DO or MD: Which type of doctor do you prefer?

  • DO
  • MD
Please select one to answer and see the result

Answers

DO - 118MD - 57
  • Anonymous . November 2022
my Dr. is a DO and very good
  • Anonymous . February 2022
My doctor is DO and is great
  • Anonymous . January 2022
I am a fairly new patient at OSH. The Primary Doctor I am seeing is clearly an MD. He is extremely focused on pills. As a Reiki Practioner, I am aware of the many different modalities for treating the human body. I must ask to see an DO. peace, Cheryl Conti.
  • Anonymous . November 2021
Personally, I am treated with more compassion. I'm treated with hands on one to one with also more concern. Listening. Also I was asked more question by DO. I feel like my experience after seeing both DO And MD is the more confident that my problems was heard thought out explained and I'm understood on why the symptoms exist.
  • Anonymous . August 2021
Spinal manipulations with a medical background. It's the best of care.
  • Anonymous . February 2021
the doctro are finish the degree they batter but the md are they are medicine stydy .
i perfer doctor.
  • Anonymous . January 2021
I want the best !
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
I am hoping to find a DO. that uses alternative methods besides Medication.
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
because a d.o. doctor have the same expertise as m.d. plus d.o. has more additional expertise on top of the other general studies they completed
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
they use other methods than drugs
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
we lean some extra
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
Studied clinically with DO in the hospital and was amazed that he could manipulate a patient (without drugs) and cause them to have a BM if they needed it. He appeared to be focused more on natural remedies rather than drug therapy.
Cool!!
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
ADDITIONAL TRAINING FOR THE D.O.
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
I want to know EVERYTHING about the body. And I like looking at things holistically.
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
They look at the whole body instead of just the issue that the person has.
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
If a DO is also a physician and went to medical school and finished medical studies as an MD, and trained further on anther aspect of healing, that is a plus. It seems that they can better address joint pains than MDs and I would not need to be sent to an orthopedist. But I want to be sure a DO is a physician.
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
I have had extensive experience with both (I am 66 years old) and the wholistic approaches of Osteopathic practitioners are, in my opinion, far better than the symptom chasing and pill pushing of Allopathic practitioners.
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
They are better at helping battle the effects of old age. They have additional expertise.
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
I like my doctor an trust her
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
I have been under the care of a M.D. for many years. Just started with a D O. I think he will be able to help my arthritic pain. I hold the M.D.in high regard but he didn't help me. He retired which forced me to change doctors.
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
because pf a whole body approach and more training
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
The TRUE diagnosticians that I have had have all been D.O.s! Hands down!
For example, I went to a D.O. in the mountains in Colorado & the man diagnosed me with M.S. before I had even had the "real symptoms" of Multiple Sclerosis. It wasn't until years later that his diagnosis was confirmed when the MRI became common.
I also had a D.D. at an Indian Health Clinic in Minnesota who diagnosed me with multiple food allergies, when others couldn't figure out what was wrong with me.
I also have multiple auto immune Diseases which my D.O. was able to diagnose and included a cancer diagnosis long before an "M.D." came close.
I will only see Osteopathic physicians.
I'm not certain how much training that D.O.'s have in nutrition but what I do know is that M.D.s had no training in nutrition! Incredible! Unbelievable!
How can ANY "physician" possibly treat a patient with no training in nutrition, when our "Immune System" consists of our entire alimentary canal??
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
use methods other than drugs to treat medical conditions
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
I've had many, presently have this flavor.
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
i'm old
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
It seems to suit my needs better
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
DO have better training on the body as a whole, vs. prescribing medications for everything and not having other options to help their patients in generality.
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
They are less more likely to provide an integrative approach to medicine rather than just prescribing pills.
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
My doctor for years has a DO degree and is very concerned about my well-being both physically and mentally. He is very professional and takes the time to explain everything to me, and does not jump to prescribing medicine for every ailment.
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
For the reasons cited in your summary.
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
More expertise
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
I would like to pursue a career as an Anesthesiologist
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
DO's typically treat root cause and not symptoms. They find other methods of treatment prior to defaulting to drug.
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
It's been my experience that they tend to be more holistic.
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
All my best doctors have been DO's. I find that MD's are more arrogant and seem to care less about me.
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
it appears the DO also uses an holistic approach.
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
My primary care physician has an DO degree which for me @69yrs is excellent for my health!
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
I have bones
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
mORE CHOICES IN TREATING THE PATIENT
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
It seems they have more open minds to treatment
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
I have seen a DO doctor for 14 years. This doctor has never insulted me,
he is patient and understanding he is not in a hurry to throw me out. He
allows me to explain my symptoms. He listens to me then we discus what the
treatment should be. He respects the fact that I choose not to take drugs
and doesn't argue if a don't agree with him about prescribing drugs. He treats his patients with respect and he is patient and professional.

