What is the difference between an MD and DO?

MD (Doctor of Medicine):

- Allopathic medicine: MDs follow the traditional Western approach to medicine, which emphasizes scientific research, evidence-based practices, and pharmacological interventions.

- Focus on disease treatment: MDs are trained to diagnose and treat specific medical conditions, with an emphasis on prescribing medications, performing surgeries, and providing medical interventions.

- Residency: After graduating from medical school, MDs complete a residency program in their chosen specialty, which typically lasts three to seven years.

- Licensure: To practice medicine, MDs must obtain a license from the state medical board in the country where they wish to practice.

DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine):

- Osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM): DOs receive additional training in OMM, which involves using hands-on techniques to diagnose and treat various health conditions.

- Holistic approach: DOs take a more holistic approach to medicine, considering the whole person, not just the symptoms of a particular condition.

- Emphasis on preventive care: DOs focus on preventing illnesses and promoting overall health and wellness through lifestyle modifications and patient education.

- Residency: Similar to MDs, DOs complete a residency program in their chosen specialty, which also typically lasts three to seven years.

- Licensure: DOs must obtain a license from the state medical board in order to practice medicine, just like MDs.

In summary, while both MDs and DOs are licensed physicians who can diagnose and treat medical conditions, DOs receive additional training in osteopathic manipulative medicine and emphasize a holistic, patient-centered approach to care.