A Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) and Doctor of Medicine (MD) are two types of physicians in the U.S. An MD is the better known of the two, but DO degrees are increasingly popular. So how do they differ? Euphora Health addresses the topic of DO vs. MD for Austin residents wondering which is a better option.
What is a DO Physician?
A DO receives a medical degree similar to that of an MD, except from a U.S. osteopathic school. Unlike an MD, a DO is specifically trained to promote the body’s natural tendency toward health and self-healing. Similar to MDs, DOs complete two years of classroom learning in addition to two years of hands-on learning inside a clinic and/or hospital.
During the first two years of school, a DO will complete all the training an MD obtains plus an extra 100-200 hours of training in the musculoskeletal system. This instruction is in Osteopathic Manipulative Techniques.
DOs practice in all 50 states and in all medical specialties. Primary care (which includes family medicine, internal medicine, and pediatrics) is a focus of the osteopathic profession with 57% of osteopaths entering primary care.
What is an MD Physician?
When most people think of doctors, they think of MDs – physicians who practice a form of medicine called “allopathic” medicine. This means that MDs use treatments (drugs or surgery) that produce effects to change or treat disease.
How To Decide Which Is Best For You
When it comes to choosing between an DO or MD in Austin, there isn’t a black-and-white answer. Both are equally qualified to treat patients and prescribe medication.
DOs have more training in taking a holistic approach and using their hands to improve the patient’s condition. However, not every DO chooses to use these techniques. It is particularly challenging for a DO in an insurance-based practice to do so because they typically have so little time to spend with their patients. For holistic and hands-on treatments to be most effective, visits shouldn’t be rushed.
How Our DO Physicians Can Help You
Physicians at Euphora Health in Austin strive to help people live healthier lives with less pain, while at the same time reducing the risks associated with modern healthcare treatments.
We have multiple DO physicians who have the time available to implement a more holistic practice philosophy and can use hands-on Osteopathic Manipulative Techniques to help patients.
Get Affordable, Personalized Healthcare Today
When choosing a doctor in Austin, what matters most is your comfort level with the physician and the prospect of building a strong relationship.
Licensed MDs and DOs are equally qualified to address your medical needs, but you might find that Euphora Health delivers a level of service and care that surpasses a traditional doctor’s office. Contact us today and let’s talk about affordable, personalized healthcare.
