Is a DO a good primary care physician? The Definitive Guide

According to the American Osteopathic Association, one out of every four medical students in the U.S. is enrolled in an osteopathic program. This rapid growth begs the question: is a DO a good primary care physician for your healthcare needs?

Quick Summary

A Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) is an excellent and fully qualified choice for a primary care physician, offering a comprehensive, whole-person approach to medicine that considers all aspects of a patient's health and wellness.

Key Points

• Equal Qualification: Both DOs and MDs are fully licensed physicians who have completed extensive medical training, including medical school and residency.

• Holistic Focus: Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine emphasize a whole-person approach to health, considering lifestyle and environmental factors alongside physical symptoms.

• Additional Training: DOs receive extra training in osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), a hands-on technique used for diagnosis and therapy.

• Similar Career Paths: DOs can enter any medical specialty and practice in the same settings as MDs, with both now competing in the same residency match system.

• Patient-Centered Care: A DO's training often includes a strong focus on building a deep, personal connection with patients to create an individualized wellness plan.

• Finding the Right Fit: The best primary care physician for you depends more on their individual style, bedside manner, and philosophy than whether they hold a DO or MD degree.

Understanding the Core Differences Between DO and MD

For many patients, the distinction between a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) and a Doctor of Medicine (MD) can seem unclear. The most important fact to understand is that both are fully licensed and qualified physicians who can diagnose, treat, and prevent illnesses. The differences lie not in their abilities, but in their historical training and underlying philosophical approach to medicine.

Allopathic medicine, the foundation of MD training, typically focuses on a disease-centric model. This means a physician primarily works to identify a specific illness and then treats it with medication, surgery, or other evidence-based interventions. Osteopathic medicine, the basis of DO training, emphasizes a more holistic, or whole-person, approach. This philosophy considers the patient's entire being—mind, body, and spirit—and how lifestyle and environmental factors impact overall wellness.

The Similarities in Medical Training

The path to becoming a licensed DO or MD is remarkably similar. Both professions require:

1. Undergraduate Degree: A bachelor's degree with a focus on pre-med science courses.
2. Medical School: Four years of rigorous medical school curriculum covering subjects like anatomy, biochemistry, and pharmacology.
3. Residency Training: Three to seven years of hands-on, clinical training in a chosen specialty, often completing this alongside MD counterparts in the same programs. Since 2020, residency programs for DOs and MDs have been integrated into a single accreditation system, meaning they compete for the same residency slots.
4. State Licensure: Passing comprehensive licensing examinations to practice medicine in their state of residence.

The Unique Aspect of DO Training: OMT

The primary distinction in training is the additional 200+ hours of education DO students receive in Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT). OMT is a hands-on approach to diagnosis and treatment that involves using gentle pressure, stretching, and resistance to restore structural balance and improve overall body function. It is a powerful tool in a DO's toolkit, often used to complement other conventional treatments like medication and surgery.

The Holistic Philosophy in Practice

The holistic philosophy of osteopathic medicine guides a DO's approach to care. This is based on four core tenets:

• The body is a unit: The mind, body, and spirit are interconnected, and a problem in one area can affect the others.
• The body has self-healing capabilities: The body has an innate ability to heal itself, and a DO's role is to facilitate this process by removing obstacles.
• Structure and function are interrelated: The structure of the body (bones, muscles, nerves) and its function are intimately linked. If a structure is impaired, it can affect overall health.
• Rational treatment is based on these principles: The DO's treatment plan is built upon a full understanding of these core principles, leading to more integrated and comprehensive care.

This patient-centered mindset often leads DOs to focus more on preventive medicine and wellness promotion. While any good primary care doctor, regardless of their degree, will address prevention, it is a foundational pillar of osteopathic education that is consistently emphasized. This can result in a more conversational and personalized approach, with a focus on lifestyle, nutrition, and exercise as part of the overall treatment plan.

Is a DO the Right Primary Care Physician for You?

