What are the main distinctions between MDs and DOs. How do their educational paths differ. Which type of doctor might be best suited for your healthcare needs. What unique approaches do DOs take in patient care.

Educational Paths of MDs and DOs: Similarities and Differences

Both MDs (Doctor of Medicine) and DOs (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) undergo rigorous medical training, but there are some notable differences in their educational journeys:

• Undergraduate degree: Both require a four-year bachelor’s degree, typically with pre-med courses
• Medical school: MDs attend allopathic medical schools, while DOs attend colleges of osteopathic medicine
• Duration: Both complete four years of medical education
• Residency and internship: Both participate in on-the-job training under experienced doctors
• Licensing: Both must pass licensing exams to practice professionally

A key distinction lies in the additional training DOs receive. They typically complete about 200 extra hours learning Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM), also known as Osteopathic Manipulative Technique (OMT). This training focuses on the musculoskeletal system and its influence on overall health.

Admission Standards: A Subtle Difference

While both types of programs are highly competitive, there’s a slight variation in admission standards:

• MD programs: Generally have higher average GPAs and MCAT scores
• DO programs: Slightly lower average GPAs and MCAT scores, but still highly competitive

It’s important to note that these differences don’t necessarily reflect the quality of education or the caliber of students. The osteopathic medicine field is smaller, with only about a quarter of U.S. medical students attending DO programs.

Philosophical Approaches: Allopathic vs Osteopathic Medicine

The fundamental difference between MDs and DOs lies in their philosophical approach to patient care:

MD Approach: Targeted Treatment

MDs practice allopathic medicine, which is considered conventional or mainstream medicine. Their approach typically involves:

• Focusing on specific symptoms
• Diagnosing based on those symptoms
• Using conventional medical tools like x-rays, prescription drugs, and surgery
• Taking a more targeted approach to treatment

DO Approach: Holistic Health

DOs practice osteopathic medicine, which takes a more holistic view of health. Their approach often includes:

• Viewing the body as an integrated whole
• Focusing more on prevention
• Considering the mind, body, and emotions in treatment
• Making more lifestyle recommendations
• Using physical manipulations and adjustments in diagnosis and treatment

While some MDs may also adopt a holistic approach, it’s a fundamental principle of osteopathic medicine practiced by all DOs.

Specializations and Practice Areas for MDs and DOs

Both MDs and DOs have a wide range of career options in various medical specialties:

Common MD Specializations

• Surgery
• Organ-specific medicine (e.g., cardiology, neurology)
• Psychiatry
• Geriatric medicine
• Pediatrics
• Family medicine

DO Specializations

• Primary care (over 50% of DOs)
• Various specialties similar to MDs
• Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine

It’s worth noting that both MDs and DOs can perform surgery with proper training and prescribe medicine. The choice of specialization often depends on personal interest rather than the type of medical degree.

Patient Preferences and Satisfaction: MD vs DO

Research has shown some interesting trends in patient preferences and satisfaction when it comes to choosing between MDs and DOs:

Visit Distribution

A study found that approximately 19% of doctor’s visits were to DOs, while 81% were to MDs. However, this distribution can vary based on several factors:

• Geographic location: More people in the Northeast United States sought care from DOs
• Demographics: Children, African-American, and Hispanic individuals were less likely to see a DO than an MD
• Gender: Women were more likely than men to see a DO

Patient Satisfaction Levels

Interestingly, a survey revealed that patients who had seen osteopathic doctors (DOs) reported higher satisfaction with their treatment compared to those who had visited allopathic doctors (MDs), chiropractors, and other types of healthcare providers. This higher satisfaction rate could be attributed to the holistic approach and additional manual therapies offered by DOs.

Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine: A Unique Aspect of DO Practice

One of the most distinctive features of osteopathic medicine is the use of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) or Osteopathic Manipulative Technique (OMT). This approach sets DOs apart from both MDs and chiropractors:

What is OMM/OMT?

OMM is a system of diagnosis and treatment that uses physical manipulation of the musculoskeletal system. It’s based on the principle that the body’s structure (anatomy) and function are closely interrelated and that the musculoskeletal system plays a vital role in maintaining health.

Applications of OMM

DOs use OMM to:

• Relieve back pain
• Treat neck pain
• Address strained muscles
• Improve overall body function
• Enhance the body’s natural ability to heal itself

OMM vs Chiropractic Care

While OMM techniques may seem similar to those used by chiropractors, there are significant differences:

• Scope of practice: DOs are fully licensed physicians who can prescribe medication and perform surgery, while chiropractors have a more limited scope of practice
• Approach: DOs integrate OMM into a broader medical practice, while chiropractors focus primarily on spinal manipulation
• Education: DOs complete full medical training in addition to OMM, whereas chiropractors specialize in spinal health and manipulation techniques

Choosing Between an MD and a DO: Factors to Consider

When deciding between an MD and a DO for your healthcare needs, consider the following factors:

1. Personal Health Philosophy

If you prefer a more holistic approach to healthcare that considers the interconnectedness of your body systems, a DO might be a good fit. If you’re more comfortable with traditional, symptom-focused treatment, an MD might be your preference.

