What Does A Do Doctor Do

Ever wondered about the difference between an MD and a DO? While both are fully licensed physicians, Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs) bring a unique holistic approach to patient care. They're trained in all areas of medicine, just like their MD counterparts, but they also receive extensive training in osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), a hands-on technique used to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness or injury.

Understanding the role of a DO is important because it empowers you to make informed decisions about your healthcare. Choosing a healthcare provider is a deeply personal process. Knowing the different philosophies and skill sets that physicians bring to the table can ensure you find a doctor who aligns with your values and health needs. Whether you're seeking primary care, specialized treatment, or simply exploring healthcare options, knowing what a DO offers expands your possibilities for optimal health and well-being.

What Exactly Does a DO Doctor Do?

What conditions do DO doctors typically treat?

DOs (Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine) are trained as primary care physicians and can treat a wide range of conditions, just like MDs (Medical Doctors). This includes everything from common illnesses like colds and flu, to chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease, and musculoskeletal problems such as back pain and arthritis. They are licensed to practice in all areas of medicine and surgery.

DOs emphasize a holistic approach to patient care, considering the interconnectedness of the body's systems. While they utilize the same diagnostic tools and treatment options as MDs, including prescription medications and surgery, they also have additional training in osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT). This hands-on technique is used to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal issues by manipulating the muscles and joints to improve circulation, relieve pain, and restore proper function. Because of their comprehensive medical training and added focus on the musculoskeletal system, DOs are well-equipped to manage a broad spectrum of health concerns. Many DOs work in primary care fields like family medicine, internal medicine, and pediatrics, serving as their patients' main point of contact for healthcare. Others specialize in areas such as sports medicine, pain management, and emergency medicine, often incorporating OMT into their treatment plans when appropriate. The conditions they address can be acute or chronic, affecting any part of the body, and their treatment approach is tailored to each individual patient's needs.

How does osteopathic medicine differ from conventional medicine?

Osteopathic medicine, practiced by Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs), shares many similarities with conventional medicine (practiced by MDs), including using medication, surgery, and technology to diagnose and treat illness. The core difference lies in osteopathic medicine's holistic philosophy, emphasizing the interconnectedness of the body's systems and the importance of the musculoskeletal system in overall health. DOs receive additional training in osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), a hands-on approach to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness or injury.

DOs, like MDs, are fully licensed physicians who can specialize in any area of medicine, such as cardiology, pediatrics, or surgery. They attend medical school, complete residencies, and pass the same licensing exams as their MD counterparts. However, during their training, DOs receive approximately 200 hours of instruction in OMT. This involves learning to use their hands to diagnose structural imbalances and to treat patients through techniques like stretching, massage, and articulation. The aim of OMT is to restore proper musculoskeletal function, which DOs believe can alleviate pain, improve circulation, and enhance the body's natural healing capabilities. The osteopathic approach considers the patient as a whole, taking into account lifestyle, environment, and emotional well-being, in addition to physical symptoms. While both DOs and MDs are committed to evidence-based medicine, DOs often integrate OMT and a broader focus on preventative care into their practice. This means a DO might not only prescribe medication for high blood pressure, for example, but also recommend lifestyle changes, address underlying stress, and use OMT to improve circulation and reduce musculoskeletal tension that could be contributing to the problem.

What is osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT)?

Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) is a hands-on set of techniques Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs) use to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness or injury by moving a patient’s muscles and joints using techniques that include stretching, gentle pressure, and resistance. The goal of OMT is to restore proper structure and function, allowing the body to heal itself.

OMT is based on the osteopathic philosophy that the body is an interconnected unit, and that the musculoskeletal system plays a vital role in overall health. DOs believe that restrictions or imbalances in the body's structure can impair its function, leading to pain, illness, and other health problems. OMT aims to address these structural issues, thereby alleviating symptoms and promoting well-being.

The techniques employed in OMT vary depending on the patient's needs and the specific condition being treated. Some common OMT techniques include:

OMT is often used to treat musculoskeletal pain, such as back pain, neck pain, and headaches, but it can also be beneficial for a wide range of other conditions, including asthma, sinus problems, and carpal tunnel syndrome. DOs tailor OMT to each patient's individual needs, considering their overall health and lifestyle.

What kind of training do DO doctors receive?

DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) doctors undergo rigorous and comprehensive medical training that mirrors that of MD (Doctor of Medicine) physicians. They complete four years of medical school, followed by residency training in a specialty area, just like their MD counterparts. The core difference lies in the DO's additional training in osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT).

