Like DOs, chiropractors focus on the entire body and how different bodily systems work with each other. They also use their hands to diagnose and treat people. They do “adjustments” to correct alignment, improve how the body works, and restore health. They even have a few similar moves. The most predominant difference is that DOs are medical doctors who have completed 4 years of medical school, 3-8 years of residency/fellowship training in their specialty.
DOs and MDs are both physicians who can practice in any area of medicine. Both DOs and MDs can specialize in dermatology, cardiology, orthopedic surgery, emergency medicine, OBGYN or any other medical or surgical field. All doctors — MDs and DOs — can prescribe medication.
They have similar training: 4 years of medical school, 3-8 additional years of internship, residency, and, for some, fellowships in their chosen field.
DOs and MDs also have to pass exams to receive a license to practice medicine. Both can practice medicine in all 50 states.
Doctors of osteopathic medicine, or DOs, are trained to look beyond your symptoms to understand how lifestyle and environmental factors impact wellbeing.⠀Osteopathic doctors get extra training in the musculoskeletal system (muscles, bones, and joints). It is called osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT). They use their hands to help diagnose, treat, and prevent illness and injury. It’s a key part of their medical training. Not all DOs use OMT routinely but when they do, they apply techniques such as gentle pressure, stretching, and resistance to help restore range of motion and encourage good health.
The letters behind the name don’t define the quality of a physician. Find a DO or MD who listens to you, educates you and empowers you to be a part of the decision making for your healthcare.
Premedical: 4 years undergraduate degree and premedical classes
MCAT exam
Medical school: 4 years to obtain DO or MD degree
Step Exams 1, 2 & 3
Residency: 4 years of residency
State licensing
Written Board Exam
Collect a case log with a sampling of your cases from your first 1-2 years of practice and sit for Oral Board Exams
Complete lifelong learning and Continuing Medical Education requirements annually
Board Certification demonstrates a commitment to staying up to date with the latest medical advances
Not only is Dr. Moyers a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, but she completed a Pre-Doctoral fellowship in Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine. Then she attended a M.D. residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology. She passed her oral board exams November of 2011 with the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG). Dr. Moyers has broad experience practicing as an OBGYN for the last decade.
What does that mean?
She has delivered babies vaginally and by cesarean, she’s treated abnormal uterine bleeding, endometriosis, ovarian torsion and ectopic pregnancy, performed hysterectomies and ablations and everything in between. She understands the anatomy and physiology of your body from hands-on experience. Also, she knows when your pain is more than musculoskeletal and needs further work up.
Need further workup? She can do that for you or communicate with your referring physician to seamlessly coordinate care.