I have had some inquiries as to what the difference between an M.D. and a D.O. (Doctor of Osteopathy) is....so I thought I would write a little blog about it. There was a recent "letter to the editor" excerpt written in TIME magazine where an M.D. made some derogatory comments about about D.O.'s. The President of the American Osteopathic Association responded to this letter with some good thoughts:
"Hands Off the Osteopaths
I am deeply disappointed that Scott Haig, M.D., referred to osteopathic physicians (D.O.s) as "osteopathic manipulators" and lumped osteopathy in with what he calls "nothing-really-works-anyway-therapies" [Feb. 12]. D.O.s are physicians who receive extra training to examine and treat patients using a technique called osteopathic manipulative treatment. They also deliver babies, perform brain surgery and serve as family physicians to the underserved. D.O.s have been advocating solutions to issues such as Medicare physician-reimbursement cuts and medical-liability-insurance increases. Haig has done a disservice to 59,000 D.O.s in the U.S., including the former physician to President George H.W. Bush, the former U.S. Army surgeon general and physicians for professional sports teams.
JOHN A. STROSNIDER, D.O., PRESIDENT
AMERICAN OSTEOPATHIC ASSOCIATION"
I am deeply disappointed that Scott Haig, M.D., referred to osteopathic physicians (D.O.s) as "osteopathic manipulators" and lumped osteopathy in with what he calls "nothing-really-works-anyway-therapies" [Feb. 12]. D.O.s are physicians who receive extra training to examine and treat patients using a technique called osteopathic manipulative treatment. They also deliver babies, perform brain surgery and serve as family physicians to the underserved. D.O.s have been advocating solutions to issues such as Medicare physician-reimbursement cuts and medical-liability-insurance increases. Haig has done a disservice to 59,000 D.O.s in the U.S., including the former physician to President George H.W. Bush, the former U.S. Army surgeon general and physicians for professional sports teams.
JOHN A. STROSNIDER, D.O., PRESIDENT
AMERICAN OSTEOPATHIC ASSOCIATION"
Here is how I explain the difference to people:
I think it is crazy, and stupid, to say that one profession is better than the other. I have come across so many doctors in my life....some are awesome, have great bedside manner, and care very much for their patients. Some doctors are in it for the money. Regardless of whether you are a D.O. or M.D., you can find doctors - both good and bad.
When looking at medical schools, it came down to two for me: The University of Iowa (M.D.) and Des Moines University (D.O.). As I researched the schools further, DMU had more of the qualities I was looking for. I wanted to go to a small school....I wanted teachers who had open-door policies and were always available.....and I wanted to learn with a hands-on approach. DMU fit that mold for me....and I have been VERY happy with my decision to go there.
A D.O. has all the same training as an M.D. We take the same curriculum.....have similar schedules......have to pass the state licensing boards......and can practice in any area of medicine. D.O.'s, however, are ALSO trained for 2 years in a modality of treatment called Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine. The philosophy of osteopathic medicine is that the body has the inherent capacity to heal itself...and by aiding the body's own mechanisms, we can help heal the patient. We strive to treat the patient as opposed to just the symptom. It is with this training that I feel I have something different to offer patients. I can treat them the same as any M.D. would - but I can utilize this treatment as well.
I feel proud to be a student of an Osteopathic medical school...and I will be proud to carry the letters D.O. after my name.
