Osteopathic Medical Badges

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IWant2BeADoctor

IWant2BeADoctor

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Can you choose to have the DO omitted from your badge once you become a practicing Doctor?

I saying this because I think I'd get imagine it could get a bit tiring explaining what DO meant to people.
 
IWant2BeADoctor said:
Can you choose to have the DO omitted from your badge once you become a practicing Doctor?

I saying this because I think I'd get imagine it could get a bit tiring explaining what DO meant to people.
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I'm wondering the same thing.
 
IWant2BeADoctor said:
Can you choose to have the DO omitted from your badge once you become a practicing Doctor?

I saying this because I think I'd get imagine it could get a bit tiring explaining what DO meant to people.
Click to expand...


I believe it is a matter of hospital policy, but I have seen DOs and MDs have the initials omitted here in Arizona.
 
IWant2BeADoctor said:
Can you choose to have the DO omitted from your badge once you become a practicing Doctor?

I saying this because I think I'd get imagine it could get a bit tiring explaining what DO meant to people.
Click to expand...

I've seen it been omitted.....but you're thinking WAY to far ahead. Get through school first.
 
IWant2BeADoctor said:
Can you choose to have the DO omitted from your badge once you become a practicing Doctor?

I saying this because I think I'd get imagine it could get a bit tiring explaining what DO meant to people.
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Yes, you can put whatever you want on your white coat that is accurate. I've heard of people simply omitting any degree and just prefacing their name with "Dr." There are lots of variations on this.

On the other hand, I think most people will be oblivous to your degree anyway. They will see a white coat and your colleagues introducing you as "doctor" and they probably won't even think twice about whether you are an MD or a DO.
 
spicedmanna said:
Yes, you can put whatever you want on your white coat that is accurate. I've heard of people simply omitting any degree and just prefacing their name with "Dr." There are lots of variations on this.

On the other hand, I think most people will be oblivous to your degree anyway. They will see a white coat and your colleagues introducing you as "doctor" and they probably won't even think twice about whether you are an MD or a DO.
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Or perhaps it should be our duty to spread awareness of what Osteopathy is. If Osteopathic schools can one day graduate a comparable number of DOs to their MD counterparts, that will bring an end to the questions about what a DO is.
 
IWant2BeADoctor said:
Or perhaps it should be our duty to spread awareness of what Osteopathy is. If Osteopathic schools can one day graduate a comparable number of DOs to their MD counterparts, that will bring an end to the questions about what a DO is.
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I imagine myself not hiding that I will be a DO. I don't think that I'm the type that will leave out the DO after my name or waste the opportunity to talk about my tradition, when it is both timely and appropriate. I am very proud of where I am heading and have no reservations about being who I am. I think I'm a pretty good teacher and I plan on educating as much as I can.

As to your other point, I don't know how to address that. I don't know what will happen in the future. Right now, DO's represent 5% of the physicians in the US. I've never really been big on cheerleading. I am a huge fan of modeling the change I want to see, however.
 
IWant2BeADoctor said:
Can you choose to have the DO omitted from your badge once you become a practicing Doctor?

I saying this because I think I'd get imagine it could get a bit tiring explaining what DO meant to people.
Click to expand...



The VAST majority of patients won't even noticed that you are not an MD ... as long as you are "doctor" to them. Ask any practicing DO or any DO students on clerkship how many times the patients have asked about their "degree".

Also keep in mind the laws and regulations of each state.

In Pennsylvania
§ 25.212. Professional advertising.
(b) Advertising, letterhead, publications or transmissions shall designate or indicate the licensee’s school of medical practice by the term ‘‘D.O.,’’ ‘‘doctor of osteopathy,’’ ‘‘osteopathic physician’’ or ‘‘osteopathic physician and surgeon.’’

Authority
The provisions of this § 25.212 issued under section 16 of the Osteopathic Medical Practice Act (63 P.S. § 271.16); and section 902(b) of the Health Care Services Malpractice Act (40 P. S. § 1301.902(b)).
http://www.pacode.com/secure/data/049/chapter25/subchapDtoc.html
 
group_theory said:
The VAST majority of patients won't even noticed that you are not an MD ... as long as you are "doctor" to them. Ask any practicing DO or any DO students on clerkship how many times the patients have asked about their "degree".

Also keep in mind the laws and regulations of each state.

