Understanding the Differences Between MDs and DOs in Child Healthcare

When it comes to child healthcare, parents and guardians often wonder about the differences between medical doctors (MD) and doctors of osteopathic medicine (DO).

The Education and Training of MDs and DOs

Both MDs and DOs begin their medical training at a medical school, where they receive a degree in medicine. However, the main difference lies in the type of medical school they attend:

MDs: Doctors of Medicine (MD) receive their medical degree from accredited medical schools approved by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). DOs: Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) receive their doctorate from schools of osteopathy, such as the American University of interrogation, New York Institute of Osteopathic Medicine, or Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, which are accredited by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA).

Post-Graduate Training and Specializations

Both MDs and DOs have the option to pursue specialized training in pediatrics after completing their medical degrees and practical training. Typically, they complete a three-year pediatric residency program, which focuses on the healthcare needs of children from birth through adolescence.

Both types of doctors take the same training programs and must pass the same licensing exams to become practicing physicians. Since 2014, the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) and the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX) UE have been unified under the Uniform Board Licensure Examination (UBLEX) program, making it easier for both MDs and DOs to enter the same residency programs.

Approaches to Healthcare Practice

While MDs and DOs have a similar educational background and undergo the same training for pediatricians, their approaches to healthcare practice can sometimes differ:

MDs: MDs often emphasize the physiological and pathological aspects of disease, focusing on the biochemical and cellular processes that underlie the condition. Their training tends to be more medically focused, with a strong emphasis on evidence-based medicine and the latest medical research. DOs: DOs, on the other hand, focus on the whole person and the interconnectedness of all bodily systems. They typically emphasize the integration of body, mind, and spirit in their treatments. Additionally, DOs receive 25 more hours of training in the musculoskeletal system and hands-on manipulation, which can be beneficial for musculoskeletal conditions.

Collaboration and Regulatory Integration

There have been efforts to further integrate MDs and DOs into their respective healthcare systems. In the US, both MDs and DOs are licensed to practice medicine and enjoy equal status under the law. They can practice in hospitals, clinics, private practices, and other healthcare settings.

There have been discussions and movements toward merging residency programs. For instance, the North American Pediatric Osteopathic Residency Association (NAPORA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) have collaborated to promote collaboration and integration between MD and DO pediatricians. This collaboration aims to ensure that both types of doctors are well-prepared to care for the diverse needs of children.

Conclusion

In summary, the differences between MDs and DOs in child healthcare are largely academic and relate to their initial medical education and training. When it comes to specialization in pediatrics, both MDs and DOs receive the same standardized training and are equally qualified to provide high-quality healthcare for children.

Parents can rest assured that the primary focus for both MDs and DOs is the health and wellbeing of their young patients. Collaboration and integration between MDs and DOs ensure that children receive the best possible care, regardless of the type of doctor they consult.