Both DOs and MDs are highly competent and capable physicians. The choice ultimately depends on your personal preferences and what you value in a doctor-patient relationship. To help you decide, here is a comparison of some key aspects:

Feature	Doctor of Medicine (MD)	Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
Philosophical Approach	Often disease-centric; focus on symptom-specific diagnosis and treatment.	Patient-centric, holistic approach; focus on whole-body wellness and prevention.
Additional Training	No specific requirement for manual techniques.	200+ hours of training in Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT).
Scope of Practice	Fully licensed; can prescribe medicine and perform surgery.	Fully licensed; can prescribe medicine and perform surgery.
Residency Match	Competes through a single system with DOs.	Competes through a single system with MDs.
Common Specialties	All specialties, with a significant number in surgery and more specialized fields.	All specialties, but a higher percentage gravitate toward primary care fields like family medicine.
Patient Focus	Can be highly personalized, but traditionally more focused on addressing the specific illness or injury.	Innate emphasis on the interconnectedness of body systems, potentially leading to more hands-on and preventative care options.

How to Make the Best Choice for Your Health

When choosing a primary care physician, the most important factors often have little to do with the letters after their name. Instead, consider these points:

• Bedside Manner: Look for a doctor who listens attentively, communicates clearly, and makes you feel comfortable.
• Personal Philosophy: Consider if you prefer a more hands-on, holistic approach or a more traditional one. Remember that many MDs also practice holistically, and not all DOs use OMT extensively.
• Patient Feedback: Read reviews from other patients to learn about their experiences regarding communication, wait times, and quality of care.
• Experience and Expertise: While both are well-trained, you might want to find a doctor with specific experience in your health concerns or demographics.

In the end, the most significant factor is finding a physician with whom you can build a trusting relationship. Both MDs and DOs are committed to providing high-quality care, and either can be an excellent choice for your primary care needs.

Conclusion: The Ideal Primary Care Physician is the Right Fit

Ultimately, whether a DO is a good primary care physician for you depends on your individual preferences and what you seek in a healthcare provider. The rigorous education, licensing, and residency training mean DOs are fully equipped to handle all aspects of primary care, from routine check-ups to managing chronic conditions. Their unique holistic philosophy, which includes hands-on techniques like OMT, offers a valuable and complementary approach to conventional medicine. As the number of DOs continues to grow, so does the public's understanding of this comprehensive approach to health. By focusing on a physician's overall compatibility and communication style, you can confidently choose the right partner for your long-term health and wellness. For more in-depth information, you can learn more about osteopathic medicine from the American Osteopathic Association.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between a DO and an MD?

The main difference lies in their philosophical approach to medicine. DOs emphasize a holistic, whole-person approach and receive extra training in manual techniques, while MDs traditionally focus on diagnosing and treating specific diseases. However, in practice, the two approaches have significant overlap.

Are DOs as qualified as MDs?

Yes, absolutely. DOs are fully licensed physicians in all 50 states and can practice in any specialty. They complete the same rigorous medical training and residencies as MDs.

Do DOs only use holistic methods?

No, DOs are fully trained to use all standard medical tools, including prescribing medication, performing surgery, and ordering tests. They often integrate their holistic principles with conventional treatments.

Is it harder to get into an MD program than a DO program?

Historically, MD programs have had slightly higher average GPA and MCAT scores for matriculants, but both are highly competitive. The quality of the applicant, including grades, experience, and personal qualities, is paramount for both.

Will my insurance cover a visit to a DO?

Yes, all major insurance carriers in the U.S. recognize DOs as physicians, and they are typically covered in the same way as MDs. Any specific coverage depends on your individual plan.

Do DOs get paid less than MDs?

No, salary is primarily determined by specialty, experience, and location, not the type of degree. A DO and MD in the same specialty with similar experience earn comparable salaries.

How can I find a DO for my primary care?

You can find a DO through online directories, by checking with your insurance provider, or by searching for local clinics and checking the credentials of the physicians. Many health systems and clinics employ both DOs and MDs.