Doctor of Osteopathy vs. Medical Doctor- What are the Differences?

 

MD symbol vs DO symbol

As you’re beginning to apply to medical schools (or starting to think about applying), it is important to understand the similarities and differences between the more traditional allopathic Medical Degree (MD) and Doctor of Osteopathic (DO) degree. 

Here are 5 Things you probably didn’t know about a DO (vs. MD) degree: 

    1. You are responsible for the same requirements in applying for DO schools. In order to apply, applicants must have completed the general pre-medical course requirements (which vary from school to school); taken the MCATs; and have a Bachelors Degree upon matriculation. In the past, DO schools have been considered to be less competitive. However, with the shift in healthcare to a greater focus in preventative care, DO schools have been gaining popularity and the differences in scores between the two schools are projected to shrink. Applicants are also allowed to apply to both allopathic and osteopathic schools.
    1. As a DO, you are opened to the same type of opportunities as someone with an MD from allopathic schools— DOs use all of the same treatments, tools and technologies that MDs do, and can even choose from any of the specialities that MDs can, ranging from emergency medicine to surgery to psychiatry. It is even possible for someone with a DO degree to apply to MD residencies.
    1. Osteopathic schools place greater emphasis on the holistic approach to medicine. DOs are trained to treat patients as a whole rather than simply focusing on symptoms and injuries. Osteopathic schools tend to greater emphasize preventative care, health promotion and the musculoskeletal system, with the philosophy that all body systems are interrelated and depend on one another. Individuals with a DO have training in manual therapy and manipulation techniques, providing a more hands-on experience to providing medical care. Asides from this however, the medical education is the same, meaning a doctor with an MD next to his/her name is not any better or worse than one with a DO.
    1. Physicians with a Doctor of Osteopathy degree tend to practice primary care, whereas majority of physicians with a Medical Degree (MD) tend to specialize. This has nothing to do with the capabilities of the physician, but rather the difference in philosophy of healthcare, with DO being more preventative and MD being more reactive.
  1. Obtaining a DO degree is similar to obtaining an MD degree. The application process is the same and the amount of time required to receive the degree is the same. This includes 4 years of medical schooling and 2-7 years of residency (depending on the selected specialty). The two do take different licensing tests, but of comparable difficulty.

Similar to picking which medical schools to apply to, deciding which program (allopathic or osteopathic) highly depends on fit. Before you decide whether you want to apply to an allopathic or osteopathic medical school (or even both), it is recommended that you shadow both types to see which type of treatment you would like to be able to offer your patients.