If you are like most people, you probably don't know the difference
between a medical doctor, M.D., and an osteopathic doctor, D.O.

D.O.’s and M.D.’s are alike in many ways:

• Applicants to both D.O. and M.D. colleges typically have a
  four-year undergraduate degree with an emphasis on science courses
  
  


• Both D.O.’s and M.D.’s complete four years of
  basic medical education
  
  


• After medical school, both D.O.’s and M.D.’s
  can choose to practice in a specialty area of medicine--such
  as psychiatry, surgery, obstetrics, or sports medicine-after
  completing a residency program (typically two to six years of
  additional training)
  
  


• Both D.O.’s and M.D.’s must pass comparable state
  licensing examinations
  
  


• D.O.’s and M.D.’s both practice in fully accredited
  and licensed hospitals and medical centers
  

What Makes D.O.'s Different?

• D.O.’s can perform surgery, child delivery, treat patients,
  and prescribe medications in hospitals and clinic settings.
  
  
  


• D.O.’s look at the "total person." Osteopathic
  physicians focus on preventive care. Instead of just treating
  specific symptoms or illnesses, they look at the whole body.
  
  
  


• D.O.’s receive extra training in the musculoskeletal
  system, which is comprised of the nerves, muscles, and bones.
  This training gives D.O.'s a better understanding of how an
  injury or illness in one part of the body can affect another
  part of the body; therefore, D.O.’s have a therapeutic
  and diagnostic advantage.
  
  


• D.O.’s use what is called osteopathic manipulative
  treatment (OMT). OMT is a technique in which the D.O.’s
  use their hands to diagnose injury and illness, giving special
  attention to the joints, bones, muscles, and nerves. Manipulations
  improve circulation, which in turn, creates a normal nerve and
  blood supply, enabling the body to heal itself.