Whether you are looking for a new primary care physician or do not have one, now is the perfect time to fully understand your options. You have many options on who you can select as your primary care provider which include; MDs (Medical Doctors), DOs (Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine), and PAs (Physician Assistants).
With so many options, including MDs, DOs, and PAs, it’s natural to wonder: What do these titles mean? How do their roles differ? And, most importantly, how do you decide which provider is best suited to meet your needs? Let us explain so you can make an informed decision on who is the best fit to treat you.
Primary Care Provider Options – Understanding the Difference Between an MD, DO, and PA
What Is an MD?
An MD, or Doctor of Medicine, is a physician who practices allopathic medicine. This is the traditional form of medicine and title most people are familiar with, focusing on diagnosing and treating diseases using evidence-based practices, medications, and procedures.
Education and Training:
- Undergraduate Degree: A four-year bachelor’s degree, often in a science-related field.
- Medical School: Four years of medical school, where they learn the fundamentals of medicine, including anatomy, pharmacology, and pathology.
- Residency: Three to seven years of residency training in a chosen specialty (e.g., family medicine, pediatrics, cardiology, internal medicine, obstetrics & gynecology, surgery).
- Licensure and Certification: MDs must pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) and obtain board certification in their specialty.
Approach to Care:
MDs focus on evidence-based medicine, using the latest scientific research to diagnose and treat a wide range of medical conditions. They may also specialize in a particular field, such as family medicine, internal medicine, obstetrics, neurology, gastroenterology, rheumatology, or cardiology and others.
Key Characteristics of Allopathic Medicine:
Disease-Centered Approach: Aims to identify specific diseases or conditions and treat them directly, often by targeting the symptoms or underlying causes.
Evidence-Based Practice: Treatment strategies are guided by rigorous scientific research, clinical trials, and medical evidence.
Use of Modern Technology: Relies heavily on advanced diagnostic tools (like MRIs, X-rays, and lab tests) and treatments, including pharmaceuticals and surgical procedures.
Medications and Interventions: Common treatments include the use of drugs, therapies, and surgeries to address illnesses or manage symptoms.
Acute and Chronic Conditions: It is effective for managing both short-term illnesses (like infections) and long-term conditions (such as diabetes or heart disease).
What Is a DO?
A DO, or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, is a fully licensed physician who practices medicine just like an MD but with additional training in osteopathic principles and holistic care.
Education and Training:
- Undergraduate Degree: Similar to MDs, DOs complete a four-year bachelor’s degree.
- Osteopathic Medical School: Four years of medical school with additional coursework in the musculoskeletal system and hands-on techniques called osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT).
- Residency: Three to seven years of residency training in a specialty area. MD and DO residencies are no longer distinct. All MDs and DOs apply for the same residencies in the United States.
- Licensure and Certification: DOs take the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX) and some also take the USMLE board exams to compete for certain residency positions.
Approach to Care:
DOs, by training, incorporate more of a mind, body, spirit approach to their medical care, in that they tend to emphasize a more holistic approach, focusing on treating the whole person rather than just the symptoms. However, many allopathic (MD) schools have incorporated more of the whole-body approach as well. For DO physicians, the difference mostly lies in that they are additionally trained in osteopathic manipulative technique (OMT), which is a hands-on technique that can be additionally used to diagnose and treat certain conditions. Few DOs directly apply this to their practice, however, their hands-on training and overall philosophy to medicine tend to make DOs more inclined to choose primary care specialties. Regardless, just like MDs, DOs can specialize in the same specialities. In summary, training is very similar and differences are subtle.
Key Characteristics of Osteopathic Medicine:
Holistic Approach: DOs emphasize treating the whole person rather than focusing solely on specific symptoms or conditions. They consider the physical, emotional, and environmental factors affecting a patient’s health. However, many MDs do this as well.
Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT): DOs are trained in hands-on techniques to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness or injury. OMT involves using the hands to manipulate muscles, joints, and tissues to promote healing and improve function. In real life, this translates in office visits to a little different or additional teachings to help musculoskeletal complaints.
Self-Healing Philosophy: Osteopathic medicine believes in the body’s innate ability to heal itself when given the right support (diet, exercise, medication, therapies) and other treatments aimed to encourage the natural healing process.
Preventive Care Focus: DOs prioritize prevention and work closely with patients to teach and promote wellness through lifestyle changes, education, and regular check-ups. They tend to focus more on behavior change to help facilitate a healthy lifestyle change.
