What do mds do

Most people go to medical schools that offer MDs, but DO degrees are growing in popularity. An MD is a traditional medicine degree, whereas a DO takes a holistic, mind-body-spirit approach to care. In the U. Keep reading for more information on the similarities and differences between DOs and MDs, as well as how it affects their medical practice.

The main difference between DOs and MDs comes down to the philosophy of care. DOs practice an osteopathic approach to care, while MDs practice an allopathic approach to care. An allopathic approach focuses on contemporary, research-based medicine, and it often uses medications or surgery to treat and manage different conditions. According to the American Medical Association AMA , a person pursuing a DO degree should expect to participate in an additional hours or more of hands-on training on the musculoskeletal system.

On the other hand, the allopathic focus of an MD means that they take a scientific approach to diagnosing and treating individual medical conditions. That includes:. However, a student considering either program does not always need to stress over which route to take.

According to St. Ultimately, prospective students should consider the school and curriculum to determine which one best suits them. MD and DO programs have similar requirements when it comes to education. Over 53, applicants applied to medical schools in the U.

Of those students, the average MCAT score was Many D. Although D. Many M. Most D. At the same time, plenty of M.

Do you feel comfortable sharing information with them? Need to make an appointment with a Piedmont physician? Save time, book online. Close X. Back to Living Better Living Better newsletter. Zip Code. They have an extensive knowledge base that allows them to treat many different patients. This also makes them some of the most-needed types of physicians. Doggett says. Doggett is right. In fact, there is a dire need for more primary care physicians in the years to come.

Girgis says. For those considering a career in primary care, one advantage is the potential to effectively juggle your personal and professional responsibilities. This is especially attractive when compared to some of the more demanding specialties. Girgis explains. It is also well suited to part-time opportunities. Girgis also mentions that many primary care physicians now practice outpatient medicine rather than inpatient medicine , thus, avoiding late-night admissions in the hospital.