How do DOs and MDs differ?
The primary difference is the philosophical approach of treating the complete patient with a comprehensive focus utilizing the standards of medicines, surgical techniques and the additional capability of osteopathic manipulative techniques. MDs generally are trained to diagnose and treat specific conditions, therefore viewing the patient in parts. For example, an allopathic cardiologist primarily examines a patient’s heart condition, while the osteopathic cardiologist will look not only at the heart condition, but at their stress levels, weight, eating/exercise habits, etc., in order to treat the entire condition that is causing the heart problem. Another difference is that the DO will focus more on the musculoskeletal system and its relationship to the patient’s condition. Accordingly, DOs receive intense training in the musculoskeletal system and its impact on the rest of the body. This involves training in the use of the various osteopathic manipulative techniques. DOs tend to defin
