MD vs DO: What’s the difference & which is better? 

*breaks her neck* - how do you feel? - I feel great: all pain is gone, all sorrow is gone, forever.

You thought I was an M.D.... BUT IT WAS ME, D.O.

Me, an intellectual MD- *Medical Doctor* DO- *Doctor*

Watching this after the FIGS ad about DO’s in the pink scrubs

I stopped eating apples because of him.

My neurologist is a DO. I love him a lot. First neurologist I’ve ever felt respected by.

Dr. Mike: "low-risk, conservative measure" Also Dr. Mike: *snaps her neck*

Thanks for taking the time to make this video, Dr. Mike! I was recently accepted and will be attending V.C.O.M. in the fall of 2019. I am so excited to start my career as a physician! I am always hearing different stigmas of D.O.'s and M.D.'s but in my opinion, like yours, the difference is becoming so small between the two that it really makes no difference. We are all learning to treat the patient behind the disease and that is what counts at the end of the day rather than the letters behind the name. As some of my mentors have said, "treat the patient, not the monitor".

Now, I decided my mind to what I wanna become. It's MG (Mike's girl.)

My doctor is a D.O and she’s amazing. She’s the best doctor I’ve ever had and I plan to stick with her as my primary physician as long as I can. She actually takes her time and never feel like she rushing like other doctors.

I’m also a DO and an FM resident. I use this video to explain what I do to family and friends. Thank you for being a proud DO!

Dr. MIKE. Just want to say thank you. If it wasn't for this video. I wouldn't have found out about OMM. After 10+ years of being told "No" because chiropractors are not covered by insurance, I thought my spine would never get fixed. But because of you, I was spurred on to find a DO in network that does OMM/OMT. Sure enough I found one, got the Green light from my GP. Now after 2-3 months, with just 4 treatments, my spine is roughly 55 - 60% Better. Just want to say thank you, because even though you don't know me. You have helped me in ways I never thought anyone would.

I just got my MD in Austria. I had no idea about the DO title in the USA until I saw this video. Thank you for this video and your other medically accurate and well researched content!

Giiiiiiiiiiiirl....... If he cracked my neck or whatever I'd probably propose. Who the hell am I talking to?

I’m a BI developer for a university hospital... my focus is primary care and we are seeing more and more DOs (we have also implemented sports med, and “exercise as medicine” programs). I have so much respect for the doctors I support 💕💕

My dad is an general/family medicine MD who works with DOs. He used to supervise a lot of DO students, too. They seem to get along quite well. There are benefits to both, I think.

Omg I could not do that neck cracking thing .. that’s scary as hellll

I really love that you pointed out the importance of bedside manners with a patient. Great video!

I went on a tour of an osteopathic medical school and fell in love. I was able to see students practicing OMT and also see state of the art technology used to train students. Becoming a DO is definitely one of my bigger career paths but I still am unsure of what route I want to take. This video was great!

My ob/gyn is an DO and is the best doctor I’ve ever had. He’s so calm, listens and treats you like a friend, if it wasn’t for him I would of had a horrible time having my son like I did with my daughter.

OH MY GOSH!!!! I've been watching your videos all this time and had no idea you were a D.O.! As a third year osteopathic student this makes my little OMS heart happy

1:10 Well if someone did that to me, I think my head would full on detach and remain in their hands. I flinched watching that tbh lol

Love you! Thank you for giving DOs the credit they well deserve!

Thank you so much for this video! I appreciate your information regarding the DO journey. I am a huge believer in a holistic approach....great video!

My man out here decapitating people. We'll let it slide tho, we'll let it slide 😍

A D.O. resident delivered my 2nd child (military hospital) and I was SO thankful I got him because my pelvis dislocated during pregnancy and he could put it back in! #EhlersDanlos

Love the videos brother! Keep it up!!!