What Is a PA?
A PA, or Physician Assistant, is a licensed healthcare professional who works under the supervision of a physician (MD or DO) to provide medical care. While their training is less, they often learn a lot on the job and are excellent providers. They have the ability, if necessary, to directly ask their MD/DO supervision doctor for help, even while the office visit is happening. PAs are excellent primary care providers but can also specialize. They have become an essential medical provider in almost all fields.
Education and Training:
- Undergraduate Degree: A bachelor’s degree, often in a science-related field.
- PA Program: A two to, more often, three-year master’s-level program focused on clinical medicine.
- Clinical Rotations: Extensive hands-on training in various specialties, such as family medicine, surgery, and emergency medicine.
- Licensure and Certification: PAs must pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) and maintain certification through continuing education.
Scope of Practice:
- Diagnosing Illnesses: PAs are skilled in diagnosing a wide variety of conditions, from common colds to chronic illnesses. Some also specialize.
- Developing Treatment Plans: After diagnosing a condition, PAs create tailored treatment plans, which may include lifestyle changes, medications, or therapies.
- Prescribing Medications: In all 50 states, PAs are licensed to prescribe medications, offering patients timely access to the treatments they need.
- Performing Procedures: PAs can perform many minor procedures such as suturing wounds, setting fractures, or administering injections. There are also some PAs that assist in general and complex surgeries.
- Conducting Physical Exams: PAs provide routine check-ups and screenings to monitor and maintain patients' health.
- Assisting in Surgeries: Many PAs work in surgical specialties, where they assist during operations, handle preoperative and postoperative care, and help manage surgical patients.
- Providing Patient Education: PAs are skilled at explaining diagnoses, treatment plans, and preventive care options to patients, ensuring they feel informed and empowered about their health.
PAs work collaboratively with physicians and can practice in nearly every medical specialty. In some states, their scope of practice is broader than in others, depending on state laws.
MDs vs. DOs vs. PAs: Key Differences
| Aspect | MD | DO | PA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education | 4 years medical school | 4 years osteopathic school | 2-3 years PA program |
| Residency | 3-7 years | 3-7 years | No residency required |
| Licensure Exams | USMLE | COMLEX (and optional USMLE) | PANCE |
| Focus | Evidence-based medicine | Evidence-based medicine plus a Holistic, whole-person care approach (seen with many MD’s as well) | Evidenced-based, collaborative care |
| Scope of Practice | Full autonomy | Full autonomy | Works under supervision of an MD/DO |
How to Choose the Right Provider
When deciding between an MD, DO, or PA, consider the following:
- Your Health Needs: If you need specialized care, you might seek an MD or DO with expertise in that area. For general or routine care, a PA might be a great option.
- Approach to Care: If you value a more holistic, whole-body approach, a DO might align with your preferences. If you prefer a traditional medical approach, an MD could be a better fit.
- Availability: PAs often have more flexible schedules and may be more accessible for same-day or urgent care visits.
- Compatibility: Your relationship with your healthcare provider matters. Choose someone you feel comfortable with and who listens to your concerns.
FAQs About MDs, DOs, and PAs
Q: Can a PA be my primary care provider?
A: Yes, in many practices, PAs serve as primary care providers under the supervision of a physician. They are fully qualified to handle routine care and chronic conditions.
Q: Is there a difference in the quality of care between MDs and DOs?
A: No. Both MDs and DOs are fully licensed physicians who provide high-quality care. The difference lies in their style and approach to care.
Q: Are DOs less common than MDs?
A: Yes. MDs make up 75% of the physicians in the U.S., but the number of DOs is steadily growing every year. Both are equally qualified.
Q: Can a PA specialize in a certain area of medicine?
A: Yes, PAs can work in nearly every medical specialty, from pediatrics to surgery, depending on their training and experience.
Deciding What’s Right For You
Choosing between an MD, DO, or PA ultimately depends on your personal preferences and healthcare needs. All three types of providers are highly trained professionals committed to delivering excellent medical care. If you’re unsure which provider is the best fit for you, don’t hesitate to ask questions about their training, experience, and approach to care.
At Northwest Family Clinics, our team of MDs, DOs, and PAs works collaboratively to ensure you receive the highest quality care. Whether you’re managing a chronic condition, seeking preventive care, or need help with a specific health concern, we’re here to support your medical needs in every way.