Many people ask what is the difference between a DO and an MD physician, or the difference between a DO and a DC (chiropractor). Hopefully this will help you understand the differences and similarities between the professions.

You can CLICK HERE to watch a video that tells you more about DO's.

DO: Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine

MD: Doctor of Medicine

DC: Doctor of Chiropractic 

Osteopathic Medicine is a system of health care practiced by Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DO). DOs and allopathic physicians (MD) are the only physicians completely trained and licensed, authorized to prescribe medication and perform surgery within the scope of their specialty.

From it's inception in the late 1800's, the emphasis of training for osteopathic physicians has, and always will be, to take a "whole person" approach to medicine. This approach to health care is NOT UNIQUE to DOs, but is one of the most DISTINCTIVE threads running throughout the training of the osteopathic physician. Because the body's structure plays a critical role in its ability to function, osteopathic physicians have extensive training in the musculoskeletal system. They use their eyes and hands to identify structural problems in their patients and then use specific techniques to aid and support the body's natural tendency toward self-healing and health. This system is known as Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT).

All physicians, DO and MD, are required to pass the state medical board examination in order to obtain a license to practice medicine. Each state board sets its own requirement for the practice of medicine in that state.

 There are differences in each fields history of development and manipulation technique, but overall the goal is similar for both disciplines which is to aid the body's innate ability to heal itself.

However, with that being said, there IS A MAJOR DIFFERENCE on the education and practice rights of DOs and DCs:

            -DOs are trained to recognize and treat various medical conditions and determine if manipulation is appropriate and beneficial as an adjunct or as a replacement for conventional medical treatment

            -DOs must pass rigorous board examinations to demonstrate their knowledge in medical, pharmacological, surgical, radiological, and osteopathic fields in order to be LICENSED as a MEDICAL physician EQUAL to their MD counterparts

            -DOs complete at least a 3-year residency in the specialty field of their choice

            -DOs are expected to follow the standard of care equal to MDs

            -DOs have practice rights to perform surgical procedures within their scopof practice

            -DOs have license to prescribe medications 

     All of the above mentioned are expectations/responsibilities DCs DO NOT have.     

     The osteopathic medical profession has evolved from a manipulation-only field to one that includes manipulation, medication, surgery, and diagnostic technology to provide an integrated approach to health care.

Have you ever seen a Physical Therapist who works on increasing your range of motion, helps stretch your muscles, or provides hands on therapy to help soften up tissues?

Or have you ever seen a Chiropractor who has provided adjustments to your spine?

DOs are trained to provide a "hands on" approach to medicine, utilizing techniques similar to those professions mentioned above.

However, DOs attended 4 years of medical school and completed a residency program unlike other professions, and are trained first to "rule out" any medical causes of musculoskeletal pain before considering the use of OMT.

Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment is the use of the DOs hands to help diagnose and treat a patient. The utilization of OMT is dependent on the physical and mechanical findings of the osteopathic physician.  Osteopathic Manipulation serves as an adjunct to, and if appropriate, in replacement of conventional medical treatment. OMT is another tool that the osteopathic physician has to help treat their patients, in addition to their knowledge of pharmacology and surgery.