Choosing a healthcare provider can be a significant decision. Among the various types of physicians, you might encounter both MDs and DOs. While both are fully licensed physicians qualified to diagnose and treat medical conditions, there are distinct differences in their training and approach to patient care. This article delves into understanding what a DO, or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, is, and how they contribute to the healthcare landscape.
DO vs. MD: Key Differences Explained
Both Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs) and Medical Doctors (MDs) in the United States are rigorously trained and educated. They both attend four years of medical school after completing their bachelor’s degrees, followed by residency training in their chosen specialties. Upon completion of their training, both MDs and DOs must pass licensing exams to practice medicine. Interestingly, the licensing exam can vary by state, irrespective of whether the physician is an MD or DO.
Studies have consistently shown that the quality of care provided by MDs and DOs is comparable. For example, a study analyzing over 300,000 Medicare patients found virtually identical outcomes – length of hospital stay, readmission rates, mortality rates, and costs – whether patients were treated by an MD or a DO. This underscores that both types of physicians are highly competent and provide effective medical care.
Despite these similarities, some key distinctions exist:
Training and Philosophy
One of the primary differences lies in their educational philosophy and training. While MD programs, also known as allopathic medical schools, focus heavily on the disease model and its treatment, DO programs, or colleges of osteopathic medicine, incorporate a more holistic approach. DOs are trained in osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM), also known as osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT). This involves approximately 200 hours of additional training focused on the musculoskeletal system and its impact on overall health. OMM techniques are hands-on approaches used to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness or injury by manipulating muscles and bones.
[alt]: Doctor examining a patient’s back, demonstrating osteopathic manipulative treatment.
Holistic vs. Targeted Approach
MDs are often characterized by their targeted approach to medicine. They are trained to identify symptoms, diagnose the underlying disease, and treat it directly, often with medication or surgery.
DOs, on the other hand, embrace a holistic philosophy. They consider the body as an interconnected system, where each part influences the others. This perspective emphasizes treating the patient as a whole, rather than just focusing on specific symptoms. Consequently, DOs often place a greater emphasis on preventive medicine and lifestyle factors. They are more likely to recommend lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise modifications, in conjunction with or sometimes instead of medication.
Prevalence and Growing Recognition
While MDs currently constitute a larger proportion of physicians in the U.S., the field of osteopathic medicine is experiencing significant growth. Currently, approximately 9 out of 10 doctors from U.S. medical schools hold an MD degree. However, interest in osteopathic medicine is rising rapidly. Enrollment in DO programs surged by 68% between 2011-2012 and 2021-2022, indicating an increasing recognition and demand for this approach to medicine. Although students entering DO programs may, on average, have slightly lower GPAs and MCAT scores compared to their MD counterparts, this doesn’t reflect the quality of DO physicians. The competition for DO programs is also rigorous, and the increasing enrollment demonstrates the value and appeal of osteopathic medicine.
[alt]: Graph showing the increasing enrollment in Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) programs over the past decade.
The Value of a DO
Choosing between an MD and a DO ultimately depends on individual patient preferences. Both are highly qualified medical professionals. DOs offer a unique and valuable perspective by integrating osteopathic manipulative medicine and a holistic approach into their practice. If you are seeking a physician who considers the interconnectedness of your body systems and emphasizes preventive care and hands-on treatment methods, a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine might be an excellent choice for you.