2. Specific Health Concerns

For certain musculoskeletal issues, you might benefit from the additional OMM training that DOs receive. For highly specialized medical conditions, you might seek out an MD or DO who specializes in that area.

3. Availability in Your Area

Depending on your location, you might have more access to either MDs or DOs. Rural areas, for instance, tend to have a higher proportion of DOs practicing primary care.

4. Personal Comfort and Rapport

Ultimately, the most important factor is finding a doctor you trust and feel comfortable with, regardless of whether they’re an MD or DO.

The Future of Medicine: Integration of MD and DO Practices

As healthcare continues to evolve, the lines between MD and DO practices are becoming increasingly blurred:

Collaborative Care

Many healthcare institutions now employ both MDs and DOs, fostering a collaborative environment that combines the strengths of both approaches.

Integrative Medicine

There’s a growing trend towards integrative medicine, which combines conventional medical treatments with complementary therapies. This approach aligns well with the holistic philosophy of osteopathic medicine.

Continued Specialization

Both MDs and DOs continue to specialize in various fields, with many DOs now entering traditionally MD-dominated specialties like surgery and emergency medicine.

Focus on Preventive Care

The healthcare system is increasingly emphasizing preventive care and wellness, which aligns with the osteopathic focus on whole-person health.

In conclusion, while there are distinct differences between MDs and DOs in their training and philosophical approaches, both are fully qualified physicians capable of providing high-quality medical care. The choice between an MD and a DO often comes down to personal preference and the specific healthcare needs of the patient. As the medical field continues to evolve, the integration of allopathic and osteopathic practices may lead to a more comprehensive and patient-centered approach to healthcare.

What Is the Difference Between an MD and a DO?

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

Medically Reviewed by Dan Brennan, MD on April 13, 2021

• What Is an MD?
• What Is a DO?
• How Are MDs and DOs Similar?
• How Are MDs and DOs Different?
• Differences Between DOs and Chiropractors

When you say that you are going to see a doctor, you may be referring to two types of medical professionals: MDs and DOs. Each title refers to the type of degree and licensing the doctor has. Both MDs and DOs have similar training and duties, but they differ in a few key areas.

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 surgery. Allopathic medicine is also called conventional or mainstream medicine.

MDs can choose to be broad practitioners and work as family medicine or primary care doctors. They can also specialize in several different areas requiring further education including:

• Surgery
• Specific body parts or organs
• Psychiatry
• Geriatric medicine
• Pediatrics

DO stands for doctor of osteopathic medicine. They use the same conventional medical techniques as MDs but with a few other methods. DOs tend to focus more on holistic health and prevention. In holistic health, all parts of a person, including their mind, body, and emotions, are considered during the treatment. They also use a system of physical manipulations and adjustments to diagnose and treat people.

Over half of DOs choose to work in primary care, but they can also choose to specialize in another area, just like MDs.

DOs have all the same responsibilities and rights as MDs, including the abilities to perform surgery with proper training and prescribe medicine.

MDs and DOs follow similar educational routes. They must first earn a four-year undergraduate degree, and most will take pre-medicine courses during this time. After getting an undergraduate degree, they will attend either medical school or a college of osteopathic medicine.

After finishing four years of medical education, MDs and DOs must complete an internship and a residency. A residency is on-the-job training under the supervision of more experienced doctors. Some MDs and DOs will also go on to do fellowships to learn more about a specialty. 

MDs and DOs often train side by side in residencies and internships, despite going to different types of schools.‌

Both MDs and DOs must also take a licensing exam in order to practice medicine professionally. The type of licensing exam taken depends on the state that the MD or DO resides in.

Education. Both allopathic medical schools and colleges of osteopathic medicine are competitive to get into. However, students attending colleges of osteopathic medicine have slightly lower average GPAs and MCAT scores compared to students attending medical schools.  ‌

These lower GPAs and MCAT scores do not necessarily reflect the quality of students in DO programs. There are fewer students in colleges of osteopathic medicine compared to allopathic medical schools. Only a quarter of medical students in the US attend a college of osteopathic medicine.

DOs have extra education, usually about 200 hours, to learn osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM). It is also called osteopathic manipulative technique (OMT).

DOs learn about how the bones, nerves, and muscles work together and influence people’s health. OMT focuses on methods used to relieve back pain, neck pain, strained muscles, and other conditions. 

