When seeking an obstetrician-gynecologist, patients often notice the different degrees—MD (Doctor of Medicine) or DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine)—following a physician’s name. Both MDs and DOs are fully licensed physicians qualified to practice medicine, perform surgery, and prescribe medication in all 50 states. The fundamental difference does not concern their ability to deliver comprehensive OBGYN care, but rather the underlying philosophical approach emphasized during their initial medical school education.
Defining the Two Medical Degrees
The MD degree represents Allopathic Medicine, the traditional and most widely recognized approach to medical practice in the United States. Allopathic training focuses heavily on the biomedical model, emphasizing the diagnosis, treatment, and management of specific diseases and conditions using evidence-based interventions like medication and surgery. Students pursuing an MD complete four rigorous years of academic and clinical training, including basic sciences and clinical rotations.
The DO degree represents Osteopathic Medicine, an approach that also requires four years of intensive medical school education, mirroring the MD curriculum in core sciences and clinical rotations. Osteopathic philosophy views the body as an integrated unit where all systems are interconnected and possess an inherent ability to heal itself. This whole-person approach leads to a greater emphasis on preventive care and understanding how lifestyle, environment, and physical structure influence overall health. A DO student’s training is identical to an MD’s in most regards.
The Unified Path to OBGYN Practice
After medical school, both MD and DO graduates must complete a mandatory four-year specialized residency program in OBGYN. The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) now oversees a single, unified accreditation system for all residency programs in the United States. This means MD and DO physicians train side-by-side in the same hospitals, follow the same curriculum, and meet the same rigorous performance standards throughout their residency.
Once the four-year residency is successfully completed, both MD and DO OBGYN specialists are eligible to pursue board certification. To become a board-certified specialist, they must pass the same examinations administered by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG). This final certification confirms that both an MD and a DO have achieved the same level of mastery in the medical and surgical management of conditions related to the female reproductive system. The practical scope of practice, including managing high-risk pregnancies and conducting complex gynecologic surgeries, is equivalent regardless of the initial medical degree.
Distinguishing Factors in Training and Philosophy
Despite the unified residency and certification process, the philosophical differences between the two degrees persist and introduce the primary distinction a patient may notice. The osteopathic physician receives hundreds of additional hours of training in Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT). OMT is a unique, hands-on diagnostic and therapeutic tool involving techniques like stretching, gentle pressure, and resistance to treat structural and functional imbalances in the musculoskeletal system.
In an OBGYN setting, OMT can be applied to address common issues like pregnancy-related low back pain, pelvic girdle dysfunction, and chronic pelvic pain, offering a non-pharmacologic treatment option. The DO’s inherent emphasis on a holistic perspective means they integrate considerations of the patient’s entire physical and emotional well-being into their treatment plans. This often translates to a focus on preventative strategies and lifestyle modifications alongside standard medical care. The DO carries a distinct skill set and philosophical lens that may provide additional avenues for care, particularly for musculoskeletal complaints related to women’s health.