YOUR passion for medical procedures is so awesome Dr Mike

As a european, this was really instructive. I was certain that DOs weren't actually medical practitioners but you just proved me wrong

Wow, this video just made my job easier in explaining to people the difference between DOs and MDs. Here in the South, people are gradually warming up to osteopathy, so it's a daily task explaining to patients and my MD colleagues what the osteopathic philosophy entails. Keep up the great work!

Wow, I've never head of a DO before. I'm Australian, all our doctors are what you described as MD. Here, an osteopath is more like a philosophically-different chiropractor. Maybe we should get DO's as well, sounds like we'd benefit from them.

The most brilliant doctor I ever worked with, in the 30 years I worked as a nurse, was a DO!

Doctor Mike is the only youtuber I look forward to watching everyday

Fantastic video!! So clear and concise - your videos keep getting better! We don't have any DO training programs in Canada and I was never clear on the difference!

This was affirming to watch! I’m starting as an OMS1 in August, and I’m looking forward to my training! I’ve always wanted to be a doctor. And I can’t wait to DO just that!

Doctor Mike I must say you have some amazing content on your channel.. I'm glad I came across your page... Im sure in the future my channel will pivot and have more science/medicine related content ... your channel is GOAAAAALS! lol. keep it up!

PSA: Most MDs are also fans of "treating the patient as a whole".

Hi Dr. Mike! I work for an EMR company. As a product trainer, I am expected not just to know how the software functions, but also about the medical industry. I wanna thank you for making such amazing videos. Although I don't directly work in the field of medicine, I like to keep myself updated with what's happening. And I wouldn't be exaggerating if I said I can rely on your videos. This video, for example answers a question I have had in my mind forever. And no, Google doesn't help! 😁 Thank you!

Having an arrythmia and I'm here to hear a doctor's voice for comfort. Peace and good vibes.

Great video, Dr Mike! I'm considering sharing this with my Pre-SOMA club members on our first meeting next week

I had always wondered what the difference between the two were. I've been treated by both and didn't have a problem with either.

Thank you for another info doctor Mike! This is so educational. People have to be aware of this. Have a great day!

Thank you for so clearing explaining the difference Dr. Mike.

I’m European and still confused by this. So confused.

I will be getting my DO in a few short months and that was a FANTASTIC comparison of the differences. I love that you explained the similarities are too numerous to mention. 90% of the doctors I worked with during my 3rd and 4th years were MDs.

Thanks for this clear and concise explanation! My grandfather, Dr. Philip Greenman, was a well known DO who did a lot to increase the credibility and acceptance of osteopaths. He also created many of the OMT techniques and principles that you use. Thanks for continuing on his legacy of quality holistic medical care and spreading awareness of the field.

Dr Mike, thank you so much for posting this. I’m a bit older to be considering med school, but it’s something I wanna do. Many thanks

Currently we live overseas in a country that does not have a DO degree. However, before we moved my favorite dr we took our girls to was a DO. I remember she took time to talk about all of my questions and concerns. She also had a different growth chart for my daughters since I was breastfeeding. I miss that growth chart because my oldest is now 8 and is the same size of a 12 year old! Will have to go see a DO when we are stateside this summer for a check up! Thanks for making these videos😊

Thanks for making Sundays even better!!! ❤❤

FINALLY! I was waiting for this video! It was such an informative video. You just get better and better with every video! Thanks Doc!

I'm preparing for NEET exam (medical entrance exam in India to get into medical College) .We have Physics Chemistry and Biology for our syllabus . While studying during breaks I watch Dr Mike's videos old or new. They are so informative, educational and entertaining at the same time. Like Mike is literally a celebrity doctor who lives faraway in America still he's so down to earth. Seems like he's everyone's friend and just explaining cool medical stuff to everybody.

Communication and bedside manner! So glad you touched on that! Most Doctors anymore lack in both of those areas.

I sling coffee for a living an a DO-med student has fixed my sacrum, my back, and even helped me figure out how to adjust my shoes so my sacrum does not bend out of place and hurt.

