What do the letters do stand for in the medical field?

September 24, 2025 •

3 min read

There are two types of fully licensed physicians in the U.S.: Doctors of Medicine (MDs) and Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs). A DO is the answer to the question, "What do the letters do stand for in the medical field?", representing a rapidly growing and distinct approach to patient care focused on a holistic philosophy.

Quick Summary

The letters DO stand for Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, a fully licensed physician in the United States who practices medicine with a holistic, whole-person approach that includes specialized hands-on training. DOs can practice in any medical specialty, prescribe medication, and perform surgery, just like MDs.

Key Points

DO Stands For: The letters DO stand for Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, a fully licensed physician in the U.S., equivalent to a Medical Doctor (MD).
Holistic Approach: DOs are trained in osteopathic medicine, which emphasizes a whole-person approach to care, considering lifestyle, environment, and body systems as a whole.
Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT): A unique aspect of DO training is OMT, a hands-on technique used to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal issues, promoting the body's natural healing.
Full Scope of Practice: Like MDs, DOs are licensed to practice medicine in all 50 states, prescribe medication, and perform surgery, with many specializing in various fields.
Shared Residencies: DOs and MDs can and often do train together in the same residency programs, with a single accreditation system now standardizing training.
Primary Care Focus: While DOs can specialize in any field, a higher percentage of osteopathic physicians tend to gravitate towards primary care specialties, aligned with their holistic philosophy.

The Holistic Philosophy of Osteopathic Medicine

At the core of osteopathic medicine is a unique philosophy that emphasizes a whole-person approach to healthcare, a concept established by its founder, Andrew Taylor Still. This means that DOs are trained to look beyond symptoms to understand how lifestyle, environment, and the body's interconnected systems impact a patient's well-being. This perspective is built upon four core tenets:

The Body is a Unit

This tenet recognizes that the body is an integrated system, and a problem in one area can affect other parts. A DO considers the interrelationship of all body systems, including the musculoskeletal, nervous, and circulatory systems, to find the root cause of an issue.

The Body Has Self-Healing Mechanisms

Osteopathic medicine emphasizes the body's natural tendency toward good health and self-healing. DOs aim to support and enhance these innate restorative processes.

Structure and Function are Interrelated

This principle focuses on the relationship between the body's structure (bones, muscles, tissues) and its function. Any imbalance or dysfunction in the musculoskeletal system can affect overall health. DOs use this principle to help diagnose and treat ailments.

Rational Treatment Based on These Principles

Based on these core beliefs, DOs develop comprehensive, patient-centered treatment plans that consider the interplay between all the body's systems.

Education and Training of a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine

To become a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, a student must complete four years of osteopathic medical school, much like an MD. The curriculum covers the same foundational sciences, such as anatomy, physiology, and pathology. However, a key difference is the additional training in Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT), which involves using hands-on techniques to diagnose and treat conditions. After medical school, DO graduates complete internships and residency programs, often alongside their MD colleagues, and can specialize in any field of medicine.

Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT)

A hallmark of osteopathic medicine is OMT, a hands-on method of diagnosis and treatment. OMT includes a variety of manual techniques, such as stretching, gentle pressure, and resistance, to address issues within the body's musculoskeletal system. DOs may use OMT to relieve pain, improve mobility, and promote the body's natural healing capabilities, often in conjunction with conventional medical treatments.

D.O. vs. M.D.: A Comparison Table

To further clarify the difference, here's a side-by-side comparison of the two physician types, which helps answer the question, "What do the letters do stand for in the medical field?":


Feature	Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.)	Doctor of Medicine (M.D.)
Foundational Philosophy	Holistic; focuses on the whole person	Allopathic; focuses on diagnosing and treating specific diseases
Manual Techniques	Includes Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT)	Does not include OMT, unless pursued through separate training
Licensing Exams	Must pass COMLEX-USA; can also take USMLE	Must pass USMLE
Training	Four years of medical school with OMT training, followed by residency	Four years of medical school, followed by residency
Scope of Practice	Full scope of medicine, surgery, and prescriptions	Full scope of medicine, surgery, and prescriptions

Career Paths and Specializations

One common misconception is that DOs are limited in their practice, but this is untrue. DOs practice in all medical specialties, including cardiology, surgery, and dermatology. While a higher percentage of DOs do enter primary care specialties like family medicine, internal medicine, and pediatrics, this is often a personal career choice influenced by the osteopathic philosophy. Both MDs and DOs complete residency programs in the same accredited hospitals and compete for the same positions. The single accreditation system for graduate medical education has further solidified the equal standing of both degrees. For more information, you can visit the American Osteopathic Association website.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice

Understanding "What do the letters do stand for in the medical field?" is key to appreciating the diversity and high standards within the medical profession. The choice between a DO and an MD comes down to personal philosophy and approach to medicine, rather than a difference in licensure or capability. Both are highly trained, fully licensed physicians dedicated to patient care. When choosing a physician, it's more important to consider factors like bedside manner, experience, and patient relationship rather than the letters after their name.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, absolutely. A Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) is a fully licensed and accredited physician in the United States with the same rights and responsibilities as a Doctor of Medicine (MD). They can diagnose, treat, prescribe medication, and perform surgery.

The main difference is their philosophical approach and training. While both are fully trained physicians, DOs practice osteopathic medicine, which emphasizes a holistic, whole-person view of the patient and includes additional training in hands-on techniques called Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT).

Not necessarily. All DOs are trained in OMT during medical school, but its use in practice depends on the individual physician and their specialty. Many DOs, especially in primary care, use OMT regularly, while others in more specialized fields may not.

Yes. DOs can specialize in any medical field, including surgery. They complete the same residency training and are board-certified in their specialty, just like MDs.

No. MDs take the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE), while DOs are required to take the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX-USA). However, many DO students also take the USMLE to broaden their residency options.

Traditionally, MD programs have been seen as more competitive, but both paths have a rigorous, competitive admissions process. The choice between a DO and MD program often depends on a student's personal philosophy and goals.

The philosophy of osteopathic medicine views the body as an integrated whole, with a focus on prevention, wellness, and the body's natural ability to heal itself. It also emphasizes the important relationship between the body's structure and its function.