Instead of going to an MD ("Medical Doctor"), find a DO ("Dr. of Osteopathic Medicine"). MD's can ONLY prescribe pharmaceutical "medications" whereas a DO goes to additional yrs. of Med. School and are licensed and allowed to prescribe "alternative therapies" as well as pharmaceuticals. (In the US anyway).. My primary care doctor is a DO and gave me a thorough answer about the difference.

Edit: From GROK: In the US, both MDs (Doctors of Medicine) and DOs (Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine) are fully licensed physicians who can practice medicine, prescribe medications, and perform surgeries. The key differences lie in their training and philosophy:

1. Educational Philosophy:

   • MD: Focuses on allopathic medicine, emphasizing evidence-based treatments, diagnostics, and interventions to address specific diseases or symptoms.
   • DO: Emphasizes a holistic approach, considering the whole person (body, mind, and spirit) and focusing on preventive care and the body's natural ability to heal. DOs receive additional training in osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), a hands-on technique to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness by manipulating muscles and joints.

2. Training:

   • MD: Medical school typically involves four years of study, followed by residency (3-7 years). The curriculum focuses on traditional medical sciences and clinical practice.
   • DO: Medical school also takes four years, with additional training in OMT (200-300 hours). DOs complete residencies, often in the same programs as MDs, and can specialize in any medical field.

3. Licensing and Practice:

   • Both MDs and DOs must pass licensing exams (USMLE for MDs, COMLEX for DOs, though DOs can also take USMLE). Both can practice in all 50 states and in any medical specialty.
   • DOs may face historical bias in some competitive specialties or institutions, but this gap is narrowing as DOs are increasingly recognized as equivalent.

4. Prevalence:

   • MDs make up the majority of physicians in the US (~90%).
   • DOs are a smaller but growing group (~10%), with increasing enrollment in osteopathic medical schools.

5. Patient Care:

   • In practice, the day-to-day work of MDs and DOs is often indistinguishable, especially in specialties like surgery or internal medicine. However, some DOs incorporate OMT into primary care or musculoskeletal treatments.

In summary, while MDs and DOs have similar capabilities, DOs have a unique holistic philosophy and additional training in manipulative techniques. Both are equally qualified to provide comprehensive medical care.