What is the difference between an MD and a DO in the medical field?
An MD is a medical doctor. A DO is an osteopathic doctor. Similarities: Applicants to both DO and MD colleges typically have a four-year undergraduate degree with an emphasis on science courses. Both DOs and MDs complete four years of basic medical education. After medical school, both DOs and MDs 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 DOs and MDs must pass comparable state licensing examinations. DOs and MDs both practice in fully accredited and licensed hospitals and medical centers. Both are medical doctors; MD is specifically Doctor of Medicine and DO is Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. Differences: DOs can perform surgery, child delivery, treat patients, and prescribe medications in hospitals and clinic settings. DOs look at the “total person.” Osteopathic physicians focus on preventive care. Instead of just treat
