The abbreviation D.O. stands for Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. This medical profession was founded in the mid-1800s by Andrew Taylor Still. In the 21st century now, D.O.s re … ceive training which is equivalent to the training that Doctors of Medicine (M.D.) receive.owever, for most purposes the training and licensure are equal to one another. A difference in practice is that a DO (aka Doctor of Osteopathy) is also trained in osteopathic medicine which includes theories and procedures of musculoskeletal manipulation in which Medical Doctors are not specifically trained.