You may have perused the “Providers” section of our website and wondered what the D.O. and M.D. behind a physician’s name stood for. You may have also wondered if the difference between the two degrees matters within the medical field. The pain management physicians at The Pain Center of Arizona understand these titles may be confusing to patients, which is why they are addressing the differences between physicians with a D.O. and M.D. degree.
M.D.s and D.O.s are both licensed physicians, however, their training differed slightly allowing them to bring unique perspectives on patient care. M.D.s focus on the diagnosis and treatment of human diseases. This is a “classic” form of medicine, also referred to as allopathic medicine, that allows the physician to practice medicine and surgery as well as prescribe medications. These doctors work to treat a patient’s symptoms. Roughly 750,000 physicians in the United States are M.D.s.
D.O.s on the other hand place a heavy emphasis on integrated care. A D.O. is an osteopathic physician with a holistic view of medicine. He or she reaches a diagnosis based on the patients whole body functioning and symptoms, rather than addressing the symptoms alone. Osteopathic physicians also place a large emphasis on the prevention of diseases. Of the approximately 800,000 practicing physicians in the U.S., roughly 50,000 are D.O.s.
Physicians with a D.O. are also licensed in all 50 states to practice medicine, surgery and prescribe medications. The important thing to remember is both M.D. and D.O. schools have 4 year degrees and both have very similar curricula. Both are also required to complete accredited medical residencies. Patients should not see much of a difference between the two physicians in terms of medical care. They are both fully qualified doctors that may present a different approach when treating a patient. The Pain Center of Arizona is fully equipped with both kinds of physicians and enjoys seeing the comprehensive and multidisciplinary approaches.
If you suffer from chronic pain due to any condition or injury, find hope at The Pain Center of Arizona! Our dedicated team of board certified pain management physicians will work with you to treat your pain, increase your functionality and quality of life, and get you back into life! We have locations across Arizona, including Phoenix, Anthem, Surprise, Mesa, Gilbert, Deer Valley, Paradise Valley, Scottsdale, and now Prescott and Tucson! We take multiple insurance plans; click here to see if we take yours! To make an appointment and take the first step toward getting back into life, call us today at 1-888-PAINCENTER. We hope to see you soon!
The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only, and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.
