What is a Do Doctor?

For many years, prospective medical students have seen the prestigious “Doctor of Medicine”, commonly referred to as “MD”, as a highly sought-after degree when entering medical school. Now, the medical field has changed and so have the degree options available. With the evolution of medical education, a new degree has entered the medical field: the Doctor of Osteopathic medicine, commonly known as a “DO”.

What is Osteopathic Medicine?

Osteopathic medicine is a form of medical practice that focuses on the holistic healing involving the body, mind, and spirit. It emphasizes the body’s natural healing process, the interconnections between all parts of the body, and the importance of prevention and wellness. An important technique utilized in this type of medicine is the manipulation of the body, which is often referred to as “Osteopathy” or “Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM)”.

Differences between a DO and an MD

The biggest difference between a DO and an MD is their approach to medicine. DOs utilize hands-on diagnosis and treatments, such as Osteopathy, as well as traditional diagnosis and treatments. Furthermore, DOs emphasize the importance of preventive care, focusing more on “whole-person health”, which often means treating a patient with diet and exercise, for example, rather than simply writing a prescription. On the other hand, MDs take the traditional approach to medicine. MDs employ diagnostic testing and treatments and are more focused on treating a specific illness or condition.

In conclusion, a DO is a medical doctor who practices osteopathic medicine. This field of medicine focuses on the body’s natural ability to heal and lays focus on preventive care. Motion, such as Osteopathy, is also an important technique for a DO. DOs and MDs both offer valuable paths in their respective fields and it ultimately depends on the patient what type of doctor’s advise they choose to receive.