DO stands for Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. It’s one of two medical degrees you can earn in the United States that qualify you to practice as a fully licensed physician. Find out the differences between an MD and DO, and discover the pros, cons, risks, and benefits, and how it may affect health. The choice between an MD or DO physician often depends on personal preferences, philosophical alignment and the type of health care experience you seek as a patient. Today, close to 30% of all US medical students are studying osteopathic medicine. Learn about this growing field and explore why becoming a doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO) may be right for you. Read more. Called to care, inspired to cure as a physician? DO doctors receive similar training to MD (Doctor of Medicine) physicians, but with a focus on the musculoskeletal system, which plays a significant role in maintaining overall health. What is a DO vs. MD? Learn the truth about how allopathic and osteopathic medical programs can impact your residency, career, and salary MD formally stands for Doctor of Medicine while DO stands for Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. Both types of doctors diagnose and treat illnesses, prescribe medications and perform surgery when needed. What’s the difference between an MD and a DO? An MD is a Doctor of Medicine, while a DO is a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. The bottom line? They do the same job, have similar schooling, can prescribe medication and can practice all over the U.S. Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine, or DOs, practice their distinct philosophy in every medical specialty. Find a DO in your community. Osteopathic doctors (DOs) receive extra training to perform hands-on techniques that help diagnose and treat certain conditions. DOs and MDs must complete four years of medical school, a residency, and licensing exams to practice medicine.