When you're looking for a doctor, you may notice that some have the letters "DO" after their name, while others have "MD." You may wonder what these letters mean and what the difference is between the two types of doctors. In this article, we'll explain what "DO" means after a doctor's name and how DOs and MDs compare to each other.
Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs) are fully licensed physicians who have completed four years of medical school and at least three years of residency training. DOs have a unique approach to patient care that emphasizes the importance of the musculoskeletal system in overall health and well-being. This approach is known as osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), which is a hands-on technique that uses gentle pressure to manipulate the muscles, joints, and bones of the body.
Now that you know what "DO" means after a doctor's name, you may be wondering how DOs compare to MDs. In general, DOs and MDs have similar training and provide the same type of medical care. However, there are some key differences between the two types of doctors.
what does do mean after a doctors name
DO stands for Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine.
- Fully licensed physicians
- 4 years of medical school
- 3 years of residency training
- Emphasis on musculoskeletal system
- Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT)
- Similar training to MDs
- Provide same type of medical care
DOs and MDs have similar training and provide the same type of medical care. However, DOs have a unique approach to patient care that emphasizes the importance of the musculoskeletal system in overall health and well-being.
Fully licensed physicians
DOs are fully licensed physicians, which means they have completed the same rigorous training and education as MDs. This includes four years of medical school, followed by at least three years of residency training in a specific medical specialty, such as family medicine, internal medicine, or pediatrics.
- Complete medical education: DOs complete the same four years of medical school as MDs, covering all aspects of human health and disease.
- Rigorous residency training: After medical school, DOs complete at least three years of residency training in a specific medical specialty. During residency, DOs receive hands-on experience in diagnosing and treating patients under the supervision of experienced physicians.
- Licensed to practice medicine: Once DOs have completed their medical education and residency training, they are licensed to practice medicine in all 50 states. This means that they can prescribe medications, perform surgery, and provide other medical services just like MDs.
- Board-certified: Many DOs also choose to become board-certified in their specialty. Board certification is a voluntary process that demonstrates a doctor's knowledge and skills in a particular area of medicine.
Because DOs are fully licensed physicians, you can be confident that they are qualified to provide you with high-quality medical care.
4 years of medical school
DOs complete four years of medical school, just like MDs. During medical school, DOs learn about all aspects of human health and disease, including anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology, and pathology. They also receive training in clinical skills, such as how to take a patient's history, perform a physical exam, and diagnose and treat common medical conditions.
- Basic sciences: In the first two years of medical school, DOs take courses in the basic sciences, such as anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and pharmacology. These courses provide them with a foundation in the human body and how it works.
- Clinical sciences: In the third and fourth years of medical school, DOs take courses in the clinical sciences, such as internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, and obstetrics and gynecology. These courses teach them how to diagnose and treat common medical conditions.
- Clinical rotations: During medical school, DOs also complete clinical rotations in a variety of medical settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and private practices. These rotations allow them to gain hands-on experience in working with patients and providing medical care.
- USMLE exams: DOs must also pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) in order to practice medicine. The USMLE is a three-step exam that tests a doctor's knowledge and skills in the basic and clinical sciences.
By the time they graduate from medical school, DOs have a strong foundation in the basic and clinical sciences and are prepared to provide high-quality medical care to their patients.
3 years of residency training
After graduating from medical school, DOs complete at least three years of residency training in a specific medical specialty. Residency training is a period of supervised clinical practice during which DOs learn how to diagnose and treat patients under the guidance of experienced physicians. During residency, DOs also receive training in osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT).
- Hands-on experience: Residency training provides DOs with hands-on experience in diagnosing and treating patients under the supervision of experienced physicians. This experience allows them to develop the skills and confidence they need to practice medicine independently.
- Variety of settings: DOs can complete their residency training in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices. This allows them to gain experience in different types of medical environments and learn how to care for a wide range of patients.
- Specialty training: Residency training also allows DOs to specialize in a particular area of medicine. Some of the most common specialties include family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, and surgery.
- Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT): During residency, DOs also receive training in osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT). OMT is a hands-on technique that uses gentle pressure to manipulate the muscles, joints, and bones of the body. OMT can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including back pain, neck pain, and headaches.
By the time they complete residency training, DOs are fully qualified to practice medicine in their chosen specialty.
Emphasis on musculoskeletal system
DOs have a unique approach to patient care that emphasizes the importance of the musculoskeletal system in overall health and well-being. The musculoskeletal system is made up of the bones, muscles, joints, and connective tissues of the body. DOs believe that problems with the musculoskeletal system can lead to a variety of health problems, including pain, headaches, and digestive issues.
- Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT): DOs use a hands-on technique called osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) to diagnose and treat problems with the musculoskeletal system. OMT involves using gentle pressure to manipulate the muscles, joints, and bones of the body. OMT can be used to relieve pain, improve range of motion, and promote healing.
- Focus on whole-person care: DOs take a whole-person approach to patient care, which means they consider the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of a patient's health. DOs believe that all of these factors are interconnected and that treating one aspect of a patient's health can have a positive impact on the others.
- Preventative care: DOs also focus on preventative care, which means they work to help patients stay healthy and avoid illness. DOs encourage patients to eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and get regular checkups.
- Patient education: DOs believe that patient education is an important part of providing high-quality medical care. DOs take the time to explain their patients' conditions and treatment options in a way that they can understand. They also encourage patients to ask questions and be involved in their own care.
DOs' emphasis on the musculoskeletal system and whole-person care makes them a valuable resource for patients who are looking for a comprehensive and holistic approach to their health care.
Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT)
Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) is a hands-on technique that uses gentle pressure to manipulate the muscles, joints, and bones of the body. DOs use OMT to diagnose and treat a variety of conditions, including:
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Headaches
- Arthritis
- Asthma
- Digestive problems
- Menstrual cramps
- Sports injuries
OMT can also be used to improve range of motion, promote relaxation, and reduce stress.
During an OMT session, the DO will use their hands to feel for areas of tension or misalignment in the body. Once the DO has identified these areas, they will use gentle pressure to manipulate the muscles, joints, and bones in order to restore proper alignment and function.
OMT is a safe and effective treatment that can be used to relieve pain, improve range of motion, and promote healing. It is a valuable tool that DOs use to help their patients achieve optimal health and well-being.
If you are experiencing pain or other health problems, talk to your doctor about whether OMT may be right for you.
Similar training to MDs
DOs and MDs receive similar training in medical school and residency. Both types of doctors must complete four years of medical school and at least three years of residency training in a specific medical specialty. During their training, DOs and MDs learn about the same basic and clinical sciences, including anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology, and pathology. They also receive training in clinical skills, such as how to take a patient's history, perform a physical exam, and diagnose and treat common medical conditions.
One of the key differences between DOs and MDs is that DOs receive additional training in osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT). OMT is a hands-on technique that uses gentle pressure to manipulate the muscles, joints, and bones of the body. DOs use OMT to diagnose and treat a variety of conditions, including back pain, neck pain, headaches, and arthritis.
Despite this difference in training, DOs and MDs are both fully licensed physicians who are qualified to provide the same type of medical care. Both types of doctors can prescribe medications, perform surgery, and provide other medical services.
In most states, DOs and MDs are also able to practice in all of the same medical specialties. This means that you can see a DO or an MD for your primary care needs, as well as for specialty care, such as cardiology, oncology, or orthopedics.
Ultimately, the best way to decide whether to see a DO or an MD is to talk to your doctor and find out if they are a good fit for your individual needs.
Provide same type of medical care
DOs and MDs are both fully licensed physicians who are qualified to provide the same type of medical care. This means that both DOs and MDs can:
- Prescribe medications
- Perform surgery
- Order and interpret diagnostic tests
- Develop and manage treatment plans
- Provide preventive care
- Provide patient education
DOs and MDs also work in the same variety of medical settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices. They also practice in all of the same medical specialties, such as family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, surgery, and obstetrics and gynecology.
In most states, DOs and MDs have the same scope of practice, which means that they are able to practice medicine in the same way. This means that you can see a DO or an MD for your primary care needs, as well as for specialty care.
Ultimately, the best way to decide whether to see a DO or an MD is to talk to your doctor and find out if they are a good fit for your individual needs.
Rest assured that whether you choose a DO or an MD, you will be receiving high-quality medical care from a licensed and qualified physician.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about DOs and their training:
Question 1: What is the difference between a DO and an MD?
Answer 1: DOs and MDs receive similar training in medical school and residency. However, DOs receive additional training in osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), a hands-on technique that uses gentle pressure to manipulate the muscles, joints, and bones of the body.
Question 2: Are DOs and MDs licensed to practice medicine in all states?
Answer 2: Yes, DOs and MDs are licensed to practice medicine in all 50 states.
Question 3: Can DOs prescribe medications?
Answer 3: Yes, DOs are fully licensed physicians who can prescribe medications, perform surgery, and provide other medical services.
Question 4: Do DOs and MDs work in the same medical settings?
Answer 4: Yes, DOs and MDs work in the same variety of medical settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices.
Question 5: Do DOs and MDs practice in the same medical specialties?
Answer 5: Yes, DOs and MDs practice in all of the same medical specialties, such as family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, surgery, and obstetrics and gynecology.
Question 6: How do I choose between a DO and an MD?
Answer 6: The best way to choose between a DO and an MD is to talk to your doctor and find out if they are a good fit for your individual needs.
Question 7: Are DOs qualified to provide the same type of medical care as MDs?
Answer 7: Yes, DOs are fully licensed physicians who are qualified to provide the same type of medical care as MDs.
Closing Paragraph for FAQ:
If you have any other questions about DOs, please talk to your doctor or visit the website of the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM).
Now that you know more about DOs, you can make an informed decision about whether to see a DO or an MD for your medical care.
Tips
Here are a few tips for choosing the right DO for you:
Tip 1: Ask your primary care physician for recommendations.
Your primary care physician may be able to recommend a DO who is a good fit for your individual needs.
Tip 2: Look for a DO who is board-certified in your area of need.
Board certification is a voluntary process that demonstrates a doctor's knowledge and skills in a particular area of medicine.
Tip 3: Read online reviews of DOs in your area.
Online reviews can give you a good idea of other patients' experiences with a particular DO.
Tip 4: Schedule a consultation with a DO before making a decision.
A consultation will give you a chance to meet the DO and ask any questions you have about their training and experience.
Closing Paragraph for Tips:
By following these tips, you can find a DO who is qualified to provide you with the best possible medical care.
Now that you know more about DOs and how to choose the right one for you, you can make an informed decision about your medical care.
Conclusion
DOs are fully licensed physicians who have completed the same rigorous training and education as MDs. They are qualified to provide the same type of medical care, including prescribing medications, performing surgery, and providing preventive care.
The main difference between DOs and MDs is that DOs receive additional training in osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT). OMT is a hands-on technique that uses gentle pressure to manipulate the muscles, joints, and bones of the body. DOs use OMT to diagnose and treat a variety of conditions, including back pain, neck pain, and headaches.
Whether you choose to see a DO or an MD, you can be confident that you will be receiving high-quality medical care from a licensed and qualified physician.
Closing Message:
If you are looking for a doctor who takes a whole-person approach to patient care and who is trained in osteopathic manipulative treatment, then a DO may be the right choice for you.