcare providers who are able to use a wide range of tools and techniques to help patients achieve optimal health and wellness.
Licensing and board certifications for MD and DO
Both MD and DO degrees allow graduates to become licensed physicians and practice medicine in the United States. However, there are differences in the licensing and board certification processes for each degree.
- MD Licensing: MD graduates must apply for a medical license from the state in which they plan to practice. Each state has its own requirements, but they typically include graduation from an accredited medical school, passing the United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE), and completing a residency program.
- DO Licensing: DO graduates also must apply for a medical license from the state in which they plan to practice. In addition to the requirements for MDs, DOs must also pass the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX-USA).
- Board Certification: Both MDs and DOs can become board-certified in a medical specialty. MDs typically obtain certification from the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) and DOs from the American Osteopathic Association (AOA). However, DOs are also eligible for certification through ABMS if they meet the same requirements as MDs.
It’s important to note that board certification is voluntary and not required to practice medicine, but it can demonstrate a higher level of expertise and competency in a particular medical specialty.
Below is a comparison table of MD and DO licensing and board certification requirements:
| Licensing and Certification Requirements | MD | DO |
|---|---|---|
| Medical School Graduation | Required from an accredited medical school | Required from an accredited osteopathic medical school |
| United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE) | Required | Not required, but can take in addition to COMLEX-USA |
| Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX-USA) | Not required | Required |
| Residency Program | Required | Required |
| Board Certification | American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) | American Osteopathic Association (AOA), but also eligible for ABMS certification |
Differences in Practice and Philosophy
While MDs and DOs both practice medicine and have the same level of authority, they differ in their approach and practice. Here are some notable differences between the two:
- Philosophy: DOs are known for their holistic approach to medicine, which involves treating the entire person and not just the symptoms. They also believe in the body’s innate ability to heal itself and focus on preventative care. MDs, on the other hand, have traditionally focused more on treating specific illnesses and diseases.
- Training: While both MDs and DOs attend medical school, DOs also receive additional training in osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), which is a hands-on approach to diagnosing and treating illness and injury. This means that DOs have a unique skill set that allows them to utilize manual techniques to relieve pain, restore mobility, and promote healing.
- Specialties: While there is overlap in the specialties that MDs and DOs can choose, there are also some differences. For example, DOs are more likely to go into primary care specialties such as family medicine and internal medicine, while MDs are more likely to specialize in surgical fields.
Examples of Different Practices
Here are some specific examples of how MDs and DOs might approach the same medical issue:
Back Pain: An MD might prescribe pain medication, recommend surgery, or refer the patient to a physical therapist. A DO might also recommend medication and physical therapy, but might also use OMT to manipulate the spine and relieve pain without surgery.
High Blood Pressure: An MD might prescribe medication and recommend lifestyle changes such as a healthier diet and exercise. A DO might also do these things, but might also use OMT to improve blood flow and reduce stress on the body.
Comparison Table: MD vs DO
| MD | DO | |
|---|---|---|
| Training and Education | 4 years of medical school | 4 years of medical school + additional training in osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) |
| Residency and Licensing | 3-7 year residency + passing the USMLE | 3-7 year residency + passing the COMLEX-USA |
| Practice Focus | Traditionally illness/disease-based | Holistic, whole-person approach with focus on preventative care |
| Specialties | Wide range of specialties, more likely to specialize in surgical fields | Wide range of specialties, more likely to specialize in primary care |
While the differences between MDs and DOs might seem significant, both types of doctors are highly trained and qualified to provide medical care to patients. Which one you choose to see may depend on personal preferences, the type of medical issue you are dealing with, and the availability of healthcare providers in your area.
Specialties Available for MDs
Medical doctors, or MDs, have a wide range of options when it comes to choosing a specialty. While the specific requirements and training differ for each area of specialization, all MDs have completed medical school and have a license to practice medicine. Here are some of the top specialties available for MDs:
- Internal Medicine: Physicians who specialize in internal medicine focus on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of adult diseases. They often serve as primary care physicians.
- Pediatrics: Pediatricians specialize in the care of children, from newborns to adolescents. They monitor growth and development, diagnose and treat childhood illnesses, and provide immunizations.
- Cardiology: Cardiologists are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of heart diseases, including heart attacks, arrhythmias, and hypertension.
- Neurology: Neurologists treat conditions that affect the brain and nervous system, such as epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis.
- Oncology: Oncologists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, and often work with other specialists to provide comprehensive care for patients.
