Different Types Of Doctors
Healthcare in the United States is absolutely amazing. In almost every corner of the country an individual is able to receive healthcare for both minor and major healthcare problems. What is not well-known is the difference between a doctor of osteopathic medicine and a doctor of medicine. These are both extremely capable categories of doctor, and each is extremely helpful, but they definitely have some differences that should be highlighted. This article is going to outline a few of the similarities and differences in these doctors. These differences will allow you to decide what type of doctor to choose for your healthcare.
Similarities
The list of similarities between these two categories of doctors is very expansive, so this article will only highlight a few of the most important similarities. First and foremost, it is important to note that both types of physicians go through a four year medical school followed by three to seven years of residency. These doctors also receive their licenses to practice healthcare based on the same exact requirements. In fact when these doctors are in residency, they work side by side. You can find DO's and MD's in every different type of medicine.
Overall Philosophy
The main differences between these two different doctors is the overall philosophy of how to treat patients. An MD goes to school to learn how to treat a patient's symptoms. If you go to an MD with flu-like symptoms, they will give you medicine based on those symptoms. A DO will try their best to treat the problem directly. These doctors will try to find the cause of the problem and then decide the best course of action, and a lot of the time this includes medicine.
Hands On vs Hands Off
One thing to keep in mind is that a DO doctor will have to take approximately 200 hours of training on how to manipulate the body to allow for better circulation and nerve output. For this purpose a DO tends to be a bit more hands on. The MD will diagnose your symptoms and this can involve feeling your problem area, but a DO may try to adjust your body to allow better circulation.
With all this information, it is important to keep in mind that doctors have personality. They may have a specific type of license, but at the end of the day they are people. It can be just as important for you to like the personality of your doctor as it is to like their type of medical philosophy
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