Would you choose a M.D. or D.O. as your primary doctor?

Question

Would you be discriminate and choose an M.D. over a D.O because the D.O.'s are in the minority (or some other reason) or does it not matter to you only the doctor's knowledge & competence matters?

Answer 1

To my mind, they're basically pretty similar. An MD is a more flexible degree, and allows more opportunites in different fields of medicine, including research. The DO is definitely more primary care focused. Maybe that means they would be better primary care physicians, however, I've had some great MD doctors in my time and the only DO I ever saw was completely crazy; he gave me a totally inaccurate diagnosis and had me freaking out for weeks, but thats another story.

Really, it isn't the degree that matters so much as the person. There's going to be good and bad MDs and DOs. Also, while its true that DO's are trained to take a wholistic look at the person and not just treat specific symptoms, so are MDs. If you get an MD that is just handing you pills and shoving you out the door, then you got a bad MD. They're not trained to do that. Because there are more MDs out there, you're going to see more bad MDs than bad DOs.

Anyway, at the end of the day I'm in an MD program right now so I suppose I'm biased towards MDs! Part of the reason DOs aren't seen as on the level as MDs in some ways is that its easier to get into a DO school than an MD school. To me, I don't think that has anything to do with wether or not they'll be good doctors.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

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RE:
Would you choose a M.D. or D.O. as your primary doctor?
Would you be discriminate and choose an M.D. over a D.O because the D.O.'s are in the minority (or some other reason) or does it not matter to you only the doctor's knowledge & competence matters?

Answer 4

It really is the person and not the type of doctorate. There are MD's I wouldn't let touch me with a 10-foot pole, and DO's I trust very much. The important thing is that you feel comfortable around the person, you like his/her style, and that he/she seems knowledgeable and is willing to answer questions.

DO programs are easier to get into, but their training is just as rigorous, and they are required to do residencies at hospitals just like MD's are. They can also specialize in anything, including surgery, that an MD would. The US government allows DO's to work as government doctors.

DO's are very good with musculoskeletal disorders, as this is a focus of their training in addition to primary care.

Answer 5

Do Vs Md Doctor

Answer 6

As my primary doctor I would choose an MD only because that is who I have always worked with.

Answer 7

I think whichever doctor that you feel comfortable and confident in is your choice. But you should always make a informed decision here is some info on both


DO vs. MD
If you are like most people, you probably don't know the difference between a medical doctor, MD, and an osteopathic doctor, DO.

DOs and MDs are alike in many ways:

Applicants to both DO and MD colleges typically have a four-year undergraduate degree with an emphasis on science courses.


Both DOs and MDs complete four years of basic medical education.


After medical school, both DOs and MDs can choose to practice in a specialty area of medicine—such as psychiatry, surgery, obstetrics, or sports medicine—after completing a residency program (typically two to six years of additional training).


Both DOs and MDs must pass comparable state licensing examinations.


DOs and MDs both practice in fully accredited and licensed hospitals and medical centers.


Both are medical doctors; MD is specifically Doctor of Medicine and DO is Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine.

What Makes DOs Different?
DOs can perform surgery, child delivery, treat patients, and prescribe medications in hospitals and clinic settings.


DOs look at the "total person." Osteopathic physicians focus on preventive care. Instead of just treating specific symptoms or illnesses, they look at the whole body.


DOs receive extra training in the musculoskeletal system, which is comprised of the nerves, muscles, and bones. This training gives DOs a better understanding of how an injury or illness in one part of the body can affect another part of the body; therefore, DOs have a therapeutic and diagnostic advantage.


DOs use what is called osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT). OMT is a technique in which the DOs use their hands to diagnose injury and illness, giving special attention to the joints, bones, muscles, and nerves. Manipulations improve circulation, which in turn, creates a normal nerve and blood supply, enabling the body to heal itself.

Answer 8

The only thing I care about is a doctors knowledge, competence and bed side manor. If they have all three of these things then it doesn't matter what letters are behind their name.

Answer 9

I prefer DO's because from my experience they have a better bedside manner and care more about finding the cause of a problem vs handing you pills.

Answer 10

Healthgrades can give limited info, but only if someone else has taken the time to review the doctor.