Understanding DO and MD: Differences in Doctor Types

Understanding DO and MD: Differences in Doctor Types

Understanding the Difference Between DO and MD

When people talk about doctors, they often use the words “DO” and “MD.” Both are types of doctors, but they are a bit different. Let’s learn what they mean, where they come from, and how to use them.

History

MD (Doctor of Medicine)

– MD stands for “Doctor of Medicine.” It is from an old Latin term “Medicinae Doctor.”

– This is a type of doctor who has been around for a long time. They go to medical school and learn how to treat people using lots of tests and medicine.

DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine)

– DO stands for “Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine.”

– This is a type of doctor that started in the late 1800s. They learn like MDs, but they also study how the body’s bones, muscles, and nerves work together.

How to Use Them

An MD and a DO can both be your doctor. They both take care of you when you are sick or hurt. But they might have different ways of looking at problems.

An MD might focus more on using medicine and tests.

An DO might focus more on the whole body and how all parts work together.

Trick to Remember the Difference

To help you remember:

• Think of MD as Medicine Doctor, who uses more medicine.
• Think of DO as Doctor of Osteopathic medicine, who thinks about the overall body.

Example Sentences – MD

• Dr. Smith, an MD, gave me some medicine for my cold.
• My friend wants to become an MD one day.
• The MD did a test to check my heart.
• An MD can work in many types of hospitals.
• I asked the MD about the side effects of the pills.

Example Sentences – DO

• Dr. Lee, a DO, showed me exercises for my back pain.
• A DO helped my brother with his headache.
• The DO checked how all my bones and muscles were working.
• My DO asked about my diet and daily habits.
• I visited a DO who helped with my knee pain.

Summary

Both MDs and DOs are doctors who help you feel better. The main difference is how they learn to treat people:

• MDs focus more on medicine and tests.
• DOs focus more on the whole body and how everything connects.

Next time you need to see a doctor, you can choose between an MD and a DO, knowing how each one works.