MD vs DO
"The only difference between MD and DO..... is the letters; so choose whichever letter you like" ~anonymous doctor
What is a DO vs. MD?
Doctor of Medicine (MD): Physicians with an MD degree train in allopathic medicine. It’s the more traditional of the two philosophies and it’s what many people consider “modern medicine.” Allopathic medicine emphasizes using medications to treat illnesses that are usually diagnosed by tests or procedures, such as a complete blood count or X-ray.
MD physicians attend med schools accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME).
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO): Physicians with a DO degree train in osteopathic medicine, which takes a more holistic approach. What a holistic medical approach actually means is placing additional focus on the following (watch Doctor Mike to see how he explains holistic medicine). It focuses more on treating the body as a whole instead of treating specific conditions. Students of osteopathic medicine learn how to evaluate people with the same tools and procedures that students of allopathic medicine do. However, they also learn how to use osteopathic manual medicine (OMM), sometimes called osteopathic manipulative treatment. This involves using the hands to diagnose, treat, or prevent injuries or illnesses.
Examples of OMM during a physical exam include:
stretching out a limb, such as unfolding an arm
applying gentle pressure or resistance to specific areas
feeling someone’s bones, joints, organs, or other structures through their skin
The body’s ability to heal itself
Prevention
It’s important to note that all DOs learn these techniques, but not every DO uses them in their medical practice.
The American Osteopathic Association (AOA) Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA) accredits DO programs.
DO vs. MD: similarities
Both MD and DO physicians:
Must complete the same medical school requirements (e.g., Bachelor’s degree, MCAT, extracurricular activities).
Must gain certain extracurricular experiences for medical school during their undergrad and post-bacc years (e.g., clinical shadowing, patient exposure, community service, volunteering).
Attend four years of accredited medical schools
Base diagnostic and treatment decisions on science
Can be licensed to practice medicine in all 50 states
Can write the same prescriptions
Can practice any medical specialty
DO vs. MD: differences
Medical students in DO programs must complete 200 hours of osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT; physically manipulating body tissue to treat patients) training beyond the typical medical curriculum. MD students do not receive OMT training during medical school.
Whereas MD students have to pass the United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE) to obtain licensure, DO students must pass the Comprehensive Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX) to obtain their medical license.
Sources: https://www.healthline.com/health/difference-between-md-and-do#allopathy-vs-osteopathy & https://www.shemmassianconsulting.com/blog/md-vs-do-admissions-what-are-the-differences
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