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Differences between MD and DO
MD and DO are titles referring to the type of degree and licensing of a doctor. The primary difference is the philosophy behind the approaches to medicine.
Key Takeaways
- MDs attend Allopathic Medical Colleges
- DOs attend Osteopathic Medical Colleges
- MDs and DOs train side by side, attending the same residency and fellowship programs
MD
MD stands for doctor of medicine, and physicians with this degree adhere to allopathic medicine practices, treating pathologies using a range of drugs, surgeries, or therapies that are categorized as “western” or “orthodox” medicine.
DO
DO stands for doctor of osteopathic medicine, and physicians with this degree will be trained in conventional medicine similar to MDs, but they receive additional training in holistic healthcare and osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM).