Do osteopaths DOs have as much medical knowledge or skill as medical doctors MDs?

Answer 1

Yes, though each school approaches medicine from a slightly different perspective, there is nowadays little difference in practice. Both DOs and MDs are medical doctors, certified by the same board.

Yes -they are both equally trained in the medical field, but take different approaches. Osteopathic Medicine was originally derived to treat the 'whole patient' instead of just the symptoms -more holistic. DOs are trained in manipulation and other techniques as well as the traditional medical school training. However, they may not practice those once leaving medical school. Some do still carry that original philosphy, however, but not all. DOs are just as qualified as MDs. The quality of a doctor varies from person to person, whether they're an MD or a DO.

Answer 2

There is no easy answer to this. It has been debated amongst Osteopathic physicians for decades. The current thought is no, however it has been tried before. California, for instance, in the 1950s attempted to get rid of all DOs by granting them all MD degrees and converting the Osteopathic medical school to an Allopathic school. This failed and the DOs returned. One of the biggest problems is of licensing. Who will get the new degree? Only new graduates, or will all DOs be forced to change their degree? What of those who do not want to change their designation? How long will it take to have every state's laws changed to include the new degree and strike the old. How much money will have to be spent to educate patients that the physician they once knew as DO, will now be something else altogether?

Answer 3

No, they are both equivalent degrees. It's just that there is a basic difference in approach to treatment and patient care.