What do DO initials stand for? They stand for Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, which is a professional degree of physicians and surgeons. It is a bit different than an M.D. in the sense that D.O.'s are taugh â¦ t physical manipulation, but other than that they both require virtually the same education, which is 8 years (bachelors degree and medical school) plus any residency and/or specialty training.