DO vs MD: Do You Know The Difference?

More than 6 years ago, my husband began exploring the application process to medical schools.  Along the way, we discovered that there are actually two different routes a student can go as a potential physician . . . allopathic and osteopathic.  We ended up going the osteopathic route, which resulted in my husband becoming a DO (Doctor of Osteopathy).

The majority of you probably are already aware of allopathic medicine . . . those doctors known as MDs . . . but, many are not aware of the DOs.  According to the latest statistics announced on the AOA Daily Report, 7% of the entire physician population in the U.S. are osteopathic physicians.  Osteopathic physicians have the same exact practice rights and can be found in every single specialty of medicine.  The question often arises, however, about how DOs differ from MDs.

Let's refer to the American Osteopathic Association website to answer this question . . .

DOs receive extra training in the musculoskeletal system - your body's interconnected system of nerves, muscles and bones that make up two-thirds of your body mass.

Osteopathic medical students do have additional training in what is called OMT or Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment.  Referring back to the American Osteopathic Association for definitions . . .

Osteopathic manipulative treatment, or OMT, is hands-on care.  It involves using the hands to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness or injury.  Using OMT, your osteopathic physician (DO) will move your muscles and joints using techniques including stretching, gentle pressure and resistance.

Despite the differences, here are a few tidbits when discussing allopathic and osteopathic care . . .

• MDs and DOs work side-by-side in caring for patients!
• DOs can actually be accepted into allopathic internships and residencies, but MDs are NOT eligible for osteopathic programs due to the lack of training in OMT.
• ALL medical students must pass comparable board exams . . . DOs take the COMLEX, MDs take the USMLE.  It is also not uncommon to see osteopathic students taking BOTH exams if they intend to apply to allopathic residency programs (though this is not always required).
• ALL medical students complete 4 years of medical school and complete comparable training in all specialties.

Whatever the case may be, I firmly believe as the spouse of a DO working in an allopathic (MD) training program, that by working together as a team, better care can be provided to the patient.  The differences are important to note, but it is these differences that can create infinite possibilities in the field of medicine!

For more information on DOs, I recommend that you visit the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) website or DO-Online.  If you are a spouse, significant other, or supporter of a DO, then I would also recommend that you check out the Advocates to the American Osteopathic Association (AAOA) website.

For more information on MDs, you can visit the American Medical Association (AMA) website.  If you are a spouse, significant other, or supporter of an MD, then check out the American Medical Association (AMA) Alliance.  


In fact, let's not be biased!  How about you check out all those sites because each one has a multitude of benefits and great information!!  In fact, it is my understanding that both will accept members, no matter the designation of MD or DO!