I've been a DO for 25 years. My colleagues and I helped open doors at top residency programs.

Absolutely informative, concise, and attention retentive!

I just made an appointment with a DO, but I never heard of one before so I wasn’t sure. I’m glad to hear they are the same as an MD! And it’s interesting that they have that holistic approach, I actually like that. I don’t like doctors who don’t spend time talking to you and just assign medicine without even caring/remembering your current medical problems. Since a DO cares about the whole body, I imagine he will take everything into account. The DO I made an appointment with has such good reviews too I’m really looking forward to my appointment now. Thank you for the video!

I started DO school as a second career when I was 36. As a NYC paramedic my favorite ER was one which was all DO run. I didn't even know what a DO was at the time but they impressed me so much I only applied to the school they all went to, NYCOM now NYITCOM. I've been an ED attending now for 8 years and very happy. Liked your video, Dr. Mike.

I don't know why this showed up on my feed but I'm glad it did.

My current and previous Primary Care Physician are both DOs and I didn’t even know that there was a difference between DO and MD, but it’s nice to know that in reality they’re similar

Mr. Mike I admire the work you put in to inform your patients and us regular people. You make learning health care fun. I didn't know the difference between MD OR DO until I saw your video. It makes sense to look for a DR that agrees with your same stance on health care. I know you mentioned that some MD perfer preventive first but not all. When I was pregnant I suffered depression along with other health issues and all my doctors first recommended was meds. I believe meds are important but they are not always the #1 solution. I perfer the holistic and preventive approach first. My docs would get fustrated with me when I didn't want to take it and I will continue to complain of certain issues. What scared me was the multitude of side effects that were risking my unborn baby and myself. Your videos help with looking for a DR that fits your needs and also to help the patient to communicate effectively to their doc. Sometimes patients walkin with an assumption that docs should know everything. Thank you for presenting docs in a very human light. Keep doing what you are doing your making a difference.

I’ve been waiting for your video every Sunday! Such an informative and entertaining to watch 👍🏻 keep it up! 💋🇵🇭

Just found your channel and subscribed. I'm an OMS 1 and loved your personal take on the differences and similarities :)

TLDR- MD: Doctor DO: Doctor

Thank you for teaching me this as my new doctor is a do and I have never seen that before. You eased my mind about going to him!

Do both D.O's and MD'S perform surgery

You just made my Sunday brighter, buddy! You're the best doctor I know! You are the man...and my best friend!👍👍🙌🙌

I know this video is from a few years ago but I wanted to thank you for this info! I saw this video several months ago when choosing what rheumatologist to go to. I’ve been to mostly MDs my whole life and often felt very dismissed or like they were just putting a band-aid over the issue. I ended up seeing a DO and she was amazing! She actually listened to me and didn’t tell me that I was too young to be experiencing the pain I was describing since I’m 23. My mom has lupus so that’s obviously a concern and I was exhibiting many tell tale symptoms. My ANA didn’t indicate lupus but my numbers were very slightly elevated. Before seeing her, I was told that they couldn’t do anything for me until I had lupus and then they could put me on immunosuppressants. The DO I went to actually gave me a list of vitamins and supplements to help my symptoms as well as lifestyle changes and information on foods that are low inflammatory. She is also having me come back every 6 months for a full blood panel to keep an eye on things so we can intervene early if need be. I ended up being diagnosed with fibromyalgia and she put me on a low dose SNRI. It’s the first time that I didn’t feel like a medication was being pushed on me. My condition will always be there to an extent but it’s helped my symptoms a lot! I feel like because of her, I’m finally learning how to manage my condition and actually live with it. I wish more people understood that a DO is just as qualified as an MD. I personally like the osteopathic approach much more than the allopathic approach and so many people would benefit from seeing a DO!

