Understanding the Difference Between MD and DO

When browsing physician profiles on DoctorDataHub, you'll encounter both "MD" and "DO" credentials. Many patients wonder what the difference is — and whether it matters when choosing a provider.

MD: Doctor of Medicine

An MD graduates from an allopathic medical school accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME). Allopathic medicine is the dominant form of medical education in the United States and most of the world, focused on evidence-based diagnosis and treatment of disease.

DO: Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine

A DO graduates from an osteopathic medical school accredited by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA). Osteopathic medical schools teach the same core medical curriculum as allopathic schools but add training in Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) — a set of hands-on techniques for diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal conditions.

Practical Equivalence

In practical terms, MDs and DOs are equivalent. Both take the same licensing examinations (DOs can now take USMLE steps in addition to COMLEX), complete the same residency programs (since 2020, MD and DO residency programs have fully merged), and have the same prescribing authority and legal scope of practice in all 50 states.

Finding Both on DoctorDataHub

Both MDs and DOs appear in all specialty searches on DoctorDataHub. Use the search page or browse by specialty — results include all NPPES-registered providers regardless of credential type. The credential field on each profile specifies MD, DO, or other designations.