MD vs DO

AgentBeast, BSN, RN · Mar 14, 2011

They are the same.

Neuro Guy NP, DNP, PhD, APRN · Mar 14, 2011

I have to agree with above poster. In practice, they are the same and you will notice little difference. It is individual. Some say their experience with DO's has been that they are more interactive, but I have not noticed this.

In education, they learn the same things, but DO's learn about holistic aspects of medicine in addition. You should choose a good provider, whether he/she is a MD/DO, NP, PA. Just choose a provider with whom you are comfortable.

TerpGal02, ASN · Mar 14, 2011

My primary care doc is a DO. I do notice that she takes a bit more of a holistic approach to the care she provides but other than that, I really don't see a difference between the way she practices medicine vs an MD.

FLmomof5 · Mar 14, 2011

My only experience with a DO was not a good one and from that day forward my children and I saw only MDs or NPs. IMHO, the DO was too quick to dismiss the symptoms as "minor" and "normal" and nothing to be done about it. He was wrong.

babyNP., APRN · Mar 14, 2011

I've worked with DOs before in another unit. They're great! With every profession with any degree title though, you get some bad apples and jerks. This depends on the person, not the initials.

ktliz · Mar 14, 2011

My family practice DO is the best! I couldn't ask for a more helpful doc. Before I lost my insurance and started going to Planned Parenthood, my ob/gyn was a DO as well.

I have a theory that DOs are less prone to the arrogance that many MDs seem to suffer from. DOs choose their educational pathway because they believe the more holistic model will benefit their patients. Those who are concerned about their egos choose to become MDs because of the additional prestige. Of course, not all MDs are arrogant and not all DOs are immune to arrogance, but I have noticed a trend.

RNfaster · Mar 14, 2011

I have had some bad experience with some DOs missing things. Because of that, I prefer to go to MDs. I also like NPs. I have found I usually prefer NPs over PAs (the NPs seemed more thorough), but recently, I saw my MD's PA and really liked her and found her thorough. I guess it depends on the particular practitioner, not just the title behind their name.

Hmmm...if I reflect on things I must also say I have had some lousy MDs who were very rushed and seemed to treat their practice like a mill... My favorite MD was at Mayo and did not rush. I was shocked at the amount of time spent with me and the thoroughness. I later learned that Mayo docs are salaried, not paid per patient. I really like that model.

Fribblet · Mar 14, 2011

They are the same. I'd never be able to tell the difference if their badges didn't display either MD or DO at my place of employment.

Mrs. Sparkle Pants · Mar 14, 2011

I've noticed my DO treats me as a peer rather than a subordinate. I don't know if that makes sense, but every time I saw my MD, I always felt like my dad was walking in the room, but when I see my DO I feel like I'm having a conversation with a friend. Maybe it's just differences in personality, but some of it might be education as well.

juliaann · Mar 14, 2011

I work at an osteopathic teaching hospital and I love love love it! The med students, residents, and attendings are all so helpful and friendly! I love that they ask us "lowly" techs and CNAs questions about the patients and appreciate our observations, since we spend so much more time with the patients. I've noticed they are awesome interacting with the patients and emphasize treating causes rather than symptoms. DOs and DOs-in-training are overall a great group of people!

msjellybean · Mar 14, 2011

I've noticed my DO treats me as a peer rather than a subordinate. I don't know if that makes sense, but every time I saw my MD, I always felt like my dad was walking in the room, but when I see my DO I feel like I'm having a conversation with a friend. Maybe it's just differences in personality, but some of it might be education as well.

We have six onco docs that we work with, one of whom is a DO. I've noticed that he treats us like peers as well, and really considers our input & suggestions. He also refers to himself by first name, when he's on the phone. That threw me for a loop the first time I answered the phone & he did that! His patients seem to love him and never complain about him.

My dad sees a DO for his primary care and he never seems quite satisfied, but I think that has more to do with my dad's obsession with titles, than the medical care he's receiving. Personally, I don't have an opinion either way; they're both doctors and as long as they listen to me, respect what I'm telling them & aren't a jerk about doing their job, I don't care what the letters behind their name are.