Click here to schedule appointments and to access the Patient Portal
Skip to main content

What kind of doctor is a D.O.? Does a D.O. have the same training as an M.D.?

A doctor of osteopathic medicine (D.O.) is a fully trained and licensed doctor who has attended and graduated from a U.S. osteopathic medical school. A doctor of medicine (M.D.) has attended and graduated from a conventional (allopathic) medical school.

The major difference between osteopathic and allopathic doctors is that some osteopathic doctors provide manual medicine therapies, such as spinal manipulation or massage therapy, as part of their treatment.

After medical school, both M.D.s and D.O.s must complete residency training in their chosen specialties. They must also pass the same licensing examination before they can treat people and prescribe medications.

You Might Also Enjoy...

Who Needs a Pneumonia Vaccine and How Often?

Who Needs a Pneumonia Vaccine and How Often?

Pneumonia can be a serious illness, but the good news is that there’s a vaccine to help prevent it. At Health Solutions, we can help you determine if a pneumonia vaccine is right for you.