DO vs. MD: Understanding the Difference
Both DOs and MDs are physicians who diagnose and treat medical conditions, prescribe medications, order tests, perform procedures, and care for patients throughout their lives.
The primary difference is the philosophy behind their medical education.
Doctors of Medicine (MDs) receive training based on the allopathic medical model, which focuses on diagnosing and treating disease using modern medical science.
Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs) receive the same foundation in modern medicine while also learning osteopathic principles that emphasize the relationship between the body’s structure and function, preventive care, and treating the patient as a whole.
Both approaches rely on evidence-based medicine and share the same goal: helping patients achieve and maintain better health.
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Are DOs Real Doctors?
Yes, Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine are fully licensed physicians.
DOs attend four years of medical school after completing their undergraduate education. They study subjects such as anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, pathology, and medical diagnosis. After medical school, DOs complete residency training in their chosen specialty, just like MDs.
DOs can:
- Diagnose illnesses and medical conditions
- Prescribe medications
- Order laboratory tests and imaging
- Perform medical procedures
- Treat acute and chronic conditions
- Practice in any medical specialty
You will find DOs practicing family medicine, emergency medicine, pediatrics, surgery, internal medicine, psychiatry, and many other areas of healthcare.
The difference is not what a DO is allowed to do. The difference is the perspective they bring to caring for patients.
DO vs. MD: Similarities and Differences
When comparing DOs and MDs, the similarities are much greater than the differences.
Both types of physicians:
- Attend medical school
- Complete residency training
- Pass medical licensing examinations
- Diagnose and treat medical conditions
- Prescribe medications
- Work in hospitals and private practices
- Provide preventive and ongoing care
The primary distinction is that osteopathic medical students receive additional education in osteopathic philosophy and Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT).
DO | MD | |
Medical degree | Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine | Doctor of Medicine |
Medical school training | Four years | Four years |
Residency training | Required | Required |
Can prescribe medication | Yes | Yes |
Can practice all medical specialties | Yes | Yes |
Additional training | Osteopathic principles and OMT | Traditional medical curriculum |
While the educational paths have some differences, both DOs and MDs are trained physicians who provide high-quality medical care.
What Makes Osteopathic Medicine Different?
The biggest difference is the osteopathic philosophy of treating the whole person.
Osteopathic physicians are trained to look beyond a patient’s immediate symptoms and consider how different parts of the body, lifestyle factors, environment, and personal health history may influence overall wellness.
For example, a patient experiencing recurring headaches may benefit from more than simply treating the headache itself. An osteopathic physician may also consider factors such as:
- Sleep quality
- Stress levels
- Posture
- Muscle tension
- Daily habits
- Nutrition
- Overall health history
This does not mean osteopathic physicians ignore traditional medical treatments. Instead, they combine modern medicine with a broader understanding of the factors that influence health.
The goal is not simply to treat a symptom. The goal is to understand the person experiencing it.
What Is Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT)?
One unique aspect of osteopathic medical training is education in Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment, commonly called OMT.
OMT is a hands-on approach that allows osteopathic physicians to evaluate and treat certain issues related to the body’s muscles, joints, and connective tissues. It is based on the osteopathic principle that structure and function are closely connected.
Depending on the patient and condition, OMT may be used as part of a treatment plan for concerns such as:
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Joint discomfort
- Certain headaches
- Muscle tension
- Mobility limitations
- Some sports-related injuries
OMT is only one tool available to a DO. Osteopathic physicians also use medications, diagnostic testing, referrals, lifestyle recommendations, and other treatments when appropriate.
Not every patient needs OMT, but it provides osteopathic physicians with an additional option when hands-on treatment may support a patient’s care.
Will My Experience Be Different With a DO?
Every physician has their own approach to practicing medicine, regardless of whether they are a DO or MD.
However, many patients appreciate the osteopathic emphasis on listening carefully, understanding the whole person, and considering prevention alongside treatment.
At Osteopathic Healing Arts, this philosophy pairs naturally with the Direct Primary Care model.
Traditional healthcare settings often require physicians to see large numbers of patients in short appointments. Direct Primary Care allows for a different experience by creating more time for meaningful conversations, detailed evaluations, and personalized care planning.
That extra time allows Dr. Starkman to focus on questions that are sometimes difficult to explore during a rushed appointment:
- What factors may be contributing to your symptoms?
- How is your lifestyle affecting your health?
- What can we do to prevent future problems?
- What treatment approach best fits your goals?
The result is a healthcare experience centered around partnership rather than simply managing problems as they arise.
Common Questions About DOs and MDs
Is a DO the same as an MD?
DOs and MDs are both licensed physicians. They receive similar medical training and can diagnose, treat, and manage medical conditions. The main difference is that DOs receive additional training in osteopathic principles and OMT.
Do DOs go to medical school?
Yes. DOs attend four years of medical school and complete residency training after graduation.
Can DOs prescribe medication?
Yes. DOs can prescribe medications just like MDs.
Can DOs work in hospitals?
Yes. DOs practice in hospitals, clinics, private practices, and healthcare systems throughout the country.
Is osteopathic medicine the same as chiropractic care?
No. Osteopathic medicine is a branch of physician-led medical care. While both professions may use hands-on techniques, DOs are fully licensed physicians who provide comprehensive medical care.
Is osteopathic medicine the same as homeopathy?
No. Despite the similarity in names, osteopathic medicine and homeopathy are completely different fields.
Osteopathic physicians are medical doctors who use evidence-based medicine, diagnostic testing, medications, procedures, and other treatments as appropriate.
Choosing a DO at Osteopathic Healing Arts
Choosing a physician is about more than credentials. It is about finding someone whose approach to healthcare matches your needs and goals.
At Osteopathic Healing Arts, osteopathic medicine and Direct Primary Care come together to provide a more personal approach to healthcare. By spending more time with patients and focusing on the individual rather than just the diagnosis, Dr. Starkman works to create a partnership that supports long-term health and wellness.
Whether you are managing an ongoing condition, looking for a new primary care physician, or simply want a healthcare relationship built around more time and attention, osteopathic medicine offers a unique perspective on caring for the whole person.
Osteopathic Medicine Learning Center
- What Is Osteopathic Medicine?
- Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT)
- Your First Visit at OHA
- Conditions We Treat