In Pennsylvania
§ 25.212. Professional advertising.
(b) Advertising, letterhead, publications or transmissions shall designate or indicate the licensee’s school of medical practice by the term ‘‘D.O.,’’ ‘‘doctor of osteopathy,’’ ‘‘osteopathic physician’’ or ‘‘osteopathic physician and surgeon.’’

Authority
The provisions of this § 25.212 issued under section 16 of the Osteopathic Medical Practice Act (63 P.S. § 271.16); and section 902(b) of the Health Care Services Malpractice Act (40 P. S. § 1301.902(b)).
http://www.pacode.com/secure/data/049/chapter25/subchapDtoc.html
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Since your a MSIV I assume your speaking from experience.😉
 
I find it hard to believe that someone will waste four years of their life getting an education only to then spend the rest of their life being ashamed of it. If you are that scared of your intials or that worried about having to explain it to everyone you meet, please do the profession a favor and not join it.
 
group_theory said:
The VAST majority of patients won't even noticed that you are not an MD ... as long as you are "doctor" to them. Ask any practicing DO or any DO students on clerkship how many times the patients have asked about their "degree".

Also keep in mind the laws and regulations of each state.

In Pennsylvania
§ 25.212. Professional advertising.
(b) Advertising, letterhead, publications or transmissions shall designate or indicate the licensee’s school of medical practice by the term ‘‘D.O.,’’ ‘‘doctor of osteopathy,’’ ‘‘osteopathic physician’’ or ‘‘osteopathic physician and surgeon.’’

Authority
The provisions of this § 25.212 issued under section 16 of the Osteopathic Medical Practice Act (63 P.S. § 271.16); and section 902(b) of the Health Care Services Malpractice Act (40 P. S. § 1301.902(b)).
http://www.pacode.com/secure/data/049/chapter25/subchapDtoc.html
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Of course isn't PA one of the states with its head so far up its ass that they still require an osteopathic internship?
 
mbHopper said:
I find it hard to believe that someone will waste four years of their life getting an education only to then spend the rest of their life being ashamed of it. If you are that scared of your intials or that worried about having to explain it to everyone you meet, please do the profession a favor and not join it.
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I, for one, would not be ashamed of it, but I don't see any reason to demand that docs openly advertise they are DOs. It's not my place (assuming I become a DO) to advance someone else's petty politic agenda to enforce an artificial seperate amongst physicians.
 
DropkickMurphy said:
Of course isn't PA one of the states with its head so far up its ass that they still require an osteopathic internship?
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California
Article 16. Use and Display of “D.O.” Degree

§1685. Display of Name and Earned Degree.
(a) Any licensee of the Board shall prominently display at the entrance to any facility in which he primarily practices, the name of the facility, the names of the licensees practicing therein, and their earned degree.
(b) Any licensee of the Board shall designate himself by his earned degree “D.O.,” and/or the term “Osteopathic Physician and Surgeon,” and shall prominently display this designation on all printed materials employed in his practice relating to his licensed function as a physician and surgeon. A D.O. licensed by the Board shall not use the term “M.D.”
http://www.ombc.ca.gov/lawsregs/osteo_regs.htm

Washington
RCW 18.57.140
Advertising regulations.

On all cards, signs, letterheads, envelopes and billheads used by those licensed by this chapter to practice osteopathic medicine and surgery the word "osteopathic" shall always immediately precede the word "physician" and if the word "surgeon" is used in connection with said name, the word "osteopathic" shall also immediately precede said word "surgeon."
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=18.57.140


Arizona
32-1853. Use of title

A person licensed under this chapter shall use the title "osteopathic physician and surgeon", "osteopathic physician" or "doctor of osteopathy" or affix the initials "D.O." after the licensee’s name.
http://www.azosteoboard.org/
 
OP: I think you answered your own question in a way. Sure, omitting the DO will stop people from badgering you about being an osteopathic physican and maybe not a real doctor etc... (and I think this would be more of the case in hospitals, yet most hospital docs don't put their MD/DO on their coat unless they are attendings or chiefs)

However, a. Always be proud of being who you are, a DO.
b. Remember, the fact that you are a DO means you are MORE qualified to treat patients since your have the addtional OMM traning and knowledge.
 
youngtraumadoc said:
Remember, the fact that you are a DO means you are MORE qualified to treat patients since your have the addtional OMM traning and knowledge.
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I know you mean well, but statements like these really aren't productive. DOs who use OMM certainly do offer their patients something extra, but that does not make them more qualified than any other physician.
 
spicedmanna said:
I imagine myself not hiding that I will be a DO. I don't think that I'm the type that will leave out the DO after my name or waste the opportunity to talk about my tradition, when it is both timely and appropriate. I am very proud of where I am heading and have no reservations about being who I am. I think I'm a pretty good teacher and I plan on educating as much as I can.

