DO in medical stands for Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. A DO is a fully licensed physician who practices medicine much like an MD (Doctor of Medicine) but they additionally focus on a holistic approach to healthcare. This means they consider the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—in diagnosing and treating medical conditions. DOs receive extra training in the musculoskeletal system and use osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), a hands-on technique to diagnose and treat illnesses. Both DOs and MDs can prescribe medication, perform surgery, and practice medicine in all 50 U.S. states. The key differences are in philosophy and approach: DOs emphasize prevention, holistic care, and the body's ability to heal itself, whereas MDs typically focus more on diagnosing and treating specific symptoms or conditions. Despite these differences, both types of doctors have similar training and responsibilities. In summary, DO means Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, a physician with a holistic approach to patient care, trained in both conventional medicine and osteopathic manipulative techniques. If you want, I can provide more detailed distinctions between DOs and MDs or the history of osteopathic medicine. Would you like that?
