Both Medical Doctors (MDs) and Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs) are fully licensed physicians in the United States, meaning they have the same rights and responsibilities to practice medicine. To become licensed, both MDs and DOs must pass a licensing exam after medical school. The specific exam varies by state.
Research indicates that the quality of care provided by MDs and DOs is comparable. A study analyzing over 300,000 Medicare patients found virtually no difference in health outcomes between those treated by MDs and those treated by DOs. The study reported nearly identical lengths of hospital stays, readmission rates, mortality rates, and healthcare costs, regardless of whether the treating physician was an MD or DO.
Key Differences Between DOs and MDs
While both paths lead to becoming a physician, there are some notable distinctions between DOs and MDs. In the United States, MDs are more prevalent. Approximately 9 out of 10 doctors graduating from U.S. medical schools hold an MD degree. Studies suggest that about 19% of patient visits are to DOs, while 81% are to MDs.
Admission to both allopathic medical schools (MD programs) and osteopathic medical schools (DO programs) is highly competitive. However, students accepted into colleges of osteopathic medicine tend to have slightly lower average 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 caliber of students in DO programs. Osteopathic medical schools are fewer in number compared to allopathic schools, with only about a quarter of medical students in the U.S. enrolled in DO programs. Interestingly, interest in osteopathic medicine is growing significantly. Between 2011-2012 and 2021-2022, enrollment in DO programs saw a substantial increase of 68%.
A core differentiator in DO training is the emphasis on the musculoskeletal system and its interconnectedness with overall health. DO students receive approximately 200 hours of additional training in osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM), also known as osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT). OMT is a set of hands-on techniques used to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness or injury by manipulating muscles, bones, and nerves. It is often employed to alleviate conditions like back pain, neck pain, and muscle strains, among others.
Contrasting Medical Approaches: DOs vs. MDs
MDs and DOs often approach patient care with slightly different philosophies.
MDs typically concentrate on identifying a patient’s symptoms and arriving at a diagnosis based on those symptoms. Their treatment approach tends to be more targeted, focusing on addressing the specific disease or condition.
DOs, conversely, are trained to view the body as a unified, interconnected system. This holistic approach is a cornerstone of osteopathic medicine. They consider how different parts of the body influence each other and overall health. Due to this holistic perspective, DOs often place a greater emphasis on preventative medicine and may be more likely to recommend lifestyle modifications as part of a treatment plan compared to MDs.
While the holistic approach is a hallmark of osteopathic medicine, it’s worth noting that some MDs also adopt a holistic philosophy in their practice. However, it is a consistently emphasized principle within osteopathic training.
In conclusion, both DOs and MDs are highly qualified and rigorously trained physicians capable of providing excellent medical care. The primary difference lies in the osteopathic philosophy embraced by DOs, which emphasizes a holistic, patient-centered approach and the use of osteopathic manipulative treatment as a complementary tool in patient care. For patients, choosing between a DO and MD often comes down to personal preference and finding a physician who aligns with their individual healthcare needs and values.
