Doctors - MD or DO

Monek Marie

I am not much on going to a Doctor, unless totally necessary. But there are times you need to.

I am looking for a new doctor. Mom at her age (92) needs a doctor and possibly a few specialists. But when selecting some is a MD or DO better?

JodieDownUnder

@Monek Marie I guess MD’s are the traditional types and are not keen to hear from like minded people such as us. I’m assuming DO is along the lines of osteopathy, the holistic approach. Like you, I only go to the GP(general practitioner) same as your MD, when I really have to. If I could find a great holistic GP, I would swap in a flash. I guess you have to weigh up your moms age and health issues and make sure she is comfortable but for me the holistic approach wins hands down. Are you able to discuss with your mother and the rest of your family?

Monek Marie

@JodieDownUnder My mom would prefer a blend of doctor and holistic. (We actually have one IF I can get here in). My brother, we have a strained relationship when it comes to mom but what doctor she has is a joke (he is known as one of the three stooges) so I think he would not object . All we want is quality of life and the current doctor ... no comment since I cannot think of anything nice

kbmbillups1

My husband goes to a DO. I don't think he's much different from an MD. Must be something different in their training or maybe just the degree they get? His doctor prescribes meds and all the same things as an MD.

Maybe do a search for a holistic doctor or functional medicine doctor in your area.

Monek Marie

@kbmbillups1

From my research a DO is more willing to use alternative practices than an MD. They both have the same training but a DO has a bit more.

Overall (from the research I did) most people feel a MD has a better training than a DO does and on a pay rate a MD makes more.

I have a few Do's in the area (very well thought of) and a few holistic doctors just across the border.

Thank you for your response.

annbeck62

I believe the original intention with a DO degree was to incorporate more holistic methodology. These days med school at least in the US is extremely competitive to get into and crazy arbitrary about who gets in and who doesn't. Many pre-med students apply both to medical and DO school. And graduating students apply for the same residencies so the difference has really blurred.

Monek Marie

The doctor I am looking at is a DO and will use alternative methods and looks at the body as whole when treating any issue. That is what his site says. He has a very nice smaller office and anyone I have talked to really likes him. I am pretty sure I will switch to him. He is under my moms insurance. And he is only 7 minutes away.

She still needs a heart doctor but I know this doctor will be better than what she has.

Linda Bittle

It's so hard to find a practitioner who shares my values, and who is also approved by my insurance - which is through my job. Good luck in your search. I'd probably start with a DO and go from there.

Monek Marie

Working with insurance companies is almost impossible now-a-days. I found the info for if the cdcotor I wanted was under her insurance and verified it by myself but I am still trying to get a hold of moms insurance for another matter, 2 days and counting. And he is a DO.

VermontCathy

At one time there was a significant difference between the two, but today (at least in the US), I think they have largely merged.

If you are looking for a doctor who is interested in alternative methods, holistic medicine, natural remedies, etc. the MD and DO labels won't tell you much. You need to look for a practice that advertises its use of these practices.

Cornelius

As a pre-med student I have been studying the difference between the two and they are very similar. A MD is taught mostly to treat sympotms, whereas a DO is taught to view the body as a whole to determine a health issue (the answer is never because you did to take a pharmicutical product (unless it is a vitamin lol)). Recently, their residencies have merged to allow them all the same opportunities. DO's also learn Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (chiropractors learned this from then and then changed it into their field) which can be very beneficial in many aspects of health. I personally am very interested in DO schools (they are also more likely to know/ have an interest in alternative forms of medicine including herbalism).

monica197

I would seek out a functional DO if I had to go.

dipat2005

I have an Internal Medicine MD that isn't very happy with how I handle my medical stuff. But I can teach him. He came from Pakistan. He will be shocked to know that I have actually lost weight this year. I suppose I should have looked into that loss of weight earlier. My Aunt also had an internal medicine doctor. She and I would go to her appointments together. I also went to my mom's appointments. I asked the Dr if I could tape the office visit because then I could play it back to my mom with the instructions the Dr would give. I was surprised that the Dr let me record those sessions and then I played it back to my mom (she was having dementia).

karenjanicki

I think DOs are better for people that are into alternative medicine though realistically pharmaceuticals should be considered alternative since herbs have been around far longer.....

Monek Marie

Mom will be going to the DO. I left the decision up to her although I recommneded the new doctor. The other one won't even talk to her one on one or tell her what is going on. Plus he made that remark, "well at least you are walking and talking" one day. (I wanted to decked him over that)

This doctor is highly recommended and will look at the whole person and treat that way, if you want. This other office personel are also friendly and very nice, closer to us and on the first floor.

VermontCathy

For the past few years in some parts of the US, it has been challenging to find a doctor who will take new patients at all.

There appears to be a shortage of general practicioners right now.

Monek Marie

https://community.thegrownetwork.com/discussion/comment/904476#Comment_904476

Yes, it is very challenging finding a new doctor. This doctor has not been taking patients for a bit so when I heard he was I went right down and got the paperwork.

My mother should have a heart doctor too but the waiting time is 6 months out.

Cornelius

@VermontCathy Yes. This is from medical students getting specialties instead of being general practitioners since many specialties pay better.