Could you possibly do a post on the difference between MD & DO? I'm clueless!
The biggest differencebetween MD’s (Medical Doctors) and DO’s (Doctors of Osteopathy) is the twolittle letters behind their names.
DO’s and MD’s can go into all the same specialties, prescribeall the same medications, read the same journal articles, and most DO’s takethe MD board examinations in addition to the DO board examinations. In fact,after graduation from medical school DO’s can attend a DO residency trainingprogram or an MD training program (and with the new singleaccreditation system MD’swill soon be able to apply for DO programs).
Like MD’s, DO’s attend medicalschool for four years and learn all the same subjects. Additionally, we have todo 200+ hours of osteopathicmedical manipulations (kindof like what the chiropractor does, but not quitethe same). Osteopathic manipulations are various techniques to alleviatepain, restores motion, support the body’s natural functions and influence thebody’s structure to help it function more efficiently. In certain patients theycan be used alongside medications to improve patient wellness and healing.
The other difference between MD’s and DO’s is the philosophy.
The osteopathic philosophy focuses on a holistic approach topracticing medicine, meaning treating the patient as a whole—not just thesymptoms or injuries. This holistic approach acknowledges that all the bodysystems are interconnected and that the musculoskeletal system is especiallyimportant in reflecting and affecting the condition of all the other systems.
When it comes to practice, most MD’s and DO’s are virtuallyindistinguishable. There are some who practice medical manipulations, but in aworld of 15 minute appointments and poor insurance reimbursements only somephysicians have found a way to work this into their practice.
For more info visit the AOA’s website,also see my other posts on osteopathy.