As you search for a new primary care physician, you might notice that more doctors have "DO" credentials instead of the traditional "MD".
DO stands for Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. These physicians undergo similar training and licensing requirements as MDs but emphasize a holistic approach in practice. DOs work across all specialty areas, including family medicine, internal medicine, surgery, though more than half are focused on primary care.
A psychotherapist from San Diego, Christina P. Kantzavelos, 36, preferred a DO for her physician because she values a "more holistic and integrative approach to healthcare".
"I've found DOs often practice medicine with more curiosity and are willing to listen to the patient's experience rather than just relying on lab results or textbooks," Kantzavelos shared with Verywell.
The American Osteopathic Association notes that the current medical director of NASA holds a DO, as well as several White House physicians. As of 2023, nearly 149,000 osteopathic doctors practice in the U.S., reflecting a 30% increase over the past five years.
"Tens of thousands of doctors with DO credentials are spread across the United States," stated Robert Piccinini, DO, president of the AOA.
Whereas MDs graduate from allopathic medical schools, DOs attend separate osteopathic medical schools but join the same residency programs as their MD counterparts, according to Piccinini. What distinguishes DO programs is "their training in viewing the whole patient beyond symptoms, promoting overall well-being," said Piccinini.
The field of osteopathic medicine was started by Andrew Taylor Still following personal tragedy. In 1864, he lost four children to meningitis, leading him to reevaluate his medical education and establish the first College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1892.
From their earliest training, DOs learn about the musculoskeletal system—the body’s intricate network of nerves, muscles, and bones—and how manual manipulation can treat specific conditions.
While not all DOs use this technique in practice, Piccinini, a psychiatrist, recounted an incident from his residency involving successful manual intervention to realign a bone. He also highlighted a case where a holistic approach helped identify a brain tumor initially misdiagnosed as dementia.
Understanding osteopathic training is crucial since you may encounter DOs in urgent care, emergency rooms, or during primary provider appointments.
Medical school application sites note that osteopathic schools might accept slightly lower GPAs and entrance exam scores, making them a potentially appealing option for some students. However, the process and rigor of training remain stringent.
"When exploring medical schools, I wanted to pursue family medicine but also desired a deeper approach that views patients as whole individuals," said Terrence Feeherry, DO from Southlake, Texas.
A 2023 study by UCLA Health published in Annals of Internal Medicine found no differences in mortality rates, hospital readmissions, length of stay, or healthcare spending among older hospitalized patients treated by MDs versus DOs. The study's senior author holds an MD.
"Osteopathic schools are expanding rapidly, greatly benefitting our profession and healthcare industry as the national shortage of physicians persists," commented Richard Thacker, DO of Dothan, Alabama.
When you see a DO instead of an MD, rest assured that you're receiving care from a fully licensed physician with comparable training. DOs bring a whole-person approach to medicine, often emphasizing prevention and integrative care. Whether booking a primary care visit or seeing a specialist, encountering a DO is increasingly likely—and research shows patient outcomes are just as robust as those treated by MDs.