Expert: Janet Carter - 1/10/2012

Question
Hi Janet,

What's the difference between a MD and a DO degree? What does it mean when they say that a DO takes the "whole patient" approach? How does an MD approach patients and their illnesses?

Also, since DO's are more likely to practice general family medicine, does that mean that someone with a psychiatry residency, who is a DO can be a general practitioner instead of a psychiatrist?

Any other information you can provide on this would be very much appreciated (Google didn't help too much). Thanks in advance.

Lynn

Answer
First of all, I'm neither a DO nor an MD  (I'm an optometrist with an OD degree# so I may not be an "expert" on this.  However, I think I can answer the question.  

A DO degree #Doctor of Osteopathy# is for purposes of licensure and residency equivalent to a MD #Medical Doctor# degree in the United States.  The emphasis of study is a little different; in additional to traditional medicine DOs learn various methods of body manipulation #similar to chiropractic# and the like to assist their patients.  If you google "osteopathic medicine" you might have better luck learning about it.  An osteopathic physician #DO# can chose any specialty they wish.  Yes, a DO with a psychiatry residency can be a general practitioner.  OTOH, so can someone with a medical degree.  The residency gives specialized training in a field, but it does not necessarily prevent a physician from entering an area of practice different than their residency.  #However, some employers and/or hospitals may not hire a physician who does not have residency training in their specialty#.  MDs and DOs have attended different schools #since one either goes to medical school or to osteopathic medical school# but have the exact same residencies (post-graduate on-the-job medical training).

Hope this helps.