By Jamie Johnson, WCI Contributor

When most people visit the doctor, there are two types of medical professionals they can see—Medical Doctors (MDs) or Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs). Both are fully licensed physicians who are trained to treat and diagnose illnesses, though they do this in slightly different ways. Let’s look at what osteopathic medicine is and some of the biggest differences between MDs and DOs.

 

What Is Osteopathic Medicine?

Osteopathic medicine focuses on a whole-patient approach and emphasizes the relationship between the mind, body, and spirit. The four Tenets of Osteopathic Medicine are:

  • Each person is a unit of mind, body, and spirit.
  • The body has an innate ability to heal itself and maintain health.
  • The body’s structure and its functional processes are linked and influence one another.
  • Treatment should be based on an understanding of the principles of body unity, self-regulation, and the relationship between structure and function.

During medical school, DOs are trained to look beyond just the symptoms and consider any lifestyle and environmental factors that could impact a patient’s well-being. They do utilize treatments like medication and surgery, but they consider other options as well.

 

What Is the Difference Between an MD and a DO?

There are many similarities between MDs and DOs—both go through extensive training, get board-certified, prescribe medicine, and practice across the US However, they attend different types of medical schools.

MDs train in what’s known as allopathic programs, which emphasize a science-based approach to treating diseases. As a result, MDs tend to use traditional methods like medication, surgery, and other interventions to treat illnesses. In comparison, DOs provide holistic, whole-person care and focus on things like prevention. They also received additional training in osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM), which is a hands-on method for diagnosing and treating patients.

MDs currently outnumber DOs by quite a bit—DOs currently account for approximately 11% of all physicians. But the field of osteopathic medicine is growing quickly, and one in every four medical students is enrolled in an osteopathic medical school.

More information here:

DOs vs. MDs – Which Is the Best Degree?

 

How Are DOs Educated and Trained?

DOs go through the same rigorous training as MDs—four years of medical school followed by an internship, residency, and possibly a fellowship. It takes between 7-11 years of training before DOs are licensed and board-certified.

As a first-year resident, DOs take the COMLEX Level 3 to obtain their license to practice medicine. Once they’re licensed and have completed residency, they’ll need to pass the AOA Board Certification exam.

It’s the content of their training that differs from that of MDs. DOs receive a strong emphasis on preventative medicine and comprehensive patient care. And they take an additional 300-500 hours of classes with an emphasis on the musculoskeletal system.

 

Why Choose a DO Over an MD?

Whether you choose a DO or an MD as your personal physician really comes down to preference. Both are highly trained physicians who follow the latest guidelines for disease prevention and treatment. Neither is a better choice; it may just depend on your view of medicine. Patients who are looking for a more holistic approach to treating illnesses and injuries may prefer a DO.

Research shows that patient outcomes are pretty much the same for both. One study found that mortality rates for patients treated by MDs were 9.4%, while patients treated by DOs had a 9.5% mortality rate. The study concluded that the quality and cost of care are similar between MDs and DOs while caring for elderly patients.

 

How to Decide If You Should Become a DO or an MD

It doesn’t really matter whether you become an MD or DO. Both undergo the exact same training, and both will be licensed to practice medicine in all 50 states. Both can write prescriptions, and both can practice any medical specialty.

One thing to consider is that the data shows MDs earn more money on average than DOs. The average annual salary for a DO is $312,000, while MDs earn an average of $363,000. However, this could be because MDs often choose higher-paying specialties while DOs tend to choose primary care.

As you’re weighing both options, consider your philosophy of patient care. Does a holistic, whole-person approach to medicine appeal to you, or do you want to focus on traditional methods like medication and surgery?

More information here:

Choosing Your Physician Board Certification Organization (ABMS, AOA, ABPS)

 

FAQs

 

What Is the Difference Between an MD and a DO?

MDs attend allopathic medical school and use medication and surgery to treat and prevent illnesses. DOs attend osteopathic medical school and focus on treating the whole patient.

 

Do DO Physicians Make as Much Money as MDs?

On average, DOs earn $312,000 per year while MDs earn an average of $363,000 per year. This pay gap is largely because MDs tend to choose higher-paying specialties while DOs tend to prefer primary care.

 

Can DOs Become Surgeons?

Yes, although most US surgeons are MDs, DOs can also specialize in surgical fields. DOs can practice the same surgical fields as MDs, including orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, and more.

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