What is the difference between an MD physician and osteopathic physician?

MD (Doctor of Medicine) and DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) are both licensed physicians in the United States, but there are some key differences in their training and approach to patient care.

Training

* MD: MDs receive their training from traditional medical schools, which typically offer four years of pre-medical coursework followed by four years of medical school. MD programs typically focus on the scientific basis of medicine and disease.

* DO: DOs receive their training from osteopathic medical schools, which offer a similar curriculum to MD programs but also include additional training in osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM). OMM is a holistic approach to patient care that focuses on the body's musculoskeletal system and its relationship to overall health.

Philosophy of Care

* MD: MDs typically take a more traditional, evidence-based approach to patient care, relying on scientific research and clinical trials to guide their practice.

* DO: DOs take a more holistic approach to patient care, considering the whole person rather than just the symptoms of their illness. They may use OMM in conjunction with traditional medical treatments to help patients achieve optimal health.

Scope of Practice

* MD: MDs are licensed to practice medicine in all 50 states. They can prescribe medication, perform surgery, and order medical tests.

* DO: DOs are also licensed to practice medicine in all 50 states. They can prescribe medication, perform surgery, and order medical tests, just like MDs. Additionally, DOs can use OMM as part of their patient care.

Education

* MD: MD programs are typically four years long and include a mix of classroom instruction, laboratory work, and clinical rotations. MD graduates must pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) in order to practice medicine.

* DO: DO programs are typically also four years long and include similar coursework to MD programs, as well as additional training in osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM). DO graduates must pass the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX-USA) in order to practice medicine.

Residency

* MD: MDs typically complete a three- to seven-year residency in a specific medical specialty, such as internal medicine, surgery, or pediatrics.

* DO: DOs typically complete a three- to seven-year residency in a specific osteopathic medical specialty, such as osteopathic family medicine, osteopathic surgery, or osteopathic pediatrics.

Board Certification

* MD: MDs can become board certified in a specific medical specialty by passing a written examination and meeting other requirements set by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS).

* DO: DOs can become board certified in a specific osteopathic medical specialty by passing a written examination and meeting other requirements set by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA).

In summary, MDs and DOs are both licensed physicians who can provide comprehensive medical care. The main difference between them is that DOs receive additional training in osteopathic manipulative medicine, which is a holistic approach to patient care that focuses on the body's musculoskeletal system.