DO Vs. MD?

chizekgeena · February 2012

I have an appointment with my clinics specialty nurse on Tuesday and at this appointment we will choose my OB/GYN. I was looking up OB/GYNs in my area and came across a clinic that gave me a really good feeling. I noticed that the Dr I liked the most (due to education, interests, and specialties) was a DO instead of a MD. I know that DO means that she studied osteopathic medicine vs traditional but I am still confused at what the main difference is between DO and MD.

Gobruins0430 · February 2012

I think there are a lot of misconceptions about DOs...My DH best friend is in DO school and my OB/GYN is also a DO. Doctors who go to DO school have the formal medical training that MDs do, but they also have training in more eastern medicine type things as well. I am completely comfortable with my doctor NOT being an MD...what's more important to me is that she's very easy to talk to, very supportive and very available when I have questions. Hope this helps!

smurfetteinred · February 2012

What she said above. DO's are just as formally trained as MD's and just as competent. One difference you may find is that they do tend to fall into a more naturally minded category and are often more open to alternative methods, which if you're looking to try for a natural birth/ low intervention birth can be in your favor. That's not to say that all DO's are that way. Just like with midwives, you find some that are more mainstream than others so it really just depends on the doctor and how they've been influenced since they left school.

I moved out of state and had to get a new doctor and went with a DO and have so far been really happy with her (just entered 2nd tri). This is baby number 3 for me. She's been really laid back and isn't concerned about my possibly having another large baby (son was 10lb 5oz) or that my daughter was a very precipitous birth (went from 6cm to crowning in 15 mins - born a few mins later). Says she won't push for an induction if I'm having a large baby and has no problems with my going to 42 weeks without an induction (both previous kids went to 41+) and she even delivered a baby with the mom standing up the other day. (some doctors are ok with delivering in different pushing positions but it's a little more rare to find one willing to get down on the floor and catch one in that position).

I say give her/ him a shot and see how you feel after your first appointment.

shelbeans82 · February 2012

DOs are trained in manipulative medicine as well as all other aspects of medicine MDs are trained in. Overall the teaching approach is more holistic than allopathic medicine, ie "treat the person and underlying cause, not just the disease." DO's have to take the same board exams and do residency the same way and most often side by side with MDs.

HTH

MainelyFoolish · February 2012

There's very little practical difference. They all take the same medical boards and complete their internships and residencies at the same hospitals.

quincy0102 · February 2012

I agree with the PPs. I work in healthcare and know many reputable MDs and DOs (and both have bad apples). As a patient, however, I find myself leaning towards DOs, as they appear to look at patients' issues from a more holistic standpoint. MDs are traditionally more symptom-focused, and historically that stance makes sense.

What it really comes down to, however, is not necessarily the degree behind the name, but the actual person and how that individual approaches medicine (personality + scientific knowledge). I don't care if the doc's a genius, if he/she does not have communication skills or decent bedside manner, I'll pass.

Mrs_MBed · February 2012

MainelyFoolish:
There's very little practical difference. They all take the same medical boards and complete their internships and residencies at the same hospitals.

::lurking::

This. DH is currently a DO med student and he's gone through everything his MD med student friends have done.

Bedside manner and views are more important than DO/MD degree. Although I do benefit from DH's training in OMM (osteopathic manipulation medicine) as this pregnancy has my pelvic region out of whack. He helps "shift things" back into place.

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DO Vs. MD?

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