[Rhodes22-list] DO vs MD

[mbersonod at aol.com]

Hi All and Happy New Year!  My son is in his 1st year at Phila College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM).   I thought the following might be informative...



M.D. or D.O.?
So, you've narrowed down the type or primary care doctor you'd like to see. Now you may have questions about whether you'd prefer an M.D. or a D.O. Here is some information to help you choose.

M.D. stands for medical doctor, a doctor who trained at a medical school. D.O. stands for doctor of osteopathic medicine, who trained at a college of osteopathic medicine. They represent two branches of medicine that started out completely separate but have grown more alike over 125 years. Both types of physicians spend the same number of years training, must pass a licensing exam, and are licensed to provide all types of medical care, including surgery.

Most people are familiar with how medical doctors are trained in understanding the body and treating disease. Osteopathic medicine was founded in 1874 based on a "whole person" approach that emphasizes preventive care and wellness. Osteopaths also receive ongoing training in the musculoskeletal system, and some but not all osteopaths perform osteopathic manipulative treatments. Because of this "whole person" approach, about two-thirds of osteopaths choose to become primary care doctors.

Today, the two branches of medicine seem more alike than different. M.D.s emphasize preventive care and wellness, and a growing number of osteopaths are choosing to become specialists.


Marc Berson, O.D. (doctor of Optometry)
Shpilkes '85 Rhodes