What is the difference between an MD and a DO?

By Kristen Romesburg, D.O.
Lakeside Primary Care
Waterdam Plaza, McMurray
www.lakesideprimarycare.net
724.969.1001

I’m often asked, “What is the difference between an M.D. and a D.O.?”

In the Unites States, full practicing physicians must obtain one of two degrees,
M.D. or D.O. Many people have gone to both MDs and DOs without noticing a
difference. D.O. stands for Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. Osteopathy was
founded in the U.S. in 1874 by Andrew Taylor Still, M.D. So, it can be thought of
as American medicine.

Osteopathic medicine is based mainly on the idea that the body has the ability to
heal itself, and as physicians we should just be helping that process. Also, that
structure and function are intertwined—essentially meaning that what we feel on
the outside indicates what’s happening on the inside. Finally, that as a physician,
you are treating the whole person (body, mind and spirit).

In the big picture, M.D.s and D.O.s go through the same training: four years
of college, four years of medical school and then internship, residency and
sometimes fellowship before taking boards and becoming a board-certified
physician.

D.O.s like M.D.s can specialize in anything from family practice to brain
surgery. The difference is that during the four years of medical school, D.O.s get
extra training in osteopathic manipulation.

So, what is osteopathic manipulation?

It is "hands-on" or manual therapy. Chiropractors, physical therapists and
massage therapists all use manual therapy. We do learn how to "crack" your
back, but usually we use more gentle techniques to accomplish the same
outcome. Some techniques feel like massage and some techniques feel like
stretching. We use these techniques to treat many kinds of problems including
but not limited to:

• Back pain
• Neck pain
• Hip pain
• Muscle strain
• Headaches
• Sinus problems
• Ear aches
• Breathing problems

Osteopathic manipulation is covered by most insurance plans with a co-pay. If
you would like to receive more information about osteopathic manipulation or you
would like to be evaluated for treatment, please call our office 724-969-1001.

For more information of osteopathic medicine please visit these websites.
www.osteopathic.org
www.acofp.org