Approach to Medicine. MDs focus on looking at your symptoms and making a diagnosis based on those symptoms. They tend to take a more targeted approach to treatment.‌

DOs, on the other hand, see the body as an integrated whole and treat health issues accordingly. Because of this holistic view, they usually focus more on prevention. They may also make more lifestyle recommendations compared to MDs.

Some MDs may also take a holistic approach to medicine, but not all of them will. Holistic health is the basis of osteopathic medicine, so all DOs will use this approach. 

Patient visits. One study found that around 19% of doctor’s visits were to DOs, and 81% were to MDs. Depending on where you live or who you are, you may be more or less likely to see a DO or MD. 

• More people living in the Northeast United States sought care from a DO. 
• Children, African-American, and Hispanic people were less likely to see a DO than an MD. 
• Women were more likely than men to see a DO.

Patient satisfaction. One survey showed that people who had seen osteopathic doctors were more satisfied with their treatment than those who had been to allopathic doctors, chiropractors, and other types of health care providers. 

While the OMM techniques performed by DOs seem similar to those used by chiropractors, the two fields are different. Unlike DOs, chiropractors cannot practice medicine. Chiropractors focus more on the musculoskeletal system and spinal alignment. DOs can practice medicine like an MD, and they focus on holistic and preventative medicine.

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What Is Osteopathic Medicine?

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

• What Is Osteopathic Medicine?
• How Are Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine Trained?
• Osteopathic vs. Naturopathic Practitioners
• What to Expect From an Osteopath
• Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment

Osteopathic medicine is based on the idea that all the body’s systems are interrelated. Osteopaths focus on treating the whole person. There are more than 114,000 osteopathic doctors in the U.S. And more than 1 in 4 U.S. medical students are on the path to becoming a doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO).

Osteopathic medicine dates back more than 100 years. Its founder, Andrew Taylor Still, thought that correcting problems with the body’s structure could help the body heal itself. Still, who practiced during the Civil War, believed that spine problems can send nerve signals out to all the organs and make you sick. He developed osteopathic manipulation treatments  with a goal of restoring the nerves to a healthy state and promoting circulation so the body could heal itself.

One key idea in this field is that many diseases result from, or cause, problems within the body’s musculoskeletal system, which includes nerves, muscles, and bones. DOs pay extra attention to how all your body parts work together in order to prevent or treat health issues. And they get special training in that.

Osteopathic medicine is about your whole body, not just specific parts or symptoms. So if you come in with, say, knee pain, they’re likely going to look at more than your knee.

Osteopathic doctors believe touch can be healing. All DOs are trained in osteopathic manipulative treatment, sometimes called manual manipulation or OMT. That’s a hands-on method to help diagnose and treat illnesses. Not all DOs use it regularly in their practice, though.

Most students who apply to osteopathic medical school first earn a bachelor’s degree and many also have a master’s degree or doctorate.

Osteopathic doctors get extra training in the musculoskeletal system. But they also learn all the other parts of modern medicine. They can prescribe medication, do surgery, run tests, and do everything else you would expect from a doctor.

After 4 years of medical school, osteopathic doctors do a residency in their chosen area of specialty. Just like an MD, they may become a primary care doctor, a pediatrician, or a specialist like a dermatologist or cardiologist.

While osteopathy and naturopathy may sound similar, they’re different. Naturopathic medicine is a system that uses natural remedies to heal your body.

Like DOs, naturopathic practitioners are trained, but the type of training varies. Naturopathic doctors complete a 4-year graduate-level program at a naturopathic medical school. Naturopaths aren’t licensed and take training programs that aren’t certified by the U.S. Department of Education.  

DOs focus on hands-on diagnosis and treatment along with prescription medicine, surgery, and technology. A naturopathic practitioner’s goal is to heal you through natural substances like food, herbs, and water, plus lifestyle changes such as exercise and lowering your stress.

An exam with an OD is similar to an exam with any other kind of doctor. You’ll get your blood pressure checked, and you’ll step on a scale. They’ll want to hear about your lifestyle — such as what you eat, what you do for exercise, and how stressed you feel — as well as any symptoms that bother you.

Prevention is a big part of the osteopathic approach to medicine, so your DO will probably give you advice to help you avoid injuries or diseases down the road. An osteopath can give you any vaccines you need and recommend routine medical tests like a mammogram or a cholesterol blood test, a quit-smoking program, or screening tests for depression or another mental health problem. 

Medicare and private insurance should treat your appointment the same as a visit to any other doctor.

A main way ODs are different from MDs is that they may use osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) to diagnose and treat illnesses. They believe tightness and restriction in your nerves and muscles can be caused by or lead to other problems. So they use their hands to gently move your joints and tissues to correct any restrictions in your range of motion.

