"DO" After a Doctor's Name: Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine

DO stands for Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. DOs are fully licensed physicians who practice in all medical specialties.

Training & Licensure

• 4 years osteopathic medical school (includes Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) training).
• Same residency programs as MDs (ACGME-accredited since 2020 single accreditation).
• Same licensing exams (COMLEX-USA vs. USMLE; both accepted).
• Same scope of practice: prescribe, surgery, hospital privileges.

Osteopathic Philosophy

• Holistic, patient-centered care.
• Body unity (structure ↔ function).
• Self-healing mechanisms.
• OMT as adjunctive hands-on therapy for musculoskeletal, visceral, neurological conditions.

Key Differences from MD

• ~200 hours OMT training.
• Emphasis on primary care (historically; now ~50% enter specialties).
• Different medical school accreditation (COCA vs. LCME) – now unified residency.

For patients, DO = MD in competence, rights, and responsibilities. Choose based on personal fit, not degree letters.