If a doctor has D.O. at the end of his title, what does that mean?

Answer 1

THERE ARE TWO TYPES
of complete, comprehensive physicians in the United States. One has a D.O. (doctor of osteopathic medicine) degree and the other has an M.D. (doctor of medicine) degree.
Here is the difference:
First, let's define what we mean by "complete"or "comprehensive" physician. In general, both types of physicians are fully trained and have taken the prescribed amount of premedical training, graduated from an undergraduate college and received four additional years of training in a medical school. After medical school, D.O.'s and M.D.'s can choose to practice in a specialty area of medicine - such as psychiatry, surgery or obstetrics - after completing a residency program; typically two to six years of additional training.

Whether one becomes a D.O. or an M.D. the route of medical education and training is basically the same.

D.O.'S AND M.D.'S ARE ALIKE
in that they both utilize all scientifically accepted methods of diagnosis and treatment, including the use of drugs and surgery.

D.O.'s and M.D.'s must meet state licensure requirements to practice medicine in the United States. In Missouri, as in most other states, both are licensed by the same Board of Healing Arts and licensure requirements and examinations are equivalent.

D.O.'S AND M.D.'S ARE DIFFERENT.
When the similarities between the two medical groups are discussed, the question is frequently asked: "Why two separate medical groups and schools of medicine?"

The reasons are numerous, but the main reasons are relatively simple.

Osteopathic medicine differs in terms of philosophy and its approach to the delivery of health. For example, osteopathic medicine places more emphasis on the consideration of the whole person in providing medical care and treatment. This is reflected by the large percentage of D.O.'s that enter family practice or the medical specialties involved in primary care medicine.

Over one-half of the D.O.'s are involved in primary care areas, such as pediatrics, obstetrics/gynecology and internal medicine. Many osteopathic physicians fill a critical need for doctors by practicing in rural and medically underserved areas, reflecting the osteopathic tradition of bringing health care to areas of greatest need.

Answer 2

DrDave1966 also has some mistakes in that post:

1.) We (D.O.'s) don't learn "chiropractic". We learn osteopathic medicine which has a few techniques similar to what chiropractors. I.e. Chiropractors don't do soft tissue techniques, counterstrain, etc. that D.O.'s are trained to do in addition to "cracking".

2.) D.O. stands for Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine

3.) M.D. stands for Doctor of Medicine

Answer 3

Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.), a general medical practitioner

the vision specialist (eye doctor) is: Doctor of Optometry (O.D.)

Answer 4

Cindy E gave an excellent and thorough answer (I am a DO) but she failed to make one point...
DO's also practice manipulation (chiropractic if you will) and we also treat injuries by (OPP -- osteopathic principle and practices)...as in our 4 years of medical school, we are also educated in chiropractic...now, whether we use it after we graduate or not is personal preference...but I have found that working in the ED, I have helped many a soul with manipulation
DO is doctor of osteopathy
MD is medical doctor or allopath
OD is optometrist (doctor of optometry)

Answer 5

Doctor of Osteopathy

Answer 6

hmmm off the top of my head i'm thinking eye doctor..

Answer 7

The person has not passed his boards to become a certified physician.