I have been looking for a family doctor for a few months now, and at the recommendation of a friend have made an appt. But when I looked into the Dr's credentials, I see that he has a DO after his name. When I made the appt, I made sure that this person would be able to treat the entire family (which is how we've always done it) for things like checkups and sick calls. Now doing research on Osteopaths and seeing words like "homeopathic" I'm a bit skeptical. If I go to a doctor because of an illness, I don't want the Dr. to be prescribing herbs and vitimins as the main form of treatment. I know that this person is a medical doctor, but the whole "DO" thing is confusing. Does anyone have any experience with this type of medical professional?
That mayb e the dictionary definition for it but I go to a do and she is awesome. She treats with traditional meds so don't let it throw you, just talk to the doc prior and ask about his treatment practices.
A D.O. and an M.D. are pretty much synonymous these days. My current pedi is a D.O. and I've never once been prescribed an herb or vitamin. A doctor of osteopathy does not mean they are a holistic doctor. Quite the opposite. They believe, and are licensed, in surgery and modern medicine just like an M.D. They are taught to look beyond individual symptoms and to evaluate your body as a whole. They go to med school too and learn the same stuff. The approach taken in their education is a bit different, but thats about it.
Actually, I shouldn't have said my current pedi, she just moved to Dallas about 2 weeks ago (I'm very upset!)...look her up, Courtney Marburger D.O. I absolutely LOVE her!
Yes, I've seen a DO, a DO who worked in the same office with an MD. I liked the DO better. They're pretty much the same now.... and mine prescribed meds just like the MD.
Yes I use to work with one, She had her own line of natural supplements and perferred to heal naturally with people that were dieting, colds, ear infections etc. It really did work though but on the other hand she would also write perscriptions as well. My 3 kids doc is a DO too and he from what I recall didnt have the natural supplements and would always write out a perscription if it was needed. So I dont think you have anything to worry about. My opinion a DO is more concerned and takes the time out versus an MD. I hope this helped you out let me know the out come. Goodluck!
J.
While a DO used to be quite different from an MD, the gap has really narrowed. DOs now have the ability to treat patients in the same way MDs do. If the doctor seems skilled and you like him/her, by all means see a DO. They're not herb-pushers, just doctors with a slightly different focus.
A DO is typically educated with a more wholistic approach to medicine. However, they are interchangeable with MDs. Check out the info on the DO school in Ft Worth for details
http://www.hsc.unt.edu/
My doctor is a DO. DOs tend to focus on the whole body and patient history rather than focusing on symptoms and one area of the body. For me, it's been a wonderful change to see her as opposed to the MDs I used to see. They tended to throw meds at me rather try to solve the problem.
By emergency situations I've had two surguries by DOs. It seems to me they are as equipped, if not more, than MDs. They go to school much longer, can prescribe prescriptions if needed, but don't have a closed mind like MDs that writing a prescription is the cure all. The MD I go to now never checks me over, just does blood work and then has his pen so very ready to prescribe drugs if something is amiss. A "treatment" doctor, rather than a "healing" doctor.
I'm looking now for a new doctor who has an open mind, thinks alternative before simply sending me to a phamacist. Well, that's my opinion. Good luck!
My cousin is a doctor. She chose to become a D.O. after doing thorough research. On the whole, DO's are more personable, caring more about their patients as a whole. They are trained to have a better bed side manner. They receive just about all the same training and certifications that MD's do.
My son was treated by an orthopedic surgeon who was a D.O. Absolutely no problems at all. I wouldn't hesitate one moment in taking my children to a D.O.