As to your other point, I don't know how to address that. I don't know what will happen in the future. Right now, DO's represent 5% of the physicians in the US. I've never really been big on cheerleading. I am a huge fan of modeling the change I want to see, however.
Click to expand...

nicely put. 👍
You spoke my mind.
 
jp104 said:
I know you mean well, but statements like these really aren't productive. DOs who use OMM certainly do offer their patients something extra, but that does not make them more qualified than any other physician.
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Agreed.
 
OP the answer to your question is basically no. Identifying yourself as a DO is not something you will be able to get around.

We just had a lecture which addressed this very issue and identifying every healthcare provider by title is part of new quality assurance standards which are emerging in an effort to decrease medical errors and improve patient care. It's not specifically targeting DOs, it's anyone who provides care to the patient. Florida has passed, or will pass shortly, similar legislation and I imagine every other state will do the same.

In fact, we were told that, according to Florida law, not only will our badges say "Dragonwell, DO", but we must actually introduce ourselves to the patient by saying "Hello, I'm Dragonwell, an osteopathic physician." Since in some hospitals almost anybody can wear a white coat, this helps patients know who is coming into their room giving them information and care.
 
DropkickMurphy said:
Of course isn't PA one of the states with its head so far up its ass that they still require an osteopathic internship?
Click to expand...

Yes. And it also has the most active osteopathic society of all 50 states with the largest membership. Also has the most practicing DOs of all 50 states and has 2 DO schools.

Seems like PA, with its large DO representation, is setting standards and not sitting back with our heads up our collective asses.

But youve never been to a POMA meeting have you DKM? What about an AOA meeting? How about a meeting on educational standards for undergrads? What about a meeting on educational standards for osteopathic grads?

No?

Gee...the way you talk I could have sworn you had something backing you up.

I guess youre just full of hot air. 😕
 
I can only speak for myself, but I will be proud when I can put DO after my name. There is nothing to be ashmed of. After busting your ass for 4yrs through medical school, the initials should be the last thing you worry about.
 
DragonWell said:
In fact, we were told that, according to Florida law, not only will our badges say "Dragonwell, DO", but we must actually introduce ourselves to the patient by saying "Hello, I'm Dragonwell, an osteopathic physician."
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I have no issue with this, but as a DO would you have to state that you are an osteopathic physician? Why won't physician do? I don't hear any MD's stating, "Hello, I'm XXXX, an allopathic physician." I think as long as the patient hears the word, physician, that is all that matters.
 
HarveyCushing said:
I have no issue with this, but as a DO would you have to state that you are an osteopathic physician? Why won't physician do? I don't hear any MD's stating, "Hello, I'm XXXX, an allopathic physician." I think as long as the patient hears the word, physician, that is all that matters.
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Not in Illinois. That's a ridiculous vestige of osteopathic discrimination, if you ask me.

-z
 
spicedmanna said:
Ultimately, I think it depends what state you choose to practice in. This would be true, I believe, because you need to be licensed in the state you are practicing in, but you can be licensed to practice in more than one state.
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👍 That's what I meant to say. If you are licensed in two states, state A wants you to state "Osteopathic physician", state B justs wants "physician" and you practice only in state B then you should be good.
 
You dont have to introduce yourself as "osteopathic physician." The rules governing the use of the term applies to official letterhead and advertising.

Nurses dont say "Im registered nurse Cathy and I am here to clean your ass."

Simply saying "I am Doctor Kevorkian" will do.
 
JPHazelton said:
You dont have to introduce yourself as "osteopathic physician." The rules governing the use of the term applies to official letterhead and advertising.

Nurses dont say "Im registered nurse Cathy and I am here to clean your ass."

