As far as doctors are concerned. What does "DO" stand for?

Answer 1

That's correct. It stands for 'Doctor of Osteopathy'.

In literal terms, 'osteopathy' means 'bone disease'. In the U.S., there are generally two kinds of physicians--MDs (allopathic) and DOs (osteopathic).

They both entail the same length of schooling, but DOs are more of a Midwest and Southeast thing and are not as widely recognized in other parts of the country. MDs, however, are recognized everywhere. Part of it is the stigma that DOs are merely people who couldn't get into MD school. To some extent, that is true, but as with most stereotypes, it's not always the case.

DOs are trained in osteopathic manipulative medicine/therapy (OMM/OMT), which involves manipulating the tissues and bones to help heal the body. In a nutshell, it's kind of like combining massage, chiropractics, and medicine. That said, even though most DOs undergo training in OMM/OMT, the vast majority never use it and don't believe in it much.

Of all the DOs I know (and I know a lot), only one actually specifically wanted to become a DO to learn OMM/OMT. Every other DO I've ever met has told me they went to DO school because they couldn't get into MD school. In fact, at Michigan State University, for example (according to an alumnus I work with) DO and MD students take the same classes together for their first year of medical school--but the DOs can get 5% lower test scores than the MDs and still pass the same test.

That said, I don't look down upon anyone because of which two letters follow their name.

Answer 2

The initials stand for Doctor of Osteopathy. They have the same privileges and knowledge as as MD's. They can also be specialized in a particular body system. For example; they can specialize in Nephrology ( the study of the anatomy, physiology, and, pathology of the kidney). I hope that this helped.

Answer 3

Doctor of Osteopathy

Answer 4

It's D.O. and it's stands for Osteopathic Doctor.

Answer 5

Docyor of obesity

Answer 6

The first poster was correct.