  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
I prefer a DO. They take the time to go to the "core" of the problem, they are not so quick to prescribe medicines to "cover symptoms".
They tend to have a much better bedside manner, which I'm sure is taught in the DO medical school setting. I think many MD's are learning to incorporate some of the same practices as DO's. As far as training, they attend the same residency programs. DO's just seem to have a "compassionate" approach to the care they provide their patients.
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
Treating the patient ,not just the symptoms!
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
First, I appreciate any professional that takes the time to invest in their profession by pursuing additional studies. The diseases covered under the additional studies of osteopathic medicine, while typically affecting older and aging adults, may also affect young people.

Secondly, I've worked with enough of both to realize that the type of person that seeks advanced studies even though it does not typically result in a higher "degree" yet more knowledge, has a greater inclination toward curiosity as a part of who they are. This results in doctors who have to a person worked WITH me as health partners/providers, encouraging my desire to learn more and to be more active in my care, which has ALWAYS resulted in better care.
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
I am ine of thse seniors who can benefit from a DO,s
specialization.
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
more holistic approach
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
I have bone degeneration of my back and spine. I'm 75 years old.
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
My doctor is DO
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
DO has better expertise in the totality of the human being with added additional expertise with bone manipulations.
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
Because they tend to look at the over all picture of a patient and also tend to not prescribe as many drugs to them.
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
My Cardiologist is a DO and it was on his advice that I had my Aortic valve replaced at 72 yoa and my life is greatly improved.
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
i just like it better, am more comfortable and familiar with it.
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
They study medicine plus osteopathic manipulayion
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
I have been to both MDs and DOs. Both are very qualified medically. For me it comes down to what are they treating. Just the issue at hand, or going deeper to find the root cause of a problem. Do they patch me up or give me the knowledge how to avoid the same issue in the future. Do they work with my overall health? Mind - Body - Spirit. I find DOs more open to the wholeness aspect of health. I think it comes down to what a person is looking for and who they are more comfortable with. So far, DOs are my choice.
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
Because every time I go to the MD doctor he pushes me off to a specialist.
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
Because I find that MD over prescribe medication which is a bit of concern for me. However, DO take the time to extensively talk about your health.
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
I'm an osteopathic medical student
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
Because my Doctor has a DO degree and has surgically replaced my hip.
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
More patient-centered.
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
From what I've read both are great but I need a doctor who has a concentrated understanding of the body itself, I know medicine prescribe will help must issues but I need to understand my body and how my every day life interacts with it.
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
Focus on the body's ability to heal itself through more natural methods. Not so quick to prescribe drugs.
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
Holistic care and less drugs
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
Age related treatments and procedures. Sounds more knowledgeable about elderly related procedures.
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
They are Md + osteopathic manipulative medicine
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
In general, they are more caring and spend more time with patiants.
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
DOs are trained in techniques that can help disorders of the musculoskeletal system, to diagnose and effectively treat pains that elude other doctors. They can also diagnose everything else as well as the MDs.
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
More natural
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
I have many medical conditions. I am a senior citizen and my conditions are getting worse. I need someone who really understands the human body.
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
They are more concerned with the patients special needs and listens to the patient in order to make a better diagnosis so they can prescribe an effective treatment.
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
MY PHYSICIAN FOR THE PAST 15 YEARS IS A DO AND HE I EXCELLENT!
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
The DO has better diagnostic training.
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
Hey appear to be more involved in my pain tainting good health
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
My dad went to one all his life and swore by him. That was 70 years ago. I am 73.
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
Diversity in recent years has forced better qualified applicants into DO school while less qualified have been accepted into medical school.
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
DO
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
Would like to treat the root cause versus treating symtoms.
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
I have heard they utilize a more holistic approach.
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
addit
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
whole body, mind, body, & spirit focus
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
they have more training. all doctors need bedside manners (md or do)
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
They look at the whole body for determine diagnosis
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
The extra expertise for the spine and aging which involves many other areas.
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
I am age 68 and worried about osteoporis.
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
A doctor who takes a systematic approach to medicine is preferred to one who treat a condition in isolation.
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
They have additional expertise other than the general studies ones
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
dudes crack backs and ****
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
D.O. doctors have the same training as M.D.'s, plus D.O.'s are able to perform adjustments in the office, which most M.D.'s do not.
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
Feel they Are more caring for a patients total health
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
more holistic approach
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
I have dealt with both types of doctors and in my experiences, those who have who posses a DO degree seem/appear to be more knowledgeable about the body in general.
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
Better level of expertise
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
A DO lets the body heal itself, while an MD masks the systems with drugs.
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
For many years I have had my health care administered by an MD. However, in the last year I visited a DO while searching for a doctor with treatment options I was more comfortable with. I decided to try a DO who offered more treatment options for the same diagnosis then those offered by the MD.
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
they are more trained in this profesian
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
Because in the past, I have had medical doctors and all they wanted to do was push drugs at me. The drugs they pushed were always the "latest and greatest," and those drugs have gotten me into a bad situation. Now I have to find a good DO to set things right.
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
I prefer a doctor who would see my care from the preventative point of view and solution, vs medicine.
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
I am partial to the more wholistic,less envasive method of care and my doctors from childhood all the way to my now 50's have been DO's.
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
Working in health care for over 20 years the DO tends to give the patients better care.
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
Because they're more open to naturopathic means of treatment whereas MD's are alopathic.
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
Their holistic approach and OMM/OMT.
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
The doctor I prefer to see is a DO
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
Medicines tend to make me sick.
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
After working for several DO's and MD's, I have found that patients are far more receptive to the hollistic approach used by a DO. They see the physician as more caring when they use this whole person approach rather than the typical MD approach. This is not to downplay the MD however many are great providers, but on the whole this is what I have noticed.
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
Broader knowledge of medical practices.
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
because of the additional training
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
They examine you more to go to the cause of your illness and advise you so that you can prevent reoccurrence.
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
more holistic approach!
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
My limited experience also tells me that DOs tend to focus more on preventative treatments through healthy lifestyle choices like diet and exercize rather than simply prescribing pills.
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
I like the expanded treatment options offered to me
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
Because my doctor is a DO and he is very good.
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
PILLS BUT NO RESULTS
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
Have additional expertise other that the general studies.
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
MDs are overrated. DOs have better musculoskeletal training.
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
holistic views
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
Because Md's tend to be only concentrate on giving drugs
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
They listen to me, treat me like a person, and are more knowledgeable than most MD's I know.
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
They care about you as a whole person and don't always try to throw drugs down your throat like the many M.D's I've been to in the past.
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
i completely agree with the philosophy of letting your body heal itself sometimes. i feel that its not all the time that we need to pop an advil or a pain killer, or even have surgery.
  • Anonymous . August 2021
They are better trained and go through fellowship to get their expertise.
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
Because some MDs specifies in specifics. I have worked with Orthopaedic surgeons
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
why don't we have as many DO programs as MDs in the USA?
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
I get to my MD where as I know people that go to a DO have to see his nurse practitioner. Not a big fan of this!!!
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
Harder to get into an MD program than DO in USA. The smarter students get the MD.
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
they don't try to force physical therapy on the patient
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
because can not get MD they can go DO
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
I want a Real Doctor !
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
conditioning from birth
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
I always think that a DO couldn't get into a "real" medical school and settled for second best. What additional expertise could a DO offer a gynocologist, for example? No bones tbere.
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
Experience with DO prescribing herbal cures instead of real medicine
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
better
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
It's the Merit selections that distinguish the MD.
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
because
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
MD schools have more scientific and clinical research, MD's have higher MCAT scores,
and their is an increase into DO schools due to the ease of admission versus entrance into Medical School
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
Tradition
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
because i like getting better
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
unfortunately the two DO providers were too cautious in diagnosis and attributed my ailments to ... "being tired"....
The MD ordered more tests and found an a thyroid issue.