Simply saying "I am Doctor Kevorkian" will do.
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Well, our lecturer, who sits on the Florida Board of Osteopathic Medicine, was quite specific about this point. It has absolutely nothing to do with osteopathic discrimination - as I mentioned earlier all practitioners are required (or soon will be) to disclose their license to patients. A PA is supposed to tell the patient I am "Joe Schmoe, Physician Assistant" and an RN, an MD, or a DO, is supposed to do the same.

As a DO your license will not say "physician", it will say "osteopathic physician".

How this will be enforced, or even if it could be might be another question, but that was the law as it was presented to us.
 
DragonWell said:
Well, our lecturer, who sits on the Florida Board of Osteopathic Medicine, was quite specific about this point. It has absolutely nothing to do with osteopathic discrimination - as I mentioned earlier all practitioners are required (or soon will be) to disclose their license to patients. A PA is supposed to tell the patient I am "Joe Schmoe, Physician Assistant" and an RN, an MD, or a DO, is supposed to do the same.

As a DO your license will not say "physician", it will say "osteopathic physician".

How this will be enforced, or even if it could be might be another question, but that was the law as it was presented to us.
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I dont see this ever becoming an issue nor do I see any doctor saying "I am JPHazelton, physician" or otherwise.

Your lecturer is out of touch with reality
 
IWant2BeADoctor said:
Can you choose to have the DO omitted from your badge once you become a practicing Doctor?

I saying this because I think I'd get imagine it could get a bit tiring explaining what DO meant to people.
Click to expand...

Common pre-med misconception. Ask any practicing DO how often they are asked what "DO" stands for.

Furthermore, anyone who feels the need to hide the DO after their name is basing their decision to enter medicine solely on prestige and respect. Come on, so what if a patient once in a while asks you what it stands for. We both know that has nothing to do with it.
 
JPHazelton said:
Yes. And it also has the most active osteopathic society of all 50 states with the largest membership. Also has the most practicing DOs of all 50 states and has 2 DO schools.

Seems like PA, with its large DO representation, is setting standards and not sitting back with our heads up our collective asses.

But youve never been to a POMA meeting have you DKM? What about an AOA meeting? How about a meeting on educational standards for undergrads? What about a meeting on educational standards for osteopathic grads?

No?

Gee...the way you talk I could have sworn you had something backing you up.

I guess youre just full of hot air. 😕
Click to expand...
I was just stating my opinion- i.e. that there is no reason for there to be a mandate to do as Dragonwell described because there is no reason for their to be this "separate yet equal" approach. Unless I state otherwise (i.e. provide citations and the like), I am not arguing anything other than my beliefs, just like 99% of the people on this forum.
 
DropkickMurphy said:
I was just stating my opinion- i.e. that there is no reason for there to be a mandate to do as Dragonwell described because there is no reason for their to be this "separate yet equal" approach. Unless I state otherwise (i.e. provide citations and the like), I am not arguing anything other than my beliefs, just like 99% of the people on this forum.
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Dropkick,

If I may clear up what some of JP's frustrations with you are, you giving pre-meds advice is the equivalent of a virgin giving sexual advice to a bunch of 18 year olds getting ready to go to the prom. It's the blind leading the blind, and the blind leaders are passing off their opinions as if they mean something, when in reality it's a *blind* opinion.
 
Riker here.

Can someone who has done rotations let us know how often D.O.s have to explain to patients what a D.O. is? Is it an hourly occurrence or a monthly one?

Riker out, Enterprise.
 
I see your point, but then again if you learned something from a practicing DO (or in my case a few practicing DOs) then wouldn't that technically be worth passing along, just as much as the opinion of a graduating MSIV? Granted, I don't have any practical experience with medical school but like I said, my opinions are my opinions based upon what I have been taught (just like JP's opinions which are biased by those who taught him and wish to maintain their hold on some semblance of authority by maintaining an artificial seperation).
 
CommanderRiker said:
Riker here.

Can someone who has done rotations let us know how often D.O.s have to explain to patients what a D.O. is? Is it an hourly occurrence or a monthly one?

Riker out, Enterprise.
Click to expand...

I've never had to explain. And if this is something that really worries, osteopathic medicine may not be the best choice for you if you're that in secure with any pre-med perceived stigma.
 
CommanderRiker said:
Riker here.

Can someone who has done rotations let us know how often D.O.s have to explain to patients what a D.O. is? Is it an hourly occurrence or a monthly one?

