Both Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs) and Medical Doctors (MDs) are fully licensed physicians who practice medicine in the United States. To become licensed to practice medicine, both MDs and DOs must pass a licensing examination. The specific exam may vary by state, but the requirement to pass a rigorous test remains the same for both types of doctors.
Studies have shown that the quality of care provided by DOs and MDs is comparable. For example, one study analyzing over 300,000 Medicare patients in hospitals found virtually identical outcomes whether patients were treated by MDs or DOs. This included similar lengths of hospital stays, readmission rates, death rates, and healthcare costs.
Exploring the Differences Between DO and MD Physicians
While both paths lead to becoming a physician, there are some key differences between DOs and MDs. Notably, MDs are more numerous in the United States. Approximately 9 out of 10 doctors graduating from U.S. medical schools hold an MD degree. Statistics indicate that around 19% of patient visits are to DOs, while 81% are to MDs.
Admission to both allopathic medical schools (MD programs) and colleges of osteopathic medicine (DO programs) is highly competitive. However, on average, students entering colleges of osteopathic medicine tend to have slightly lower GPAs and MCAT scores compared to their counterparts entering MD programs. It’s important to note that these slightly lower average scores do not necessarily reflect the academic quality of DO students. Osteopathic medical colleges are fewer in number compared to allopathic medical schools, accounting for about a quarter of medical students in the U.S. Interestingly, the DO profession is experiencing growth, with enrollment in DO programs increasing by 68% between 2011-2012 and 2021-2022.
A core distinction in DO training lies in their additional education in osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM), also known as osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT). DOs receive approximately 200 hours of specialized training in OMM/OMT, learning techniques focused on the musculoskeletal system and its interconnectedness with overall health. OMT techniques are often used to address conditions like back pain, neck pain, and muscle strains.
Contrasting Approaches: DOs and MDs in Medical Practice
MDs and DOs often exhibit slightly different approaches to patient care. MDs are typically trained to focus on a patient’s symptoms to arrive at a diagnosis. Their treatment approach is often targeted, directly addressing the diagnosed condition.
DOs, on the other hand, are educated to view the body as a unified system. This holistic approach is a cornerstone of osteopathic medicine. DOs consider how different parts of the body influence each other and overall health. Because of this broader perspective, DOs often place a greater emphasis on preventative medicine and may incorporate lifestyle recommendations more frequently into their treatment plans compared to MDs. While some MDs may also adopt a holistic approach, it is a fundamental principle ingrained in osteopathic medical training.
In conclusion, understanding “What Is A Do Doctor” reveals a path to becoming a fully qualified physician with a distinct emphasis on osteopathic principles and holistic patient care. Both DOs and MDs play vital roles in the healthcare system, providing essential medical services to patients.
