Understanding the Difference between Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine and Medical Doctor
For those who are considering a career in the medical field, the choice of whether to pursue a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) or a Medical Doctor (MD) can be confusing. Although both types of doctors complete four years of medical school and spend several years in residency training, there are several fundamental differences between the two degrees that aspiring medical practitioners should be aware of.
What is a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine?
A Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) is a medical doctor who undergoes additional training in osteopathic medicine. Osteopathic medicine is a holistic approach to healthcare that focuses on the body’s natural ability to heal itself. DOs believe that the body’s different systems are interconnected and that a musculoskeletal system that is out of balance can cause disorders elsewhere in the body.
Osteopathic physicians receive training in all the same basic medical science and clinical training as Medical Doctors. However, in addition to the conventional medical curriculum, DOs learn osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), a hands-on technique used to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal disorders.
What is a Medical Doctor?
A Medical Doctor (MD) is a physician who practices allopathic medicine, which is the standard form of Western medicine. MDs diagnose and treat illnesses through the use of pharmaceuticals, surgeries, and other medical interventions.
MDs are trained to focus on the symptoms and diseases that their patients present with and prescribe specific treatments to address those conditions. While MDs also learn anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology, they do not receive training in OMT.
What are the Differences in Training?
Both DO and MD degrees require four years of medical school, followed by several years of residency training in a chosen specialty. However, DO programs require a minimum of 200 hours of training in osteopathic manipulative medicine principles and techniques, while MD programs do not include this type of training.
While both degrees require students to pass licensing exams to become licensed physicians, the exams are not the same. DOs take the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX), while MDs take the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE).
How Do They Practice?
DOs and MDs both practice medicine in similar ways and hold the same clinical privileges and responsibilities. DOs work in primary care, specialty medicine, surgical subspecialties, and academic medicine, just like MDs.
One of the primary differences between the two is that DOs may use OMT to supplement their clinical practice. They may also use OMT to diagnose and treat conditions such as back and neck pain, headaches, and sports injuries. MDs, on the other hand, use pharmaceuticals, surgery, and other medical interventions to treat these same conditions.
Which Degree Should You Choose?
The choice between a DO and MD degree ultimately depends on each individual’s preferences and career goals. Students who are interested in a holistic approach to healthcare and musculoskeletal medicine may prefer to pursue a DO degree. Those who are interested in conventional medicine may prefer to pursue an MD degree.
It’s essential to research both types of degrees and consider the similarities and differences before deciding which program is the right fit. Both types of physicians can make excellent doctors and provide high-quality patient care.
Conclusion
In summary, the main differences between a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) and Medical Doctor (MD) include their approach to medicine, training, and licensing exams. DOs learn osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), a hands-on technique used to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal disorders, while MDs focus on pharmaceuticals, surgeries, and other medical interventions. It’s essential to research both types of degrees before making a decision on which path to take, as both can lead to fulfilling careers in medicine.