The DO curriculum includes all the foundational sciences and clinical rotations found in MD programs, covering areas such as anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, and obstetrics/gynecology. However, DO students also receive approximately 200 hours of specialized training in OMT. This hands-on training focuses on the musculoskeletal system and how its structure impacts overall health. They learn to diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries through manual techniques like stretching, massage, and articulation, aiming to restore proper body mechanics and function. After medical school, DOs complete residencies in their chosen specialties, which can range from family medicine and internal medicine to surgery, cardiology, or neurology. These residencies are typically completed alongside MD residents in the same hospitals and healthcare systems, providing equivalent clinical experience. Upon completion of residency, DOs are eligible to sit for board certification exams in their respective specialties, further demonstrating their competence and expertise. Ultimately, DOs are fully licensed physicians qualified to diagnose and treat medical conditions, prescribe medications, and perform surgery across all areas of medicine.

Can a DO prescribe medication and perform surgery?

Yes, a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) can absolutely prescribe medication and perform surgery. DOs are fully licensed physicians who practice in all areas of medicine, utilizing the same diagnostic tools and treatments as their MD (Medical Doctor) counterparts.

DOs receive comprehensive medical training that includes not only the standard curriculum of medical school but also emphasizes a holistic, whole-person approach to patient care. This includes specialized training in the musculoskeletal system and osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT). While OMT is a unique tool in the DO's skillset, it doesn't limit their ability to utilize other medical interventions. They are equipped to diagnose illnesses, order and interpret tests, prescribe medications, perform surgeries, and manage chronic conditions, just as any other licensed physician would. The scope of practice for a DO is determined by state licensing boards, and in every state, DOs are granted the same legal authority to practice medicine as MDs. They can specialize in any area of medicine, from primary care and pediatrics to surgery, cardiology, and oncology. Many DOs practice in underserved rural areas, providing essential medical care to communities with limited access to physicians.

Where might a DO doctor practice medicine?

DOs (Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine) are licensed physicians who can practice medicine in all 50 states and in many countries around the world. They have the same practice rights and privileges as MDs (Doctors of Medicine), meaning they can work in virtually any medical setting.

DOs can be found in a wide array of medical specialties and practice settings. This includes primary care fields like family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, and obstetrics/gynecology, where they often focus on preventative care and wellness. However, they also work in highly specialized fields such as surgery, cardiology, oncology, neurology, and emergency medicine. You'll find DOs in private practices, hospitals (both urban and rural), academic medical centers, urgent care clinics, community health centers, the military, and even in research settings. The osteopathic approach emphasizes a holistic view of the patient, considering the interconnectedness of the body's systems. While this approach is integrated into all aspects of their practice, DOs are particularly well-represented in fields that benefit from manual medicine techniques, such as sports medicine, physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R), and pain management. The versatility of their training allows them to adapt their skills to the specific needs of their patients and the demands of their chosen medical environment, making them valuable contributors to the healthcare system across diverse settings.

Do DO doctors specialize in specific areas of medicine?

Yes, DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) physicians absolutely specialize in specific areas of medicine, just like their MD (Doctor of Medicine) counterparts. They can pursue careers in virtually any medical specialty, from primary care fields like family medicine, internal medicine, and pediatrics, to surgical specialties like neurosurgery, orthopedic surgery, and cardiovascular surgery, and other diverse areas like dermatology, psychiatry, and radiology.

DOs and MDs receive very similar training, especially after graduation. Following medical school, both DOs and MDs complete residencies and fellowships to specialize in a particular field. These residency programs are increasingly integrated, with many DOs and MDs training together in the same programs. Furthermore, both DOs and MDs must pass rigorous board certification exams to become certified specialists in their chosen fields. This certification is the standard for demonstrating expertise and competence in a specific area of medicine. The misconception that DOs primarily focus only on musculoskeletal issues or manipulation stems from the osteopathic philosophy emphasizing a holistic, whole-person approach to patient care. Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) is a set of hands-on techniques DOs are trained in and can utilize, but it is just one tool in their toolkit. Many DOs in specialized fields may not even use OMT regularly in their practices, focusing instead on the diagnostic and treatment modalities common to their specialties. The choice to incorporate OMT into their practice is a personal one, based on their interests and the needs of their patients.

Hopefully, this has given you a clearer picture of what a DO doctor does! They're really all about treating the whole person and bringing a unique, hands-on approach to healthcare. Thanks for reading, and we hope you'll come back soon for more helpful info about all things medical!