The key difference lies in the philosophy of osteopathic medicine:
* MDs (allopathic physicians) focus primarily on treating disease using pharmaceuticals, surgery, and other conventional medical interventions.
* DOs (osteopathic physicians) also use those methods, but they emphasize a holistic approach. This includes considering the musculoskeletal system's role in overall health, preventative medicine, and a patient's mental, emotional, and social well-being. They receive additional training in osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM), which involves hands-on techniques to diagnose and treat illness.
Which is better?
There's no single "better" choice. Both MDs and DOs are fully licensed physicians capable of providing high-quality care. The best choice for a patient depends on individual preferences and the specific medical situation. Some patients may prefer a DO's holistic approach, while others may not see a significant difference. The quality of care you receive will be much more heavily influenced by the individual physician's skill and experience than by whether they are an MD or a DO.