While both Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs) and Doctors of Medicine (MDs) are fully licensed physicians in the United States, completing rigorous medical school and residency training, there are distinct differences in their educational philosophies and approaches to patient care. Understanding “What Do Is” the core of osteopathic medicine provides valuable insight into this vital branch of healthcare.
DO Philosophy: Treating the Whole Person
The foundational principle of osteopathic medicine is a holistic, patient-centered approach. DOs are trained to consider the patient as a whole, recognizing the interconnectedness of body systems. This philosophy emphasizes treating the patient, not just the disease. When a patient presents with a health issue, a DO will not only focus on the immediate symptoms but will also delve into lifestyle factors, environmental influences, and the interplay between different parts of the body. For instance, a DO understands that pain in one area might originate from a seemingly unrelated issue elsewhere in the body. This comprehensive perspective is central to “what do is” the DO’s way of practicing medicine.
Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM): Hands-On Care
A key differentiator in DO training is Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM). DO students receive extensive training in OMM, learning hands-on techniques to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal problems and a wide range of other conditions. OMM involves Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT), a set of manual techniques used by DOs to restore motion, reduce pain, and support the body’s natural ability to heal itself.
What do is OMT used for? It can address a variety of health concerns, including:
- Musculoskeletal Pain: Back pain, neck pain, headaches, and joint pain are common issues that OMT can effectively treat.
- Neural Responses: OMT can influence the nervous system to relieve tension and improve nerve function.
- Circulation: Manual techniques can improve blood flow and lymphatic drainage, promoting healing and reducing inflammation.
- Respiration: OMT can assist in improving breathing mechanics and addressing respiratory issues.
- Immune Response: By optimizing body mechanics and reducing stress, OMT can indirectly support the immune system.
Residencies and Board Exams: A Unified Path
Following medical school, both DOs and MDs pursue residency training to specialize in a chosen field of medicine. A significant shift occurred in July 2020 with the integration of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) into a single accreditation system for graduate medical education. While residencies with an osteopathic focus still exist, they are now open to both DO and MD graduates, creating a more unified pathway for postgraduate training.
Despite the unified residency accreditation, DOs and MDs continue to take different board exams. DOs typically take the COMLEX-USA (Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination of the United States), while MDs take the USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination). Historically, many DO students opted to take the USMLE in addition to COMLEX to enhance their residency applications. However, in late 2018, the American Medical Association (AMA) passed a resolution recognizing COMLEX as equivalent to USMLE, promoting equal acceptance of both exams by residency program directors. This recognition further solidified the parity between DO and MD degrees in the eyes of the medical community, clarifying “what do is” considered equivalent in terms of licensing examinations.
Career Paths and Specialties: Broad Opportunities
Both DOs and MDs have access to a wide spectrum of medical specialties. You will find DOs practicing in every field of medicine, from surgery and cardiology to dermatology and pediatrics. While career options are virtually identical, data indicates that DOs statistically tend to enter primary care fields like family medicine, internal medicine, and pediatrics at a higher rate than MDs. However, this is a general trend and not a restriction, with DOs making significant contributions across all medical specialties. Therefore, “what do is” possible for career paths is largely the same for both DOs and MDs.
Salary Considerations: Experience and Specialty Matter Most
When considering salary, the degree type (DO or MD) is less of a determining factor than other variables such as location, years of experience, and chosen specialty. Compensation for physicians is primarily driven by these factors, and both DOs and MDs earn competitive salaries commensurate with their expertise and the demands of their profession. For detailed information on physician salaries, resources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) website provide comprehensive data. Thus, when it comes to “what do is” the salary expectation, it’s more about your career choices within medicine than the initial degree type.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Path
In conclusion, while both DO and MD degrees lead to a career as a physician, understanding “what do is” unique about each path is crucial. DOs bring a distinct holistic philosophy and OMM skills to their practice, emphasizing the interconnectedness of the body and hands-on treatment. The paths have become increasingly aligned, particularly in residency training and career opportunities. Ultimately, the best choice depends on individual preferences and the type of medical education that resonates most with aspiring physicians. Both DOs and MDs play vital and equally respected roles in providing high-quality healthcare.