Riker out, Enterprise.
Click to expand...
And the discussion nose dives into the Assinine Mountains......anyone care to take bets on whether this thread will survive?
 
JayneCobb said:
I've never had to explain. And if this is something that really worries, osteopathic medicine may not be the best choice for you if you're that in secure with any pre-med perceived stigma.
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Thanks for the information. 🙂
 
DropkickMurphy said:
I see your point, but then again if you learned something from a practicing DO (or in my case a few practicing DOs) then wouldn't that technically be worth passing along, just as much as the opinion of a graduating MSIV? Granted, I don't have any practical experience with medical school but like I said, my opinions are my opinions based upon what I have been taught (just like JP's opinions which are biased by those who taught him and wish to maintain their hold on some semblance of authority by maintaining an artificial seperation).
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The difference is there are millions of pre-meds around the world who can volunteer at any hospital. Their interaction with 1 or 2 or 10 DOs/MDs is quite different than a student who has rotated at different hospitals in different specialties, and that is much different than a resident or practicing physician. You will see that volunteers get treated much differently by attendings than an actual student does as well. No offense to you, but JP has rotated at numerous hospitals and is an actual part of the osteopathic profession. A pre-med student should be taking the advice of someone like him, rather than that of a fellow pre-med student who's only support for their opinion is "I've been told by several doctors I worked with or volunteered with that _____________." (see my sig line) It's one thing to be told something, it's another thing to actually be a part of something.
 
J1515 said:
A pre-med student should be taking the advice of someone like him, rather than that of a fellow pre-med student who's only support for their opinion is "I've been told by several doctors I worked with or volunteered with that _____________." (see my sig line) It's one thing to be told something, it's another thing to actually be a part of something.
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👍 Great advice.
 
OK, but that does those of us who are seeking to be part of it no good then, because then we have to rely upon others to tell us things. That seems to be exactly what you are warning me against. Do you see the conundrum here? Basically there is no way to know until it is too late whether things are or are not seriously screwed up (not that I am saying they are).
 
CommanderRiker said:
Riker here.

Can someone who has done rotations let us know how often D.O.s have to explain to patients what a D.O. is? Is it an hourly occurrence or a monthly one?

Riker out, Enterprise.
Click to expand...

Patients will frequently ask you where you are going to school. Only once has anyone ever asked me "whats the osteopathic mean?" When I am in Philly or local, people know PCOM (or old timers call it PCO or simply 'osteopathic') and thats it. I dont have to answer anything else about it. The one time I was asked the patient was actually pretty happy to hear that I was going to the same school as "her doctor".

Riker, you give patients too much credit in one sense. They simply dont care. Your attendings dont care, the nurses dont care, the other medical students on the rotation dont care. These people are sick, sitting in a hospital bed waiting for answers. They have more important things to worry about than what the word "osteopathic" means on your name badge.

The ONLY time people care, and after 5 years it remains consistent, are the premedical students. They care at Open Houses, they care when I go to speak to their PreMed Clubs and they care on SDN.

Premeds make up less than 0.1% of the population and they are the only ones currently holding this conversation.

So in 3 years of rotations, I was asked once by a real life patient and the woman was overjoyed with my simple but effective response.

Its not an "hourly or monthly" issue.

So there you have it. A real answer to your obviously ignorant and trollish question.
 
this is the worst thread ever. if you are ashamed of the degree, go get a phd or a carribean md. when someone is about to get a surgery are they like 'oh youre a DO? I would like a real doctor". No, they dont care. You are doctor, you are care provider and they expect you to be competent. be proud of your accomplishments and do the job for the right reasons. if money and prestige top your list...get out.
 
Lamont said:
prestige top your list...get out.
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I understand what you are trying to say, but I don't think the DO degree is any less prestigious than an MD. Well maybe in the mind of an ignorant pre-med it is. But who cares what they think.
 
HarveyCushing said:
I understand what you are trying to say, but I don't think the DO degree is any less prestigious than an MD. Well maybe in the mind of an ignorant pre-med it is. But who cares what they think.
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I took it as medicine in general.

If its money and prestige you want, seek another career. 👍
 
JPHazelton said:
I took it as medicine in general.

If its money and prestige you want, seek another career. 👍
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Gotcha.👍 I thought the poster was speaking in reference to DOs. But I agree with you one way or another. I think from now on I will just post, "I agree with JP" in my posts.
 
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