MD vs DO: What’s the Difference When Choosing a Doctor?
How medical doctors and doctors of osteopathic medicine compare
How medical doctors and doctors of osteopathic medicine compare
When looking for a new doctor, you want someone who listens and understands your needs and can give you the right care.
As you check profiles, you may see the letters MD or DO after a doctor’s name. Even if you don’t know what those letters mean, it’s good to know that both stand for highly trained, licensed doctors.
MD formally stands for Doctor of Medicine while DO stands for Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. Both types of doctors diagnose and treat illnesses, prescribe medications and perform surgery when needed. They each complete four years of medical school, hands-on clinical training, board exams and residency programs. Both can specialize in any field of medicine.
The main difference between the two is in their approach to patient care. MDs follow a traditional medical approach. DOs learn a holistic whole person approach, where the philosophy that structure and function are interconnected is emphasized in their medical school curriculum.
“Even though DOs have a somewhat different approach in medical school, patients aren’t likely to notice much difference when they’re in the exam room,” says Stephanie Posadas, DO, a family medicine physician at Scripps Coastal Medical Center San Marcos. “We both share the same goal — providing high-quality, compassionate care that helps people feel their best.”
Knowing the similarities and differences between MDs and DOs can help you feel confident choosing a doctor who fits you health needs and personal style.
MD vs DO: What's the difference?
Most patients today feel comfortable seeing either an MD or a DO. Many don’t even notice a difference.
But this was not always the case. Years ago, DOs were less known and their whole-person approach, sometimes led to misunderstandings about their training.
As osteopathic medicine has grown, more DOs have joined hospitals, clinics and specialty fields, helping outdated assumptions steadily fade.
Modern osteopathic medical programs are fully integrated into the U.S. medical training system. DOs receive the same scientific and clinical instructions as MDs and follow similar residency pathways and licensing standards.
What sets DOs apart is their additional training in the musculoskeletal system. They are trained in osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), a hands-on method used to improve mobility, ease pain and support the body’s natural healing. Many patients appreciate this extra skill, especially for muscle and joint problems, posture issues or chronic pain.
Today, DOs work in all areas of medicine, including primary care, surgery and cardiology. Their increasing presence in medical schools, large hospitals and competitive fields has helped make osteopathic training more widely understood and accepted.
“A DO, just like an MD, is a fully licensed physician who practices the same scope of medicine. We can order tests and imaging, prescribe medications and perform procedures just like any MD. We have the same profession and role, just different degrees,” says Dr. Posadas. “The difference is that our training adds a more holistic view of care. We learn that the body and mind are one unit — that structure and function are interconnected.”
Training and philosophies
MDs and DOs follow very similar education paths. Both must complete rigorous pre-med courses and need to score well on the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). Both must complete four years of medical school and take board exams followed by residency training.
During medical school, students in both programs learn anatomy, physiology, pharmacology and clinical medicine. They also rotate through core specialties like internal medicine, pediatrics, surgery and obstetrics-gynecology. This shared foundation prepares both MDs and DOs to diagnose illnesses, manage complex conditions and care for patients in any medical setting.
While MD and DO programs share the same high standards, they differ in where they place their emphasis.
MD programs follow the traditional biomedical model, focusing on diagnosing and treating disease using medications, procedures and advanced medical technology.
DO programs offer the same scientific and clinical training as MD programs but also emphasize an osteopathic philosophy. This approach focuses on caring for the whole person and understanding how lifestyle, environment, emotional health and the body’s structure all work together to support well-being.
DO students also receive about 200 additional hours of training in the musculoskeletal system and osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT). OMT is a hands-on technique used to help ease pain, improve movement and support the body’s natural ability to heal.
Exams and licensing
Both MDs and DOs must meet the same high standards to practice medicine in the U.S. They complete extensive training, pass national board exams and earn state medical licenses to ensure they can deliver safe, high-quality care.
MD students take the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE), which evaluates medical knowledge, clinical judgment and patient-care skills.
DO students take the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX-USA), which measures core medical skills along with osteopathic principles and manipulative medicine. Many DO students take both COMLEX and USMLE to broaden their residency options.
After testing, both MDs and DOs apply for state medical licenses, complete background checks, and fulfill continuing education requirements. Many also pursue board certification to show advanced expertise in their specialty.
Residency and specialization opportunities
After passing their exams, both MDs and DOs begin residency programs for hands-on experience. They can choose from many fields, including primary care, surgery and psychiatry.
DOs in the workforce
Most doctors in the U.S. are MDs, but the number of DOs has grown in recent years. Today, there are almost 150,000 osteopathic physicians. They make up over 11% of all practicing doctors. Also, more than 25% of U.S. medical students are now studying osteopathic medicine.
Many DOs choose their specific training path because it aligns with their personal and professional philosophies about health and patient care. More than half of DOs practice in primary care, focusing on internal medicine, family medicine and pediatrics.
MD vs DO: Which doctor should you choose?
There is no difference in the quality of care between MDs and DOs. Both are trained and licensed doctors. They diagnose and treat illnesses, prescribe medication and perform surgery. When choosing a physician, your best option often depends on the doctor’s style, how they communicate and your comfort level.
If you prefer a traditional medical approach focused on diagnosing and treating disease, an MD might be the best choice for you. If you want a whole-person view and hands-on techniques for musculoskeletal health, a DO may be a better fit. Many patients also appreciate that DOs emphasize lifestyle, prevention and long-term wellness.
What matters most when choosing a doctor
Most people choose a doctor based on what matters most to their health and daily life. When looking for a new primary care provider, for example, consider the following:
Experience and expertise: Does the doctor treat your specific health issues?
Communication style: Do you feel heard and supported? Is the information clear?
Insurance and cost: Is the doctor in your network to help manage costs and avoid surprise bills?
Location and convenience: Is the clinic easy to get to? Are there good appointment times and virtual visit options?
Trust and comfort: Do you feel respected and confident in your care?
“Instead of focusing too much on whether a doctor is a DO or an MD, look for someone you can build a good relationship with,” Dr. Posadas says. “Having trust and open communication with your doctor is fundamental to receiving good care.”
The most important thing is finding a doctor who understands your needs. They should make you feel supported on your health journey.