Are chiropractors “real” doctors?

When my friend Annie started chiropractic school, her dear auntie asked her, “Why don’t you want to be a real doctor?” 

Without missing a beat, Annie smiled and said, “Because I want to help people.” 

Now let me clarify: there are a lot of wonderful doctors in the world.  I personally love our family doctor.  He spends too much time with every patient (according to clinic administration) and takes as long as he needs to explain their treatment to them.  As a result, his patients love him.  But in the age of managed care, most people don’t have great relationships with their doctors.
 
Chiropractors have more flexibility in scheduling and often see their patients more than once a year, and not only when they are ill.  They have a tremendously positive effect on their patients.  But are they on par with medical doctors in their training and scope of practice?  I think you’ll be surprised!  Here’s a brief comparison…

Chiropractors are primary care physicians, trained to do complete physical examinations, and are legally bound to diagnose disease just as your primary care medical doctor is.  Below is a table comparing some features of the two disciplines.