Have you ever asked what the difference is between a doctor with the D.O. degree or the M.D.degree? Are you curious about osteopathic medical treatment?
First, the D.O. and the M.D. are physicians who practice medicine, and they both have medical school training which is fundamentally the same. And both go through a medical internship and residency and licensing.
Both the D.O. and the M.D. may specialize in other areas such as OB-GYN, pediatrics, and so forth. The difference is the D.O. has a main focus on osteopathic treatment, which is a holistic emphasis on health with the musculoskeletal system (bones and muscles). Some doctors with a D.O. degree perform osteopathic manipulative treatment which is a "hand-on" treatment that includes muscle/bone manipulation for certain conditions. So, take note of that when you choose your primary care doctor or specialist.
He or she may have a medical degree with an M.D., or a D.O., but both have a similar practice of medicine. Each also has a unique emphasis that they bring to their practice.
At NorthBay, we have both M.D.s and D.O.s on our medical staff. If you have more questions about the specialized services of a D.O., ask one of our D.O.s or visit the website:
http://www.northbay.org/NorthBayHealthLibrary.aspx?hArticle=37409.
