Garden of Healing®
DOCTOR
The difference between D.O.'s and M.D.'s
QUESTION:
Dear Garden of Healing® Doctor(s):
What is the difference between a D.O. and an M.D.? Can I use a D.O as a primary-care doctor?
ANSWER:
There is very little difference between them, except for a letter. Doctors of medicine and doctors of osteopathy are educated in very similar ways, except D.O.'s are trained in manipulative therapy. This involves moving and stretching a patient's joints and muscles to treat musculoskeletal complaints, such as pain in a person's neck or lower back.
This training reflects how D.O.'s also used to differ from M.D.'s in taking a more holistic approach to patient care, addressing the underlying causes as well as the symptoms of a person's medical problems.
These days, however, most M.D.'s have adopted the D.O. philosophy, virtually eliminating the difference.
If you are looking for a primary-care physician, it's more important to find someone who is board certified in either internal medicine or family medicine.
Both specialties mean the doctor is able to handle all the typical ailments you're likely to come in with.
© 1996-2009 The Garden of Healing® Company. All Rights Reserved.
DOCTOR
The difference between D.O.'s and M.D.'s
QUESTION:
Dear Garden of Healing® Doctor(s):
What is the difference between a D.O. and an M.D.? Can I use a D.O as a primary-care doctor?
ANSWER:
There is very little difference between them, except for a letter. Doctors of medicine and doctors of osteopathy are educated in very similar ways, except D.O.'s are trained in manipulative therapy. This involves moving and stretching a patient's joints and muscles to treat musculoskeletal complaints, such as pain in a person's neck or lower back.
This training reflects how D.O.'s also used to differ from M.D.'s in taking a more holistic approach to patient care, addressing the underlying causes as well as the symptoms of a person's medical problems.
These days, however, most M.D.'s have adopted the D.O. philosophy, virtually eliminating the difference.
If you are looking for a primary-care physician, it's more important to find someone who is board certified in either internal medicine or family medicine.
Both specialties mean the doctor is able to handle all the typical ailments you're likely to come in with.
© 1996-2009 The Garden of Healing® Company. All Rights Reserved.
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