What's the Difference Between a D.O. and an M.D.?

Choosing a primary care physician is one of the most important health decisions you can make. And for many people, understanding the differences between credentials like D.O. and M.D. can feel confusing at first. 

You’ve likely seen “M.D.” after a doctor’s name. But you may have also come across “D.O.” and wondered what it means or whether it changes the type of care you receive.

About 11% of physicians in the U.S. are doctors of osteopathic medicine (D.O.), and that number has increased by more than 70% in the past decade, according to the American Osteopathic Association’s Osteopathic Medical Profession Report. 

Whether you choose a D.O. or an M.D., you’re choosing a fully licensed physician who meets rigorous requirements to practice medicine. While there are differences in training and philosophy, for patients, the quality of care is virtually the same.

For more than 20 years, PartnerMD has helped patients better understand their options and feel confident in choosing the right physician for their care. That same perspective is what we’ll walk through here.

Key takeaways

• D.O. and M.D. physicians are both fully licensed and provide the same high standard of medical care.
• The primary differences are in training and philosophy, not in the ability to diagnose or treat patients.
• Osteopathic medical training includes a focus on whole-person care and how different aspects of health are connected.
• Choosing the right physician depends less on credentials and more on fit, communication, and the relationship you build.

What is a doctor of osteopathy (D.O.)?

A doctor of osteopathic medicine (D.O.) is a fully licensed physician, similar to an M.D., who completes medical school, residency training, and licensing exams.

The term “osteopathic” refers to a philosophy of care that emphasizes how the body’s systems are connected and how overall health is influenced by lifestyle, environment, and physical structure.

What similarities do D.O. and M.D. physicians share? 

Let’s start with what these two types of physicians share.

• Both M.D. and D.O. physicians base their diagnoses and treatment recommendations on scientifically proven evidence.

• They complete four years of medical school followed by residency training that typically lasts three to seven years.

• Each is fully licensed and must meet rigorous state requirements to practice medicine.

• Physicians from both paths can practice in all 50 states and are represented across every medical specialty.

• The training process is also similar, including a bachelor’s degree, pre-med coursework, and taking the MCAT.

How do D.O. and M.D. training and approaches to care differ? 

A medical doctor, or M.D., practices allopathic medicine. While the term isn’t commonly used in everyday conversation, it refers to the traditional approach to diagnosing and treating disease, often based on identifying and addressing specific symptoms.

A D.O. practices osteopathic medicine, which includes an emphasis on understanding the whole person and how different aspects of life and health connect.

Osteopathic medical training also includes several hundred additional hours focused on the musculoskeletal system and hands-on techniques.

It’s important to note that these are differences in training and philosophy. In practice, many physicians across both training paths take a whole-person approach to care.

Why I chose osteopathic medicine.

As a pre-med student, I found myself drawn to the philosophy of osteopathic medicine. I believed then, and still do, that this approach to care helps provide a more complete understanding by considering the patient’s full life.

The programs were very similar in terms of training and requirements, so choosing osteopathic medicine gave me the opportunity to build on that foundation with additional perspective. That additional perspective continues to shape how I care for patients today.

Being part of PartnerMD allows me to bring this style of care to life in a more meaningful way. I have the time to truly get to know my patients and understand how their daily lives influence their health.

As a result, the recommendations I make are more personal and more practical for each individual.

I also have the time to explain why I’m making a recommendation and how to follow through on it. Whether we’re talking about nutrition, stress, environmental factors, or long-term prevention, those conversations are an essential part of helping patients stay healthy.

How do you choose the right doctor for your care?

If you’re thinking more carefully about who you trust with your health, you’re not alone. Choosing the right physician, whether traditional or concierge, is one of the most important decisions you can make, and it goes far beyond credentials alone.

At PartnerMD, our physicians are given the time and support to practice medicine the way it was meant to be practiced. That means longer visits, deeper relationships, and a more complete understanding of your health, your lifestyle, and your goals.

You also gain the partnership of a dedicated health coach and access to advanced diagnostics designed to uncover risks early and guide a more proactive plan for your long-term health.

It’s a more personal, more thoughtful approach to care, built around you and focused on helping you feel confident, supported, and in control of your health.

Want to learn more about concierge medicine? Download our free Understanding Concierge Medicine ebook.