What is a DO doctor? Is it different from the MD doctor we know? (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine)

We all know a doctor by the two letters "MD" (Medical Doctor) after their name. But have you ever seen some doctors with the two letters "DO" (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) after their name? You might be thinking, "Who is this DO? But a doctor?" Yes, a DO is exactly the same as an MD, a doctor who has practiced medicine and is licensed to prescribe and perform surgery. However, there is a small but very important difference between the two. Let's talk about that today.

What is the main difference between a DO and an MD?

Simply put, an MD and a DO are like two people who have come from different paths to the same journey called medicine. They are both going to the same place, but the path is slightly different.

An MD, that is, a doctor we usually see, usually focuses on your symptoms and illness. For example, if you have back pain, an MD will find the cause, prescribe medication, and perhaps refer you to physical therapy.

But a DO takes it a step further. They look at the "whole-person." That is, they look at not only your back pain, but also everything else that could be contributing to it. They consider how your lifestyle, your job, your stress levels, your diet, your sleep patterns, and more can all contribute to your back pain. They believe that a problem in one part of your body can be caused by something else in another part of your body, or even your mental state.

DO doctors use all the latest in modern medicine, including the latest drugs, surgeries, and technology. In addition, they have specialized training in the musculoskeletal system . Using this knowledge, they also help treat illnesses through a special hands-on treatment.

The four basic principles of osteopathic medicine

There are four basic principles that underlie this "whole person" approach of DO doctors. Once you understand these, the difference in their treatment approach will become very clear to you.

What does a DO doctor look for in particular when treating?

When a DO treats you, they are not only concerned about the disease, but also about things in your life such as:

• Diet: What is your diet like?
• Environment: What is the environment like where you live and work?
• Lifestyle: Do you have any habits like smoking or drinking alcohol?
• Activity level: How active are you during the day?
• Mental and physical health: Do you have depression or anxiety?
• Sleep habits: Do you sleep well?

Because all of this affects your health, a DO will talk to you about all of this and try to find the underlying causes that could be causing the illness. Also, theyPreventive healthcare is given utmost importance .

DO Doctors Work in

Like MDs, DOs specialize in any field of medicine. For example:

• Family health doctors (Primary care)
• Pediatricians
• Obstetricians and Gynecologists (Ob/Gyn)
• Emergency medicine
• Psychiatrists (Psychiatry)
• Surgeons (Surgery)
• Geriatricians

What is the OMT treatment that everyone is talking about?

This is the specialty of a DO. OMT stands for Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment . Simply put, it is a "hands-on treatment".

Imagine that your muscles are tight, your joints are stiff, and you have back and neck pain. What a DO doctor does in OMT treatment is use their hands to very gently and delicately apply pressure to the problem areas of your body, stretching the muscles, moving the joints, and restoring balance to the body.

What happens with OMT treatment?

• Reduces pain.
• Increases the body's ability to move.
• Improves blood circulation.
• Helps the body's natural healing ability.

How to become a DO?

The journey to becoming a DO is similar to becoming an MD.

1. First, you need to complete a bachelor's degree.

2. Then you need to study at a four-year osteopathic medical school.

3. In this medical school, everything that is taught in a general medical school is taught. In addition , 300-500 hours of special training is given in OMT therapy and the musculoskeletal system.

4. After graduating with a medical degree, you can become a specialist in your chosen field by completing internships and residencies, just like an MD.

That is, a DO is a fully qualified, licensed doctor who can treat any disease, prescribe medication, and perform surgery. The only thing they have in common is a special ability called OMT and a medical philosophy that considers the "whole person."

If you want a doctor who thinks about your entire body and lifestyle, finds the root cause of illness, and helps you prevent illness, rather than just treating your symptoms, a DO may be the best choice for you.