What is the difference between a DO (osteopathic doctor) and MD (medical doctor)?

DO and MD programs have more similarities than they do differences. Both programs require a four-year undergraduate degree in traditional science-based coursework with two years of clinical rotation. Both degrees will prepare a future physician to work as a fully licensed doctor in any medical specialty. Furthermore, many of the differences between allopathic and osteopathic medical programs are dissolving in the modern healthcare environment. In the past, osteopathys insistence on preventative care and holistic healing distinguished it from allopathic training. The recent emphasis on primary care in MD programs is promoting even greater overlap between the two schools. Even so, there are some important differences between the two degrees. • DO programs concentrate more effort on primary care, training strong, general physicians before specialists. They emphasize preventative care and a holistic approach to patient care, treating the whole person, not just symptoms. • DO programs ...  more