Osteopathic Medicine: What Kind Of Doctor Is A D.O.? - Mayo Clinic

This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version.

Appointments at Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic offers appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic Health System locations.

Request Appointment Healthy LifestyleConsumer health Sections

1. Basics
   1. Consumer health basics
   2. Integrative medicine
   3. Medications
2. In-Depth
3. Expert Answers
4. Multimedia
5. Resources
6. News From Mayo Clinic

Products and services

What kind of doctor is a D.O.? Does a D.O. have the same training as an M.D.?

A doctor of osteopathic medicine, also known as a D.O., is a fully trained and licensed doctor. A doctor of osteopathic medicine graduates from a U.S. osteopathic medical school. A doctor of medicine, also known as an M.D., graduates from a traditional medical school.

A major difference between D.O.s and M.D.s is that some doctors of osteopathic medicine use manual medicine as part of treatment. Manual medicine can include hands-on work on joints and tissues and massage.

After medical school, both kinds of doctors must complete training as residents in the specialty they choose. They also must pass licensing exams before they can treat people and prescribe medicines.

There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Review/update the information highlighted below and resubmit the form.

From Mayo Clinic to your inbox

Sign up for free and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips, current health topics, and expertise on managing health. Click here for an email preview.

Email Address 1 Learn more about Mayo Clinic’s use of data.

We use the data you provide to deliver you the content you requested. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, we may combine your email and website data with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, we will only use your protected health information as outlined in our Notice of Privacy Practices. You may opt out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the email.

Subscribe!

Thank you for subscribing!

You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox.

Sorry something went wrong with your subscription

Please, try again in a couple of minutes

Retry

• Kidney donation: Are there long-term risks?
• Alternative psoriasis treatments

• Share
• Tweet

Dec. 12, 2025 Show references

1. What is a D.O.? American Osteopathic Association https://osteopathic.org/what-is-osteopathic-medicine/what-is-a-do/. Accessed Oct. 27, 2022.
2. Roberts A, et al. Osteopathic manipulative medicine: A brief review of the hands-on treatment approaches and their therapeutic uses. Medicines. 2022; doi:10.3390/medicines9050033.
3. Chin J, et al. Assessing the knowledge of the osteopathic profession in New York City's Easter European communities. Cureus. 2022; doi:10.7759/cureus.21664.

See more Expert Answers

Products and Services

1. A Book: Live Younger Longer
2. A Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book
3. A Book: Mayo Clinic Guide to Home Remedies
4. A Book: Mayo Clinic on Digestive Health
5. A Book: The Mayo Clinic Diet Bundle
6. Assortment of Health Products from Mayo Clinic Store
7. Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Digital Edition
8. The Mayo Clinic Diet Online

See also

1. Can you spot a fake health article?
2. Cancer causes: Popular myths about the causes of cancer
3. Emergency essentials: Putting together a survival kit
4. Emergency health information: Keep your personal and family records within reach
5. Kidney donation: Are there long-term risks?
6. Living wills and advance directives for medical decisions
7. Organ donation: Don't let these myths confuse you
8. Personal health records and patient portals
9. Telehealth: Technology meets health care

Show more related content Advertisement

Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission.

Advertising & Sponsorship

• Policy
• Opportunities
• Ad Choices

Mayo Clinic Press

Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press.

• NEW: Mayo Clinic Guide to Better Sleep
• Listen to Health Matters Podcast
• Mayo Clinic on Incontinence
• The Essential Diabetes Book
• FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment
• Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book

. FAQ-20058168

1. Healthy Lifestyle
2. Consumer health
3. Expert Answers
4. Osteopathic medicine - What kind of doctor is a DO

Double your impact!

Give Now!

Your World Cancer Day gift can go 2X as far.

Give Now!

• Find a doctor
• Explore careers
• Sign up for free e-newsletters

About Mayo Clinic

• About this Site
• Contact Us
• Locations
• Health Information Policy
• Medicare Accountable Care Organization (ACO)
• Media Requests
• News Network
• Price Transparency

Medical Professionals

• AskMayoExpert
• Clinical Trials
• Mayo Clinic Alumni Association
• Refer a Patient

Businesses

• Executive Health Program
• International Business Collaborations
• Facilities & Real Estate
• Supplier Information

Medical Professionals

• AskMayoExpert
• Clinical Trials
• Mayo Clinic Alumni Association
• Refer a Patient

Businesses

• Executive Health Program
• International Business Collaborations
• Facilities & Real Estate
• Supplier Information

Students

• Admissions Requirements
• Degree Programs
• Student & Faculty Portal

Students

• Degree Programs
• Admissions Requirements
• Student & Faculty Portal

Researchers

• Research Faculty
• Laboratories

International Patients

• Appointments
• Financial Services
• Appointment Services Offices

Charitable Care & Financial Assistance

Community Health Needs Assessment

• Financial Assistance Documents – Arizona
• Financial Assistance Documents – Florida
• Financial Assistance Documents – Minnesota

Follow Mayo Clinic

• X
• YouTube
• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• Instagram

Get the Mayo Clinic app

• 
•