An MD is a Doctor of Medicine and follows the allopathic approach to healthcare. MDs are trained to diagnose and treat diseases primarily through medications, surgery, and other conventional medical practices. They typically focus on the treatment of symptoms and conditions, often with an emphasis on pharmaceutical and surgical interventions. MDs are licensed and regulated by state medical boards.

A DO is a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine and, like MDs, is fully licensed to practice medicine, prescribe medication, and perform surgery. However, DOs have additional training in the musculoskeletal system and are trained to consider the body’s interconnectedness, using osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness and injury. DOs tend to take a more holistic and preventive approach to healthcare compared to MDs

An ND is a Naturopathic Doctor, trained in naturopathic medicine, which focuses on natural remedies and therapies to support the body’s innate healing processes. NDs often emphasize nutrition, herbal medicine, lifestyle changes, homeopathy, acupuncture, and other non-invasive therapies. They aim to address the root causes of disease, promote wellness, and prevent illness, all while avoiding pharmaceutical drugs or surgery. NDs are licensed in some states or countries and have different regulatory requirements than MDs or DOs.

A DNM is a Doctor of Natural Medicine, a title that may refer to practitioners who integrate natural healing practices such as nutrition, herbal medicine, and alternative therapies into their patient care. However, unlike NDs, DNM practitioners may not always be licensed or regulated in the same way by state medical boards. Their training typically centers around holistic, natural approaches to health, but it can vary greatly depending on the program or school attended.

An IMD is a Doctor of Integrative Medicine who combines conventional medical practices with alternative and complementary therapies. IMDs typically have a background in either MD or DO training and then undergo additional training in integrative or functional medicine. The goal of integrative medicine is to treat the whole person—body, mind, and spirit—by blending traditional treatments with practices like nutrition therapy, acupuncture, homeopathy, and stress management.