In medicine, DO stands for Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. A DO is a fully licensed physician who can diagnose illness, prescribe medicine, and perform surgery, just like an MD.

Quick scoop

  • DO = Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine.
  • DOs receive medical training similar to MDs, with an added emphasis on a whole-person, preventive approach.
  • In the U.S., DOs practice in all kinds of specialties and settings.

If you want, I can also explain the difference between DO and MD in one simple table.