DO vs MD- Which one is better?

They both are dedicated doctors and aim at providing the best treatments to the patients. They focus on alleviating the pain and suffering of the patients and enable them to lead a normal healthy life.

DO and MD

A doctor with DO degree is known to be an Osteopathic Doctor while the same with MD degree is known as an Allopathic doctor. The Dos believe that the human body is like a machine and if the machine functions perfectly, the human body remains fit and fine. The task of the Dos is to improve the mechanical functioning of the body. On the other hand, MD is a specialized medical degree which requires 4 years’ study and rigorous training. Both the degrees are going hand in hand since the middle of the 19^th century.

Difference between DO and MD

• Osteopathic Medical School lays emphasizes upon the functioning of the body as a whole and attempts to provide preventive remedies rather than simply treating the symptoms. In Osteopathic Medical School, the students receive hands-on treatment on Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT). Hence, the Dos claim that they adopt a more holistic approach to treatment. 

The task of MDs is to diagnose the disease from the symptoms and certain tests and offer treatment to cure the patients.

• After, completing the undergraduate course in medicine, the candidate can pursue MD. This is a specialised medical degree. The candidates can pursue MD in Dermatology, Orthopaedics, and Cardiology, etc.

The DOs generally offer primary care to the patients. They have to undergo an additional 200 hours of training learning manipulation techniques of the musculoskeletal system.

• A survey says that the Dos carry on with their practice in the rural areas while the MDs practice in the urban areas.

Similarities between DO and MD

• Both the Dos and MDs are capable of carrying out treatment on the basis of the primary diagnosis. They can perform surgery upon the patients if it is necessary.
• Do and MD are professional courses pertaining to the medical sciences. Students pursuing DO or MD have to take up 4 years’ comprehensive study programme followed by residency programme of 3-7 years duration.
• At the completion of their study Dos, as well as MDs, should apply for the registration to the specific authority for practicing in the hospitals.

Salary Drawn by Dos and MDs

• The Dos and MDs are proficient medical practitioners. Their chief aim is the well being of the patients. Yet, it is found that MDs earn more than Dos. Actually, the salary of a doctor depends upon his area of specialization, years of experience and location. Since MD is a specialized field of study, these doctors earn more than the Dos. Moreover, the MDs practice in the cities and urban areas where the cost of living is higher than the rural areas. Hence, the earning of the MDs is higher than that of the Dos. 

But to conclude, we say that, literally there is no difference between DO and MD. They both are dedicated doctors and aim at providing the best treatments to the patients. They focus on alleviating the pain and suffering of the patients and enable them to lead a normal healthy life.