Thank you for explaining this in under 4 mins. Great video

Dr. Mike, I couldn't agree more. My women's health doc is a D. O. I was blessed with having her for both of my pregnancies, which were high risk. Furthermore, she found my cervical cancer very early on. She did a phenomenal job!

Love this!! I am currently a first year medical student at an MD school and I don't think I fully understood how a DO education differed from an MD one until this video! I definitely fell victim to the old-school stigma that an MD education is better but I've got to admit that learning OMT and focusing on the holistic approach would be great aspects of a well rounded program. It's a little scary that I will have that many more students to compete with for residencies (Class of 2021- after the merge)

Doctor Mike, show me the paper that shows osteopathy is effective in treating congestive heart failure?

I love getting my neck cared for like that. It is really hard to find a good chiropractor that can get to the root of the issue without thinking that they know everything about your condition because they have a degree. I love Dr. Mike's approach to patient care. I guess it is time to move to New Jersey. :)

THANK YOU FOR THIS!! I'm a DO student in Texas and people really need to know that there are not too many differences at all and that a DO is not the same thing as a chiropractor. Most importantly, DOs and MDs want to and have the same skills to provide the best care for their patients!

Thank you. Very informative. I have had many MDs for most of my life and didn't always get the quality of care that I personally needed. By 2015 I switched to new health insurance and took the opportunity to select a D.O. as my primary care doctor and I'm very happy with my decision. Many of my other doctors were quick to just prescribed me meds for an ailment and call it a day. My D.O. on the hand is not so quick to prescribe medication unless absolutely needed. Had some back issues for a few months before I finally saw my doctor about it. He adjusted my back and then sent me to physical therapy for 6 weeks and prescribed for my employment to set me up with a Sit/Stand Desk . At PT I learned tools to help myself in the future should my back issues return. So much better than relying on pain meds. Not sure if I would have gotten the same care if I had stuck with an MD.

My new primary care doctor is a D.O., and so far I really like them! Our first appoint was very long but I felt a lot more listened to than at my old pediatric doctor.

Great video doctor! I'm a European trained DO. Unfortunately, here in the EU, we don't have the option of being medically trained DO's. But our comprehensive Osteopathic training teaches us how to identify and diagnose yellow and red flags, so the patient can be a 100% sure that a referral will be made if needed.

So basically your saying, lets all chooses Dr.Mike as our doctor! :) Great communication skills, knowledgeable, good bedside side manners, and lots of experience. 😄 ❤️

Wow! Such an informative video. Well done, Doctor. 👏

This is so helpful. Thank you!

This would help my mom so much if she could just get this done as part of a regular check up. Her doctor recommended getting adjustments after she was in a car accident, but she had to travel pretty far to find a chiropractor. Come to California, Dr. Mike!

I have always wondered the difference, my dr is a DO and he is able to do so many things, including shots that other MD’s in his office are not able to do, and you are spot on with the bed side manner, my DO is fun and makes everyone so at ease, truly phenomenal and to be honest I don’t think I would ever go back to an M.D., thanks for the video and clearing that up!!!!

I never knew the difference, thanks for explaining ❤️

I was finally able to choose my own Dr again after so long with a military Dr. I chose a do and I'm hoping she can help me with all of my back issues!

My OBGYN when I was pregnant was a DO, I was curious about what it was but when I searched Google it said they were basically the same I absolutely loved my doctor and I really feel like she listened to me, even remembering things that I just mentioned in appointments, it was my first (and probably going to be only lol) pregnancy, but she made it easy My doctor is also a crazy busy woman, the day of my delivery she was in a surgery, went straight from the surgery to deliver my baby, and then had to immeadietly leave to deliver another baby!

