The world of medicine encompasses a wide range of professions and specialties, each with its unique pathways and qualifications. At the heart of the medical field are physicians who have the option of pursuing either a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree. These distinct degrees might lead one to wonder, can a DO be a surgeon? The answer is quite emphatically, yes. Osteopathic doctors are fully licensed physicians who practice in all areas of medicine, including various surgical specialties.
What Sets DOs Apart?
DOs receive training that is similar to MDs but with additional emphasis on the musculoskeletal system, holistic patient care, and preventive medicine. This comprehensive education prepares them to treat the whole patient rather than just the disease. After completing medical school, both MDs and DOs enter residency programs where they pursue specialties including general surgery, orthopedic surgery, and even plastic surgery. In fact, innovative procedures such as rhinoplasty for men Los Angeles are performed by both MDs and DOs who are entrenched in surgical specialties.
Path to Becoming a Surgeon
To become a surgeon, a DO must complete extensive post-graduate training, similar to their MD counterparts. This includes a surgical residency program which can range from five to seven years depending on the surgical specialty pursued. Following residency, DOs may further their expertise through fellowship training in areas such as cardiothoracic surgery or cosmetic surgery. Thus, the path to becoming a surgeon is rigorous for both DOs and MDs, ensuring that patients receive the highest standard of care regardless of their doctor’s initials.