MD vs. DO: What’s the Real Difference—and Why It Matters Less Than You Think

Just because something has a different name doesn't mean it has a different value.

by Andy Lee

I was thinking about the letters behind your doctor’s name.

Specifically, those two that often confuse folks: MD vs. DO. It’s one of those things most people have heard of but couldn’t exactly explain—kind of like the difference between a credit union and a bank, or jam and jelly. You know they’re similar, but you’d be hard-pressed to articulate exactly how.

So, let’s clear up some misconceptions. Because while there are some differences between an MD (Doctor of Medicine) and a DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine), there’s a lot more overlap than people realize. In fact, the biggest differences have more to do with philosophy and perception than actual training or capability.

The Training: Same Core, Extra Layers

Here’s the big headline: MDs and DOs are both fully licensed physicians. Both go through four years of medical school, both take board licensing exams, both do internships and residencies, and both can specialize in any field of medicine—surgery, dermatology, emergency medicine, psychiatry, you name it.

They are equals under the law, in the hospital, and in the clinic. If your DO is working in a trauma center or leading a surgical team, it’s because they’re just as qualified as their MD counterparts. Period.

But here’s something a lot of people don’t know: DOs actually receive more training in certain areas. That’s right—more, not less.

Specifically, osteopathic medical students receive additional training in something called Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT). This is a hands-on approach to diagnosis and treatment that involves using the hands to move muscles and joints to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness or injury. Think of it as a more structured, medically-trained approach to what chiropractors attempt to do—but with a deeper foundation in anatomy, physiology, and internal medicine.

On average, DO students receive about 200 additional hours of musculoskeletal training. That’s not fluff; that’s focused education in how the structure of the body impacts its function.

The Philosophy: Whole-Person Care

This is where the biggest difference lies—not in capability, but in mindset.

Osteopathic medicine was founded in the late 1800s by Dr. Andrew Taylor Still, who believed that medical care should treat the person, not just the disease. He emphasized the interconnection of body systems, the importance of preventive care, and the body’s ability to heal itself when properly supported.

That idea stuck. DOs today are trained with that philosophy front and center. They’re taught to take a whole-person approach to care, factoring in not just the symptoms, but the patient’s lifestyle, emotional health, social environment, and long-term well-being.

It doesn’t mean MDs don’t do this too—plenty of them absolutely do. But in osteopathic medicine, this idea is baked into the curriculum from day one. It’s not a bonus. It’s the foundation.

This means DOs may be more likely to:

• Spend more time talking with patients about lifestyle and habits

• Use touch and physical assessment more in diagnosis and treatment

• Incorporate complementary treatments alongside conventional medicine

• Emphasize prevention as much as cure

Again, this doesn’t mean every DO practices this way, or that MDs don’t. But it’s a philosophical lean. Think of it like two chefs trained in the same culinary school—one leans toward rustic farm-to-table cooking, and the other leans toward molecular gastronomy. Same core skills, different angles.

Misconceptions That Need to Go

Let’s tackle a few myths while we’re here:

1. “DOs aren’t real doctors.”
False. 100% false. DOs go through medical school, clinical rotations, and licensing boards just like MDs. They are doctors, period.

2. “DOs can’t specialize.”
Wrong again. DOs can and do specialize in every area of medicine, including highly competitive fields like orthopedic surgery, cardiology, and neurosurgery. In fact, you’ve probably been treated by a DO and didn’t even realize it.

3. “DOs are only primary care physicians.”
Not true. While a higher percentage of DOs choose primary care—often because of their whole-body philosophy—they are found in all specialties.

4. “OMT is just woo-woo stuff.”
Nope. OMT is evidence-based and practiced by board-certified physicians. It’s not about energy fields or snake oil—it’s about biomechanical function and physical medicine.

So Why Does This Still Confuse People?

Some of it is marketing and tradition. MD programs have been around longer and dominate the media, research institutions, and hospitals—especially in the past. The term “Doctor of Medicine” just sounds more familiar to the average person.

And to be fair, there was a time when DOs had to fight for parity. Until the late 20th century, they weren’t always given equal footing in certain medical settings. But that era is long gone. Today, MDs and DOs match into the same residency programs, pass the same board certifications, and often work side by side in the same hospitals and clinics.

The gap is mostly in public awareness now—not reality.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, whether you see an MD or a DO matters far less than the kind of doctor they are. You want someone who listens, thinks critically, treats you with respect, and knows what they’re doing.

I’ve worked alongside both. I’ve seen incredible care from MDs and DOs alike—and I’ve seen some not-so-great doctors in both camps, too. The degree alone isn’t the deciding factor in quality. The person behind the initials is.

So next time you see a DO after someone’s name, don’t assume you’re getting a “lesser” version of a doctor. In many ways, you might be getting someone who chose a path that emphasizes hands-on care, whole-body thinking, and a more personalized approach to your health.

Same training. More tools. Different lens.

Just something I was thinking about. See you next time.