What is a D.O.?
You know what an M.D. is, but have you ever been treated by a D.O.? While both degrees mean your doctor is a licensed physician, their training differs slightly, and each has a unique perspective on care.
A D.O. follows osteopathic methodology and an M.D. is trained in an allopathic method. While these doctors attended different medical schools, they hold the
same licensure, take the same board exams, and practice at the same hospitals and clinics in the same specialties. Today, patients are unlikely to notice major differences in treatment.
What is Osteopathy?
Doctors of osteopathic medicine regard the body as an integrated whole rather
than treating for specific symptoms only, according to the American Osteopathic Association. Allopathic (M.D.) medicine focuses on specific disease states, symptoms and treatments whereas Osteopathic (D.O.) medicine addresses conditions from both a medical and lifestyle perspective, taking into account the whole body, general health and environment of the patient.
Although both M.D.s and D.O.s receive similar education, D.O. programs require 300-500 hours of additional training focused on the musculoskeletal system.