Chiropractic Physician in Comparison

In Florida, chiropractors play a vital role in healthcare, but their scope as primary care physicians (PCPs) is distinct from that of Medical Doctors (MDs) and Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs). Chiropractors focus on musculoskeletal, Anatomy-physiology, Physiology, Microbiology, Diagnosis, Neurology, Radiology, and spinal health, performing adjustments, providing lifestyle advice, and recommending supplements/nutrition advice. However, Florida law limits their scope: chiropractors cannot prescribe medications or perform surgery. Their training in physiology and anatomy is extensive, but they don’t cover the full pharmacological or surgical coursework MDs and DOs undertake. In comparison, Chiropractors have about 360 more hours of medical school training but it is more focused.

Chiropractic                                                                        Medical

Class Hours                         Subject                                 Class Hours

520                        Anatomy-Embryology                                508

440                        Physiology                                                          326

360                        Pathology-Geriatrics-Pediatrics         401

165                        Chemistry                                                            325

120                        Microbiology                                                      114

130                        Diagnosis                                                             114

630                        Diagnosis, Dermatology, ENT                 324

320                        Neurology                                                           112

360                        Radiology                                                            148

60                           Psychology                                                         144

60                           Obstetrics-Gynecology                              148

225                        Orthopedics                                                       156

1,598                    Specialty Courses                                            1,492

4485                     Total Class Hours                                             4248

Yet, DCs, MDs, and DOs share many similarities in their education—particularly in foundational sciences and clinical training. All three professionals earn rigorous medical education, including diagnostics and patient care. MDs and DOs also cover broader diagnostic and therapeutic options, while DOs incorporate additional osteopathic manipulative treatments. Chiropractic Doctors (DCs) concentrate specifically on diagnosis, manual therapies and holistic care for structural issues, making them valuable within an integrative healthcare team, especially for musculoskeletal concerns.

In Florida, where chiropractors often serve as first points of contact for spinal health, they can collaborate with MDs and DOs to offer complementary care. This relationship enhances holistic patient care by combining multiple perspectives, ultimately benefiting patient outcomes.

Long story short, chiropractors have a broader scope of practice than people realize and are becoming the foundation of primary healthcare.