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Jul 18, 2024 · What Is an MD? MD stands for doctor of medicine. MDs are allopathic doctors. That means they treat and diagnose conditions using conventional medical tools like X-rays, prescription drugs, and ...
- What is Osteopathic Medicine
Just like an MD, they may become a primary care doctor, a...
- What is Osteopathic Medicine
- Overview
- What’s the difference between allopathic and osteopathic medicine?
- Are DOs and MDs trained differently?
- Do they take different exams?
- Which one should I choose to be my doctor?
- What’s the bottom line?
MDs and DOs are both licensed professionals able to treat your illnesses or injuries. The differences are subtle, but DOs may be more appropriate if you’re interested in holistic or alternative therapies.
You can tell which type of degree a doctor has by the letters after their name.
If they went to a traditional (allopathic) medical school, they’ll have “MD” after their name. This indicates they have a doctor of medicine degree. If they went to an osteopathic medical school, they’ll have “DO” after their name. This means they have a doctor of osteopathic medicine degree.
There are far more MDs than DOs in the United States, but more and more medical students are becoming DOs.
The differences between MDs and DOs are often subtle. MDs generally focus on treating specific conditions with medication.
On the other hand, DOs tend to focus on whole-body healing, with or without traditional medication. They generally have a stronger holistic approach and have been trained with additional hours of hands-on techniques. Some people claim that DOs put more emphasis on disease prevention, but prevention plays an important role in the work of both.
Allopathy
MDs learn allopathy in medical school. It’s the more traditional of the two philosophies, and it’s what many people consider “modern medicine.” Allopathic medicine emphasizes using medications and techniques like surgery or radiation to treat illnesses. These illnesses are usually diagnosed with the help of tests or procedures such as a complete blood count (CBC) or X-ray. Most medical schools teach allopathic medicine.
Osteopathy
DOs learn osteopathy while earning their degree. Compared to allopathy, it focuses more on treating the body as a whole instead of treating specific conditions. Students of osteopathic medicine learn how to evaluate people using the same tools and procedures as students of allopathic medicine. However, they also learn how to use osteopathic manual medicine (OMM), sometimes called osteopathic manipulative treatment. OMM involves using the hands to diagnose, treat, or prevent injuries or illnesses. Examples of OMM during a physical exam include: •stretching out a limb, such as unfolding an arm •applying gentle pressure or resistance to specific areas •feeling someone’s bones, joints, organs, or other structures through their skin There are more than 500 different OMM techniques. During a physical exam, a DO can use the visual and tactile findings from OMM to identify potential issues with: •bones •muscles •connective tissue •blood vessels •nerves Once you receive a diagnosis, it’s possible that OMM may be a part of your treatment plan as well. However, it’s important to note that while all DOs learn OMM techniques as a part of their training, not every DO uses them in their medical practice.
Both DOs and MDs learn how to diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases and injuries. As a result, they receive much of the same training, including:
•4 years of medical school after earning a bachelor’s degree
•1 year as an intern prior to starting a residency
•a residency program lasting up to 7 years
It’s good to point out that while most states have several medical schools, not all states have colleges of osteopathic medicine. A list of the different osteopathic medicine programs in the U.S. can be found on the website of the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM).
The main difference in the training of DOs versus MDs is that DOs complete an additional 200 hours of coursework. This extra training focuses on bones, muscles, and nerves and how they affect the body’s overall health. It also includes learning different OMM techniques to diagnose, treat, and prevent illnesses.
Both types of doctors must pass a national test before becoming licensed to practice medicine.
MDs must pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). DOs must take the Comprehensive Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX).
In addition to taking the COMLEX, some DOs may choose to take the USMLE as well. One reason that they may choose to do this is to help them stand out when applying for a residency, particularly if they’re interested in a competitive specialty.
These tests generally cover the same material but often phrase questions differently. The COMLEX also contains additional questions about OMM.
There’s no right answer to choosing between an MD or DO. Both are equally qualified to treat you and prescribe medication if needed.
If you’re looking for a more hands-on doctor who might be more open to more holistic or alternative treatment options, consider seeing a DO. However, this does not mean that your MD will not also be open to these types of treatment options as well.
Most doctors are still MDs. For example, a 2020 census of licensed physicians by the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) found that 90.1% of doctors in the United States have an MD.
The American Osteopathic Association (AOA) also reports that only 11% of doctors in the U.S. are DOs. However, the number of people interested in becoming a DO is growing. In fact, there has been an 81% increase in the total number of DOs and osteopathic medical students over the past decade.
Primary care is still the most common area of focus for both MDs and DOs. This includes the areas:
•internal medicine
Ultimately, being comfortable and having a good trusting relationship with your doctor matters most when choosing a doctor.
Licensed MDs and DOs are equally qualified to take care of your medical needs, and choosing one over the other is simply a matter of your personal preference.
The biggest difference is that in addition to the four years of regular medical school, DOs have to also complete 200 hours of osteopathic training focused on the musculoskeletal system. “In osteopathic training, there is an additional focus placed on the ‘holistic approach’ and OMT,” says Mikhail Varshavski, DO, a doctor based in New York.
Oct 13, 2023 · In a 2022 report from the American Medical Association, the specialties with the highest percentage of active physicians with an MD degree were ophthalmology (89.6%), otolaryngology (88.9%) and ...
Feb 6, 2023 · They do the same job, have similar schooling, can prescribe medication and can practice all over the U.S. “In general, DOs practice a more holistic, whole-person type of care,” explains Dr ...
Nov 22, 2022 · However, a PA and an APRN are different from the MD in a few important ways, even though the care they provide is pretty much the same. For example, there are MDs, which stands for doctor of medicine. Your MD can treat a variety of healthcare concerns, from the common cold to mental health issues, chronic illnesses such as diabetes, or urgent ...
People also ask
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What an MD does: Diagnoses and manages acute and chronic illnesses. Orders, performs and interprets diagnostic tests, such as lab work and X-rays. Refers to other specialists and healthcare providers as needed. Prescribes medications and other treatments. Manages a patient's care. Performs operations (surgeons).