Anecdotal, but in my case, sticking with MDs
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
An MD is a real doctor.
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
All my life I have had an MD Doctor. My Preferrance is to have an MD that I am familiar with.
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
Factual info. It is harder to get into a MD school, by almost 1 standard deviation in general.
Better student got to Medical School compared to DO school.
One is a Medical Doctor and one is a Doctor of Osteopathy.
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
Because they have a had training in a better university
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
DOs sound too much like glorified chiropractors.
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
I do not believe in manipulation or in homeopathic medicine.
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
don't trust d.o
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
Generally more technical expertise and better entrance exam scores for medical school.
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
DO is a wanna be physician.
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
Better trsining
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
I think a D.O. wrote this
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
My experience has been that DO's don't treat the specific problem as well as an MD. They are kind of wishy-washy (DO).
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
They are not fake doctors.
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
I have had bad experience with DO doctor. MD seem to have more real medical experience.
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
:D
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
Better
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
just more familiar
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
I'm an M.D. and truth is, it really doesn't matter which you go with. As long as you care for you patients.
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
Because, they are more popular and have a wider range of options!
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
More generalized knowledge.
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
I think is better
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
DO seems like an awkward middle ground between an MD and a specialist. Also, studying more but finishing in the same amount of time? Ugh.
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
j
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
I think MD have better training in medicine, instead if a focus in osteopathic takes them off track.
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
They have higher MCAT scores and the residencies are more rigorourous. Especially the specialty training. Ask most any DO; they would rather be an MD.
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
A DO IS A GLORIFIED CHIROPRACTOR
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
I Don't know
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
bc
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
Medical schools are more competitive.
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
i LIJKE IT
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
Never experienced a DO before
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
A MD can care for every part of my being not just certain parts of my being they studied for.
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
Smarter.
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
trust!
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
More experience with MD's & don't fully understand DO background
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
I prefer a licensed MD surgeon vs DO they do not seem to be board certified!
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
I am one.
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
based on experience as a patient
  • Anonymous . 3+ yrs. ago
Because I prefer the M.D. trained in conventional medicine learning the very latest in medical practice, opinions, drugs, etc. He can always, if he wants, adapt a more liberal view when he becomes an attending. However, I want my physician to be brilliantly schooled in medical care. If he decides to throw in an herb or two along the way, so be it.

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