Ok, it's about time that I at least attempt straighten all of this out -- partially for myself and my own better understanding, and partially for everyone who keeps asking me/criticizing certain medical practices over another. Disclaimer: I did not include dentists, opthalmologists, pharmacists, podiatry, etc. My main goal was to stick the general ideologies of differently trained and praticing physicians.
So basically this blog will be dedicated to a little run down of each of the following types of doctors. Hopefully, both you and I will have a better understanding of each thing after this. If not, I apologize for being a terrible explainer/writer.
Generally, we have 2 different types of physicians: allopathic and osteopathic. Both of these physicians are trained to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness.
Allopathic Physician
Allopathic physicians are your classical doctors whose names end in MD (Medical Doctor). Allopathic physicians start out by taking the MCAT, attend 4 years of medical school, and depending on their specialty spend additional years in residency. Allopathic physicians are licensed by taking the USMLE.
Osteopathic Physician
An osteopathic physician ends their name with DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) rather than MD. They start out by taking the MCAT, attend 4 years of medical school, and depending on their specialty spend additional years in residency. Osteopathic physicians can do, are trained, and are paid comparably to do all of the same things as an allopathic physician. The main difference between the 2 lies in the philosophy behind it all. Osteopathic medicine is based on a holistic approach where the person and body are seen as a "whole" in order to treat a patient entirely rather than just the surface symptoms. They are also trained in osteopathic manipulation treatment (OMT, OMM) which is a hands-on approach to diagnosis. Osteopathic physicians are licensed by taking the COMLEX, but also have the opportunity to take the USMLE.
Naturopathic Physician
Naturopathic physicians are ND (Naturopathic Doctors). Naturopathic physicians focus on natural healing remedies. The goal is to tap into the body's own healing power in order to both treat and prevent disease. Practices can include herbal remedies, acupuncture, homeopathy, and other things. While NDs can be licensed, many states won't actually officially license them and they must instead continue on to become MD or DO. NDs attend a 4 year graduate level program and are licensed through the NPLEX.
Chiropractic Physician
A chiropractic physician is a DC (Doctor of Chiropractic) focused on mechanical issues with the body and work with the musculoskeletal system. Chiropractors attend 4 years of chiropractic school after undergraduate or a 5-year integrated bachelor program + a master's and are licensed by passing the NBCE. These types of physicians do not have a mandatory residency. Chiropractors cannot prescribe medication. Some states do not consider them as health care providers for insurance purposes.
Nurse Practitioner
Although an NP is not considered a "physician," I included them in this list because they are actually quite similar. NPs are basically advanced RNs who, on top of all the normal nurse duties, can also prescribe medicine and treat and diagnose patients. In some states, NPs can practice on their own, but in most states, they must be supervised by a medical doctor. Schooling involves a BSN with RN licensure to an MSN (masters) program and sometimes even a DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) program -- totaling to almost the same amount of schooling as a doctor (minus residency). Licensure differs depending on the state.
Although each of these versions of medicines is a little different, seen differently by the public, and involves different schooling and licensure, they are all aiming for basically the same things: to do no harm, and to diagnose, treat, and prevent disease.
If I am completely off on some of these things, PLEASE leave some comments below. I am still learning, am open-minded, and firmly believe that understanding each other is the first step in being able to work together as a team toward what obviously is everyone's common goal.
So basically this blog will be dedicated to a little run down of each of the following types of doctors. Hopefully, both you and I will have a better understanding of each thing after this. If not, I apologize for being a terrible explainer/writer.
Generally, we have 2 different types of physicians: allopathic and osteopathic. Both of these physicians are trained to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness.
Allopathic Physician
Allopathic physicians are your classical doctors whose names end in MD (Medical Doctor). Allopathic physicians start out by taking the MCAT, attend 4 years of medical school, and depending on their specialty spend additional years in residency. Allopathic physicians are licensed by taking the USMLE.
Osteopathic Physician
An osteopathic physician ends their name with DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) rather than MD. They start out by taking the MCAT, attend 4 years of medical school, and depending on their specialty spend additional years in residency. Osteopathic physicians can do, are trained, and are paid comparably to do all of the same things as an allopathic physician. The main difference between the 2 lies in the philosophy behind it all. Osteopathic medicine is based on a holistic approach where the person and body are seen as a "whole" in order to treat a patient entirely rather than just the surface symptoms. They are also trained in osteopathic manipulation treatment (OMT, OMM) which is a hands-on approach to diagnosis. Osteopathic physicians are licensed by taking the COMLEX, but also have the opportunity to take the USMLE.
Naturopathic Physician
Naturopathic physicians are ND (Naturopathic Doctors). Naturopathic physicians focus on natural healing remedies. The goal is to tap into the body's own healing power in order to both treat and prevent disease. Practices can include herbal remedies, acupuncture, homeopathy, and other things. While NDs can be licensed, many states won't actually officially license them and they must instead continue on to become MD or DO. NDs attend a 4 year graduate level program and are licensed through the NPLEX.
Chiropractic Physician
A chiropractic physician is a DC (Doctor of Chiropractic) focused on mechanical issues with the body and work with the musculoskeletal system. Chiropractors attend 4 years of chiropractic school after undergraduate or a 5-year integrated bachelor program + a master's and are licensed by passing the NBCE. These types of physicians do not have a mandatory residency. Chiropractors cannot prescribe medication. Some states do not consider them as health care providers for insurance purposes.
Nurse Practitioner
Although an NP is not considered a "physician," I included them in this list because they are actually quite similar. NPs are basically advanced RNs who, on top of all the normal nurse duties, can also prescribe medicine and treat and diagnose patients. In some states, NPs can practice on their own, but in most states, they must be supervised by a medical doctor. Schooling involves a BSN with RN licensure to an MSN (masters) program and sometimes even a DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) program -- totaling to almost the same amount of schooling as a doctor (minus residency). Licensure differs depending on the state.
Although each of these versions of medicines is a little different, seen differently by the public, and involves different schooling and licensure, they are all aiming for basically the same things: to do no harm, and to diagnose, treat, and prevent disease.
If I am completely off on some of these things, PLEASE leave some comments below. I am still learning, am open-minded, and firmly believe that understanding each other is the first step in being able to work together as a team toward what obviously is everyone's common goal.
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