Osteopathic Doctors (DO): Training, Scope, and Differences from MDs

DO vs. MD: Similarities and Distinctions

Both DOs (Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine) and MDs (Doctors of Medicine) are fully licensed physicians in all 50 states with identical practice rights.

Shared Training & Licensure

• 4-year medical school (same core sciences, clinical rotations).
• Pass same licensing exams: COMLEX-USA (DO) / USMLE (MD) – both accepted for residency.
• ACGME-accredited residency programs (unified since 2020).
• Board certification by ABMS (MD) or AOA (DO) – equivalent.
• Prescribe medications, perform surgery, practice in all specialties.

Key Differences

Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM)

• Techniques: HVLA (thrust), muscle energy, counterstrain, myofascial release, cranial, visceral.
• Used for: somatic dysfunction, back/neck pain, headaches, sports injuries, adjunct for asthma, sinusitis, postpartum.
• Not all DOs use OMM actively; many practice identically to MDs.

Choosing a Physician

Focus on board certification, experience, communication, and patient reviews—degree type (DO/MD) is far less predictive of quality than individual competence.

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Aspect	DO	MD
Medical School	38 COCA-accredited colleges	155+ LCME-accredited colleges
Philosophy	Holistic, body unity, self-healing, structure-function	Allopathic (disease-focused)
Unique Training	Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) – 200+ hrs hands-on diagnosis/treatment	None
Primary Care Emphasis	~56% enter primary care	~30% enter primary care
Residency Match	Single GME system (since 2020)	Single GME system