- Surgery: Surgeons perform procedures to repair or remove damaged tissues and organs. There are many types of surgical specialties, from general surgery to neurosurgery to orthopedic surgery.
Here is a table that summarizes some of the different specialties available for MDs:
| Specialty | Description | Training Required |
|---|---|---|
| Internal Medicine | Preventive care and treatment of adult diseases | 3-year residency in internal medicine |
| Pediatrics | Care of children, from birth to adolescence | 3-year residency in pediatrics |
| Cardiology | Diagnosis and treatment of heart diseases | 3-year residency in internal medicine, followed by 3-year fellowship in cardiology |
| Neurology | Treatment of brain and nervous system diseases | 4-year residency in neurology |
| Oncology | Diagnosis and treatment of cancer | 3-year residency in internal medicine, followed by 2-3 year fellowship in oncology |
| Surgery | Repair or removal of damaged tissues and organs | 5 or more years of residency in the specific type of surgery |
No matter which specialty they choose, MDs have the knowledge and skills necessary to provide high-quality medical care to their patients.
Specialties available for DOs
One of the main differences between MDs and DOs is the emphasis DOs place on treating the whole person with an integrative and holistic approach. This is reflected in the specialties available to DOs, which include:
- Family medicine: DOs are well-suited for family medicine because of their extensive knowledge of the musculoskeletal system and their focus on preventative care and wellness.
- Internal medicine: DOs are trained to look beyond the symptoms and treat the root causes of illness, making them particularly skilled in internal medicine.
- Pediatrics: DOs have a unique understanding of the interconnectedness of the body and its systems, making them excellent pediatricians who can treat children with a holistic approach.
- Osteopathic manipulative medicine: Some DOs specialize in osteopathic manipulative medicine, which involves using hands-on techniques to diagnose and treat patients.
- Sports medicine: DOs are well-suited for sports medicine because of their knowledge of the musculoskeletal system and their focus on preventative care.
- Psychiatry: DOs are trained to treat the whole person, making them uniquely skilled in psychiatry, which involves treating mental health issues in conjunction with physical health.
- Emergency medicine: DOs are trained to be quick thinkers who can make critical decisions under pressure, making them well-suited for emergency medicine.
The osteopathic manipulative medicine specialty
One unique specialty available to DOs is osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM). OMM involves using hands-on techniques to diagnose and treat patients, focusing on the musculoskeletal system and the body’s interconnectedness. OMM can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including back pain, migraines, and even asthma. DOs who specialize in OMM are able to provide patients with a unique approach to healthcare that focuses on the whole person, not just their symptoms.
| Technique | Description |
|---|---|
| Soft tissue technique | This technique involves using gentle pressure and stretching to release tension in muscles and fascia. |
| Myofascial release | This technique involves applying sustained pressure to the fascia to release tension and improve range of motion. |
| Joint mobilization | This technique involves using gentle manipulation to improve joint mobility and reduce pain. |
| High-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) technique | This technique involves using a quick, high-velocity thrust to mobilize a joint. |
DOs who specialize in OMM have a unique set of skills that can be used to help patients achieve optimal health and well-being. By focusing on the interconnectedness of the body and treating the whole person, DOs are able to provide patients with a unique approach to healthcare that can lead to better outcomes and improved quality of life.
What is the difference between a MD and DO?
Q: What does MD and DO stand for?
A: MD stands for Doctor of Medicine, while DO stands for Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine.
Q: What is the primary difference between an MD and DO?
A: The primary difference is in the philosophy of care. MDs are traditionally focused on treating illness with medication and surgery, while DOs use a more holistic approach that emphasizes the body’s ability to heal itself.
Q: Are there any differences in training and education?
A: Both MDs and DOs undergo similar training and education, but DOs receive additional training in osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), which uses hands-on techniques to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness or injury.
Q: Are there any differences in the types of treatments that MDs and DOs can prescribe?
A: No, both MDs and DOs can prescribe medications, perform surgeries, and use other standard medical treatments.
Q: Do MDs and DOs have different specialties or areas of expertise?
A: No, MDs and DOs can specialize in any area of medicine and have the same opportunities to pursue advanced training and certification.
Thanks for learning about the difference between a MD and DO!
We hope this article has helped clarify the difference between a MD and DO for you. While there are some differences in philosophy and training, both types of doctors are dedicated to helping patients achieve optimal health and well-being. If you have any further questions or would like to learn more, please visit us again later for more informative articles. Thanks for reading!