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Do you know why the medical education for DO and MD is almost identical now?
In the United States, the lines between holistic medicine (DO) and conventional medicine (MD) are becoming increasingly blurred. Today, medical education in these two branches of medicine is almost identical, which has sparked widespread discussion and concern. This article will explore the historical background of this phenomenon, similarities in education systems, and why such changes exist.
Holistic medicine emphasizes the integrity of the body, its natural ability to heal, and the interrelationship between structure and function, which are the cornerstones of modern medicine.
Historical evolution
The origins of holistic medicine can be traced back to the nineteenth century, when physician Andrew Taylor Still became dissatisfied with conventional medicine. He believed the medical system at the time lacked effectiveness and often treated symptoms rather than their causes. As a result, Steele founded holistic medicine, hoping to treat a variety of diseases by adjusting the musculoskeletal system. After years of development, DO-qualified doctors have gradually achieved the same legal status as MD doctors in the United States.
Similarities in education systems
Today, education and training in holistic medicine and general medicine are almost identical. Both DO doctors and MD doctors require four years of medical education and train in the same residency program. According to recent reports, the curriculum structure of most holistic medical schools is similar to that of general medical schools, with the first and second years focusing on classroom learning and the final two years of clinical practice.
According to Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, "Holistic medicine physicians are virtually indistinguishable from (MD) physicians in terms of training, practice, certification, licensing, and compensation."
The evolution of clinical practice
With the increasing acceptance of holistic medicine in the medical community, many DO doctors have begun to no longer focus on traditional holistic therapies, and instead use drug therapy and surgery as the main treatment methods. According to a survey, more than 50% of DO physicians use holistic manual therapy (OMT) in less than 5% of their clinical practices. These phenomena all show that the medical practice of DOs is developing in the same direction as that of MD doctors.
Ongoing debate
Although the unification of education and practice has elicited some positive comments, some medical scholars have questioned the need to maintain these two separate educational pathways. Some believe that the continuation of this disagreement reflects differences in the medical community's philosophy of overall patient care.
Many medical school administrators and faculty express no objection to the core principles of holistic medicine and even generally endorse these principles as broad medical principles.
Current situation and future prospects
Currently, 40 medical schools in the United States offer DO degrees, while 155 schools offer MD degrees. According to 2023 data, the number of students in holistic medicine is growing steadily. This demonstrates the rising influence of DO doctors in the U.S. medical system. As the field grows and medical education evolves, the lines between holistic and general medicine will become even more blurred in the future.
In this context, we can’t help but wonder, do we need to retain the distinction between DO and MD?
