Take a look at your doctor’s credentials. It probably says MD—“Medical Doctor.” That’s the credential held by most physicians in the United States. But what if you see a doctor whose name is followed by the letters DO—”Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine”? What exactly does this mean?
The explanation is very encouraging! Doctors of osteopathic medicine, like medical doctors, are fully licensed physicians, and it’s increasingly common to see them in health care settings like clinics, hospitals, and specialty practices. Specifically, there’s been a 70 percent increase in DOs within the past decade.
As you might expect, there are some key differences, mostly in what type of training they do and their philosophical approach.
First, it’s helpful to understand how DOs and MDs are similar. To achieve these credentials, both of them had to…
- Attend four years of medical school
- Complete a residency program in a medical specialty
And their credentials mean they’re able to prescribe medication, perform surgery, and practice medicine in all 50 states. So, what’s the difference?
A medical doctor follows what would be described as an allopathic approach: There’s a focus on diagnosing and treating disease with medications, surgery, and other conventional methods.
A doctor of osteopathic medicine focuses on, as the name suggests, osteopathic medicine: supporting the body’s ability to heal itself, focusing on the connection between the body’s many systems, and practicing preventative care.
But it’s important to remember that a DO is a legitimate doctor as much as a MD—a DO is not the same as a homeopath, a loose and unregulated label for an alternative healer who does not necessarily have a medical degree. Far from engaging in alternative medicine, a DO will still treat you via surgery and prescriptions, while focusing on what you can do in addition to these medical interventions.
For example, a patient with high blood pressure will likely be prescribed medication from both doctors that could help with their condition, but a DO will emphasize a detailed lifestyle plan focused on diet, exercise, stress management, and sleep to reduce dependence on those medications over time.
So, why does it seem like osteopathic medicine is growing in popularity? There are a few key reasons:
- More medical schools offering osteopathic study: The American Osteopathic Association estimates a quarter of all medical students in the United States are training to be Doctors of Osteopathy.
- Similar training and focus: DOs are training alongside MDs in residency programs and pursuing similar fields like family medicine and pediatrics, where demand is high.
- Holistic appeal: Modern patients appreciate doctors who emphasize whole-person care and prevention, especially in the long term.
