What is the difference in a MD and a DO? Which has more training?
Question:
Answers:
Both D.O.s and M.D.s typically have a four year undergraduate degree prior to medical training.
Both D.O.s and M.D.s have spent four-years in medical education. Both take the MCAT and are subject to a rigorous application process. Historically, D.O. schools are more open to the non-traditional candidate.
D.O.s, like M.D.s, choose to practice in a specialty area of medicine and complete a residency program ranging from 3-7 years. Some D.O.s complete the same residency programs as their M.D. counterparts.
M.D. students take the USMLE exam and D.O. students take the COMLEX exam . Both must pass a state licensing examination to practice medicine.
D.O.s perform surgery, deliver children, treat patients, prescribe medications and work in the same settings as M.D.s. D.O.s use the same tools, treatments and technologies of medicine as M.D.s.
D.O.s recieve extra training in the musculoskeletal system, which make up the nerves, muscles and bones of a person.
The main difference between the two types of physicians is that D.O.s have been specially trained to perform osteopthic manipulations on patients. They view the patient as a 'total person" and focus on preventative care. They view the whole body rather than treat specific symptoms or illness. D.O.s use Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) in their practice. This involves the use of their hands to diagnose injury and illness and to encourage your body's natural ability to heal. Osteopathic medicine is a fast-growing segment of the United States healthcare field. The American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) states that:
"Because of this whole-person approach to medicine, approximately 60 percent of all D.O.s choose to practice in the primary care disciplines of family practice, general internal medicine and pediatrics. Approximately 40 percent of all D.O.s go on to specialize in a wide range of practice areas. If the medical specialty exists, you will find D.O.s there.
While America’s 47,000 D.O.s account for only 5 percent of the country’s physicians, they handle approximately 10 percent of all primary care visits. D.O.s also have a strong history of serving rural and underserved areas, often providing their unique brand of compassionate, patient-centered care to some of the most economically disadvantaged members of society."
MD is a medical doctor
DO is a doctor of osteopathic medicine.
Honestly, BOTH are still doctors, both go through training. However, osteopathic medical schools are said to be a lot easier to get into than a regular medical school (according to my bio professor). Also, an osteopathic doctor uses more hands on diagnostics and treatment.
Hope this helps. :-)
MD stands for Medical Doctor. A medical doctor is required to obtain an undergraduate pre-med. degree and then complete 4 years of medical school. Afterwards, they typically complete a 4 year residency at a hospital before entering a private practice.
A DO is a Doctor of Osteopath. The intial requirements are the same: an undergraduate degree and 4 years of graduate schools. Except for greater primary care emphasis and education in musculoskeletal diagnosis and treatment, osteopathic medicine practiced in the U.S. is identical to medicine practiced by M.D.'s.
More Questions & Answers...