Woof, reading the comments here I feel like people either didn't watch the video at all, or they are so biased against DOs to begin with, they refused to listen to what you were saying. I might suggest making a follow-up video where you further clarify some of the finer points for the mouthbreathers in the comments who evidently couldn't follow a simple, 4-minute video to begin with. To clarify: -Holistic =/= homeopathic. "Holistic approach" and "scientific approach" are NOT mutually exclusive. -Chiropractry =/= OMT, and OMT is something that a lot of DOs don't actually end up using in their day to day practice. Psychiatrists/pathologists/orthopods/ER docs/most other specialty DOs are likely going to be pretty indistinguishable from an MD in the way that they practice. Also, DOs do not believe that spinal manipulations "cure cardiovascular disease". I think that point became a bit muddled in your presentation. -DOs are board certified physicians, just like MDs. And if a DO chooses to apply to ACGME residencies, they take 2 tests, both the COMLEX and USMLE, extra work they are taking upon themselves to be more competitive (but as you said, this whole system will merge by 2020). -Yes, DO schools do tend to accept more non-traditional students with slightly lower average test scores, but this doesn't speak to the rigor of the education that they provide to those students. DOs go through 4 years of med school, and 3-7 years of residency (+ fellowships) just like MDs. The osteopathic process weeds out students who are not "cut out" to practice medicine, just like the allopathic process. -Most people have probably been treated by several DOs throughout their life without even realizing it. If you've ever been to the ER, or a walk-in clinic, this is probably especially true. But guess what? Your OBGYN, your dermatologist, your orthopedic surgeon, your anesthesiologist, maybe even your neurosurgeon may very well be a DO. If you want some real insight into the "quality" of your physician, ask where they did their residency. The letters behind their name are not an automatic indication of their quality or abilities. Some great MD schools graduate some mediocre physicians and some mediocre MD schools create some amazing physicians. The same can be said about DO schools as well.

You snapped her neck and she laughed??!?!?! Freaking skynet!!!!!

Thank you so much for this information. I have always wondered. Sure wish we had more Dr,s like you here in northern AZ.take care as a senior it's a challenge to stay as healthy as I can.

no one- me while not wearing my glasses- *trying to figure out of the woman is a mannequin*

All of a sudden i broke my leg watching this video😩

Each of your videos is unique!! Thank you Dr Mike!!!!

This helps a lot ,thank you so much ❤

Nice technique on the cervical HVLA

As a D.O. myself, it is always nice to see videos like this. I only went to D.O.s growing up, so I thought D.O. stood for doctor and I had no idea what an M.D. was when I was a kid. I went to PCOM and became a D.O. and decided to do an allopathic residency in psychiatry. I don't utilize any manipulation in my practice - neither did my family docs growing up, so it wasn't anything I was interested in, but it was fun to learn. I would say most D.O.s do not use any manipulation techniques in their practice, but we all emphasize the holistic approach to medicine.

*FROM NYC here and My wifes OBGYN for during her 2nd pregnancy was a DO we loved her. She seemed to care more about what my wife was going through and (not because she was a woman.) Plus she wasn't always trying to get us in and out..she took her time.I myself want a DO now. Been looking for one*

_Love you DR Mike_ *your All videos are amazing*

this is vety helpful for me who have no idea what MD and DO are. I google it before and I got more confused. this video clear it up... thanks

Oh wow 😳. Wish didn’t read most of the comments here. So many hating on DOs. What’s the problem? DOs are licensed and legitimate doctors too who can help and treat people and save lives. Unless you’re in the business of doing the same, I think you should just take your hate elsewhere. It doesn’t help anyone!!

This was very informative. Thank you

For over 40 years I had as my DO doctor, Dr. John Qualter. He was always spot on in his diagnoses, and he was completely interested in the personhood of the patient. He was regularly listed by Castle-Connelly as one of the best family physicians in New Jersey. As a result, I learned firsthand that Dr. Varshavsky’s explanation in this episode is correct and fair. Thank you, Dr. Mike for this post!

This was a really interesting video. Do you work with or personally know any PAs? If so, could you make a video explaining the difference between doctors and PAs (job duties, education requirements, advantages/disadvantages of each)?