Sitemap

health advisory Hospital Doctor Yu 2007-11-8 19:09:45

Would you be discriminate and choose an M.D. over a D.O because the D.O.'s are in the minority (or some other reason) or does it not matter to you only the doctor's knowledge & competence matters?

Answers:

To my mind, they're basically pretty similar. An MD is a more flexible degree, and allows more opportunites in different fields of medicine, including research. The DO is definitely more primary care focused. Maybe that means they would be better primary care physicians, however, I've had some great MD doctors in my time and the only DO I ever saw was completely crazy; he gave me a totally inaccurate diagnosis and had me freaking out for weeks, but thats another story.

Really, it isn't the degree that matters so much as the person. There's going to be good and bad MDs and DOs. Also, while its true that DO's are trained to take a wholistic look at the person and not just treat specific symptoms, so are MDs. If you get an MD that is just handing you pills and shoving you out the door, then you got a bad MD. They're not trained to do that. Because there are more MDs out there, you're going to see more bad MDs than bad DOs.

Anyway, at the end of the day I'm in an MD program right now so I suppose I'm biased towards MDs! Part of the reason DOs aren't seen as on the level as MDs in some ways is that its easier to get into a DO school than an MD school. To me, I don't think that has anything to do with wether or not they'll be good doctors.

---

My gastroenterologist is pretty much my primary physician. I have an autoimmune G.I. disease and he sees me at least once every three weeks.

---

I prefer DO's because from my experience they have a better bedside manner and care more about finding the cause of a problem vs handing you pills.

---

I only go to M.D.s. In my mind, the MD is more qualified and has exhibited the extra effort to earn my patronage.

---

The only thing I care about is a doctors knowledge, competence and bed side manor. If they have all three of these things then it doesn't matter what letters are behind their name.

---

As my primary doctor I would choose an MD only because that is who I have always worked with.

---

I think whichever doctor that you feel comfortable and confident in is your choice. But you should always make a informed decision here is some info on both