Doctor of Osteopathy vs. Medical Doctor...

[Christine]

Not everyone is aware that there are two distinct types of physicians out there, let alone their similarities and differences. I am proud of my choice to go the route of the lesser known degree (I am a D.O., not an M.D.) but it does sometimes require some explanation.

What do you know about these two branches of medicine? Have you ever had an Osteopath as a physician? Should I make their distinctions clear? Does anybody care (teehee!)?

[The Nester]

Duh...

We tell our boys to use D.O for their B.O. I have a feeling that's not what you are talking about!

[Judi]

I am not exactly sure of the difference but my last regular female physician was a DO. I think they specialize in more of a specialized approach to your body? I know that I really, really liked her, but alas she married and wanted to stay home and have a baby :) Don't you also receive more training?

[M3]

Yes, I care, because I like the idea. I've never met a DO, but I used to go to an herbalist and I loved it. He got a little weird and I stopped going, but I never felt better than when I went to him. Isn't a DO someone who uses trace elements of all kinds of minerals, herbs, etc. to treat problems? Also, I seem to think of DO as someone who is trained to use a whole body approach to medicine.

[Rachel]

I care. Please educate me. I love to sound smart to my family so give some material. :)

[Christine]

Your responses are so insightful... keep them coming! I smell a post in the works and I'd love more feedback! You are all amazing!

[Christine]

No, please talk away!!! I really would love to hear his experiences, good and bad. What kind of doc was he (did he specialize)?

[Karen in AK]

I purposely seek out D.O.s. I just find it's a much better fit with my beliefs and how I want my body treated :) now I'm confused if we are suppose to spill the beans about the difference, or if we are suppose to let you.

[Christine]

I purposefully sought out D.O.'s, too. That's why when I decided to go to med school I only applied to Osteopathic schools. Please, spill away! I'd love to hear your experiences!

[Karen in AK]

My experience has always been great with my D.O.s. It's very important for me, to have my body treated as a whole. I embrace that they seek out the problems, not treat the symptoms. I take a very natural approach to everything, and I've been blessed that both of the D.O.s I've ever had were also N.D.s! So it's been a perfect fit both times. To me, they've both been a perfect mixture of eastern & western medicine. I realize that is not the case with all D.O.s, (having the holistic background) but I completely agree with the philosophy behind the training.

[Emily]

I have friends who will only see a D.O. and while it is more in line with my beliefs about medicine to see one also I haven't made the switch. I look forward to hearing what you have to share.

[Christine]

It's probably not a surprise that I am a huge supporter of the Osteopathic perspective that differentiate it from the M.D. system (aka, Allopathic). Like I said, there was a reason I chose to only apply to Osteopathic programs.

That being said (and very important to me!), and I'll get into this more later, but it doesn't need to be a switch. Plenty of D.O.'s refer to M.D.'s, and vice-versa. That's how I discovered D.O.'s in the first place; my M.D. Family Doc referred me to a D.O. Rheumatologist when I was nineteen and having some minor issues after a bout with mono. Later, the surgeon who took out my tonsils at age twenty was an Osteopath, as was anesthesiologist who put me to sleep for that surgery. They were all referred me by my M.D. Family Physician. To this day, I see both D.O.'s and M.D.'s.

What I'd love to hear is your experiences with D.O.'s, no matter what the context. If you've seen one, what are your thoughts (especially how you perceived they differed from an M.D. Or not.)? If you've heard of them, share what you've heard.

Don't hold back!

[Mindi]

I have to say that we have an Osteopath at my son's pediatrician and she gets almost NO respect (but that could also be because until recently, she was a clueless twit about the reality of children).

I still don't know all of the differences, but I heard (and this may be wrong) that Osteopaths are less eager to whip out the prescription pad for every little thing, I had a whole new appreciation for them (and a much favorable opinion...I am strongly against what I consider the over-medication of America)