The practice includes 40 techniques, including:

• Soft tissue. You’ll feel stretching and pressure on your muscles.
• Muscle energy. In this technique, you move your muscles in a specific direction while the DO counters that movement. Think push-pull.
• Myofascial release. Your DO uses firm but gentle pressure to release tension in the fascia, which is the layer of connective tissue that surrounds your bones, muscles, and organs.
• Osteopathic cranial manipulative medicine. Your DO applies soft pressure to your skull to stimulate healing.

Some find that this natural treatment helps in place of drugs or surgery for some conditions. It’s often used for muscle pain, but it can help treat a wide range of health problems, including:

• Low back pain
• Neck pain
• Sports injuries
• Repetitive stress injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome
• Some headaches, including migraines
• Asthma
• Sinus problems
• Menstrual pain

Some pediatric DOs use OMT to help treat asthma, earaches, and colic. So far, only a small number of good studies have looked at the use of OMT in children. The results have been mixed.

You may feel soreness for a day or two after the treatment. There are usually no other side effects. Depending on your case, your DO may find that you also need other treatments, such as medicine or surgery.

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DO vs MD – What’s the difference? – Health – Blogs

how do their admission processes differ? • BUOM

December 9, 2021

DOs and MDs are similar professions, although they do have a few differences, such as how they practice medicine. This reflects how the admission processes for each type of doctor are slightly different. If you are interested in pursuing a career in medicine, you may find it helpful to learn about the DO and MD admissions processes. In this article, we discuss DOs and MDs, defining both of them and explaining how their admissions processes differ, as well as providing tips for preparing for entrance interviews.

What is DO?

A Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) is a healthcare professional who cares about patients. Their ideology while working is that people are wholes and not just parts that make a person, which is called a holistic approach. DO is more focused on preventive care, which means they try to prevent sickness and disease before they occur. To achieve this, these professionals consider their patients’ habits and how they take care of themselves. This may include what they consume or what their habitat is like.

Although DOs take a holistic approach to their practice, they can perform most of the same tasks as other physicians, such as performing surgeries or monitoring patients. Typically, the DO is a primary care physician for families or individuals.

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What is a doctor of medical sciences?

A doctor of medicine (MD) is a medical professional who practices allopathic medicine, which is a more modern form of medicine. These doctors use evidence-based treatments for their patients. By creating a treatment plan for their patients, medical doctors can prescribe medications that have different effects on healthy and unhealthy patients. While DOs focus on preventive care, M.D.s prioritize treatment. The MD performs the same tasks as the DO, such as prescribing drugs, examining patients, and performing surgeries. However, MD doctors usually specialize in areas such as gynecology, dermatology, or cardiology.

DO and MD Admissions Processes

There are several differences between the DO and MD admissions processes, for example:

Personal Statement

A Personal Statement is a document that describes an applicant’s intent to enroll in medical school. They usually check the candidate’s education, professional experience, or medical-related research. During the interview, interviewers may ask the candidate to bring or talk about their personal statement. While the personal statement for DO and MD is very similar, there are some differences in content. In a personal DO statement, they can focus more on why they choose to study osteopathy and a holistic approach to medicine.

In a personal MD statement, they can explain why they study allopathy rather than osteopathy. They may reflect on their passion for allopathy or describe research they have done related to allopathic research. Whether you are writing an M.D. or M.D. personal statement, try to include experiences related to osteopathy or allopathy, respectively.

Interview Questions

Both DOs and MDs are interviewed before admissions to medical school. These interviews usually ask general medical questions, whether you’re going to be an MD or MD. During your DO interview, instructors may ask you more detailed questions about why you would like to study osteopathy. DO medical school programs generally strive to select candidates who believe in taking a holistic approach to medicine.

During an interview with an MD, you can answer many questions about medicine or your professional experience. Interviewers may ask you to explain why you chose to practice allopathy or why you prefer allopathic practices. In addition, they may ask you questions related to scenarios you may encounter as an MD.

Application Materials

Before you can be interviewed, the admissions committee asks you to complete the correct application materials. The application processes for DO or MD status are complex, though slightly different. To apply to DO Medical School, you submit your materials to the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOMAS) Application Service. Materials for this process include a 5,300-character personal statement and a 600-character job and activity record. Job and activity records allow you to talk about your professional experience, education and research related to osteopathy.

To apply for the MD medical school program, you submit application materials to the American College of Medicine Application Service (AMCAS). Application materials include a 5300 character personal statement and a 700 character job and activity record. In addition, you can send up to three of your most significant entries, with a maximum length of 1325 characters. This allows you to talk more about professional experiences that have had a major impact on your studies or research.

Please note that none of the companies mentioned in this article are affiliated with Indeed.

Tips for preparing for admission interviews

Here are some tips for preparing for entrance interviews for DO and MD schools:

• Confirm the details of your interview. Make sure you confirm the details of your interview, such as date, time, and location, before it takes place. This can help you get to your interview on time, making you a professional.

• Arrive early for your interview.