Both MDs and DOs are fully licensed physicians. DOs also train in osteopathic manipulation and take a whole-person approach.
MD
Doctor of Medicine. Allopathic training.
DO
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. Trained in the same medicine plus osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) and a holistic approach.
Same rights
Both are fully licensed physicians. They can prescribe and practice in all specialties.
Training
Four years of medical school, then residency.
Numbers
About 11% of US physicians are DOs.
Which
Choose by skill and fit.
Training and licensing
MD means Doctor of Medicine and DO means Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. Both complete four years of medical school, followed by residency of 3 to 7 years, and both can be licensed in all 50 US states to prescribe medicine and perform surgery. DOs receive additional training in osteopathic manipulative treatment, which uses hands-on techniques for the musculoskeletal system.
- About 11 percent of US physicians are DOs, per the American Osteopathic Association, and over a quarter of medical students now study osteopathic medicine.
- Since 2020, residency programs have been merged under a single accreditation system by the ACGME, so MDs and DOs apply to the same programs.
- MDs take the USMLE exam, DOs take the COMLEX-USA, and many take both.
Which to see
Choose based on credentials, board certification, experience and communication. Both are fully qualified doctors. A DO emphasis on whole-person care and prevention can fit some patients, while MD programs focus on allopathic training. Check the state medical board for licensing and discipline records.
Training and licensing
Both MDs (Doctor of Medicine) and DOs (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) are fully licensed physicians in the US after four years of medical school and residency. DO training includes osteopathic manipulative treatment. About 11 percent of US physicians are DOs, and the number is growing.
Which to see
Both can prescribe medicine and specialize. Choose by board certification, experience and insurance coverage.
Educational path
MDs follow allopathic medical school (about 155 schools in the US) and DOs follow osteopathic school (about 38 schools). Both take licensing exams: USMLE or COMLEX. Since 2020 residency programs merged under the ACGME, allowing both to train together. DOs make up 11 percent of practicing physicians, and 25 percent of students.
Practice
DOs are trained in osteopathic manipulative treatment, a hands on technique, which less than half practice routinely. Both prescribe medication, perform surgery and can be board certified in any specialty. Choose by your fit with the doctor, not the letters. Verify licensure with state medical boards.
Based on data from the American Osteopathic Association and the Association of American Medical Colleges
