Should I take my newborn to a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) or to a Pediatrician? Does it matter who?

Question

Newborn baby, Texas, Unsure, Not sure if there's difference between the two doctors or if I need to be concerned.

Answer 1

Peds doc. They will be more updated on the immunization schedule and the latest Rx's for infants and children than regular allopathic or osteopathic docs who see adults.

Answer 2

Ummmm...

A pediatrician can be an M.D or D.O.

These days they are pretty much the same and are respected the same....in the medical field. As I can see from the answers here, the public isn't aware that D.O.s are pretty much just the same as an M.D...in the real world not what you read about them.

I would say just goto someone who may have been recommended to you by someone you trust...no matter if a D.O. or M.D. Or goto whoever you are comfortable with.

It is really a null issue.

Answer 3

Pediatrician

Answer 4

Pediatrician

Answer 5

Pediatrician

Answer 6

DOs and MDs are essentially the same these days, although it is slightly more competitive to get into most MD schools. Both types of doctors can enter any specialty, but some MD-run specialties are hard for DOs to get into. On the other hand, there are some specialties that are strictly DO. MDs have been around longer and therefore have more of the respect and prestige. One problem that DOs face is that most lay people don't know what a DO is, even if they have been treated by one before. Lifestyle is the same for both types of doctors, depending on which specialty they practice. DOs take additional classes on osteopathic manipulative treatments, but other than that, their education is very similar.

Answer 7

A Pediatrician please! They have the specialized care of newborn through adolescent to adulthood.
My mom almost hemorrhaged to death while giving birth with a D.O. then after several pints of blood, she ended up with hepatitis (remember this was long ago, before blood testing) and she really almost died. Bed ridden for months. She said she hurt so bad all over she wanted to die. But she lived thankfully!!! Ok just had to share because you asked. :)

Answer 8

D.O.'s treat the patient as a whole... so instead of simply treating the symptom, they look at the underlying cause to try and solve the problem.


I assume its a family practice? My son see's a family practice D.O.

Also, they are less likely to puch vaccines down your throat... thats a plus!

Answer 9

I would say a pediatrician.