JW Compares: MD vs. DO

When contemplating a career in medicine in the United States and Canada, aspiring premed students often come across two primary avenues: becoming a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO). These two degrees lead to similar medical careers, but they possess some distinct differences in terms of training, philosophy, and practice. This comprehensive guide is designed to assist premed students and prospective medical school applicants in gaining a deeper understanding of the disparities and commonalities between MD and DO programs, enabling them to make an informed decision about their medical education and future careers.

What is a DO vs. MD?

• MD (Doctor of Medicine):

 Physicians with an MD degree are trained in allopathic medicine, which concentrates on diagnosing and treating diseases. MD programs are accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME), and when most people envision a physician, they are thinking of an MD.

• DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine): 

Physicians with a DO degree are trained in osteopathic medicine, which adopts a more holistic approach to patient care. This approach emphasizes the body’s capacity to heal itself, disease prevention, and considering the patient as a whole, including their environment, nutrition, and body system. DO programs are accredited by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA). While some MD physicians also embrace a holistic approach to patient care, the primary focus differs between MD and DO programs.

DO vs. MD: Similarities

MD and DO physicians share numerous similarities:

• They must fulfill the same prerequisites to gain admission to medical school, such as earning a bachelor’s degree, completing the MCAT, and participating in extracurricular activities.
• They both need to accumulate relevant experiences during their undergraduate and post-baccalaureate years, including clinical shadowing, patient exposure, and community service.
• Both attend four years of accredited medical school.
• They base their diagnostic and treatment decisions on scientific principles.
• MD and DO physicians are licensed to practice medicine in all 50 states.
• They have the authority to prescribe medications.
• Both can specialize in various medical fields.

DO vs. MD: Differences

Here are the key distinctions between MD and DO programs:

• DO students are required to complete 200 hours of training in osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), which involves physically manipulating body tissues to treat patients, in addition to the standard medical curriculum. MD students do not receive OMT training during medical school.
• While MD students must pass the United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE) for licensure, DO students must pass the Comprehensive Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX) to obtain their medical license.
• MD physicians frequently specialize in areas like cardiology, neurology, or ophthalmology and often work in urban settings. In contrast, DO physicians often practice as primary care physicians and tend to work in rural areas.
• As of November 2021, there were 155 accredited MD programs and 37 accredited DO programs in the United States.
• The ratio of MD to DO physicians in the United States is approximately 9:1.
• DO programs are generally more receptive to medical students from nontraditional backgrounds, including older applicants pursuing a second career in medicine.

Now, let’s address your most pressing questions.

DO vs. MD: Admissions Questions

Which one is easier Do or MD?

At first glance, it might seem that gaining admission to a DO program is easier due to the lower acceptance rate. However, this perception is largely influenced by the fact that there are significantly fewer accredited DO programs (37) compared to MD programs (155) in the United States. In practical terms, it’s generally more challenging to secure a spot in an MD program. The academic requirements for MD programs, as evidenced by the average MCAT and GPA scores of admitted students, tend to be higher.

Do I have to shadow DO physicians before applying to DO program?

While shadowing a DO physician may not be a formal admission requirement for all DO programs, it is strongly recommended for those considering osteopathic medical careers. The American Osteopathic Association maintains a directory of practicing DO physicians, making it easier for aspiring students to find opportunities for shadowing.

Is it necessary to secure a letter of recommendation from an osteopathic physician in order to gain admission to a DO program?

Though not an absolute requirement, obtaining a recommendation letter from a DO physician is highly advisable if you’re aspiring to enroll in a DO program. Admissions committees at DO schools value applicants who show a genuine interest in osteopathic medicine, and having a letter from a DO physician can strengthen your candidacy.

How should I modify my personal statement when applying through the AMCAS or AACOMAS?

Both MD and DO personal statements should convey your motivations for pursuing a medical career, your journey to medicine, and why you believe you’ll be an effective physician. Notably, the character limits for personal statements on AMCAS and AACOMAS are now the same, allowing for uniformity in the application process.

However, since the majority of practicing physicians in the U.S. hold MD degrees and practice allopathic medicine, most premed students tend to align their academics, extracurricular experiences, and insights with the allopathic perspective. When adapting your personal statement for DO applications, merely adding phrases like “holistic” and “whole person” might not suffice. Instead, showcase how you’ve applied the osteopathic care model throughout your clinical and research experiences.

DO vs. MD: Residency and Career Questions

Are there different residency opportunities in DO and MD programs?

Previously, MD students were primarily limited to ACGME-accredited residencies, while DO students had the option of ACGME or AOA-accredited residencies. However, since the merger of accreditation councils in July 2020, both MD and DO students can now train at any residency site. Although USMLE and COMLEX are recognized as equivalents, it remains uncertain whether residencies will fully acknowledge this in practice. As such, current DO students are advised to consider passing both COMLEX and USMLE to broaden their residency options.

How do the chances of matching into a residency differ for MD and DO graduates?

In the 2022 NRMP Main Residency Match, MD and DO students participated in the same residency matching process for the third time. While the match rates for MD and DO seniors were relatively comparable, disparities emerged when examining match rates within specific specialties. MD seniors had higher match rates in highly competitive specialties, reflecting differences in prestige. DO students, especially those who excel academically and pass USMLE, can still compete for desirable residency programs.

Are DO and MD salaries different?

MD and DO physicians can earn comparable salaries when factors such as specialty, position, experience, and location align. However, on average, MD physicians tend to earn higher incomes due to their higher likelihood of specializing and practicing in urban areas. In urban settings, salaries are generally higher, but the cost of living is also elevated. Nonetheless, some employers in rural areas may offer higher compensation to attract talent.

DO vs. MD: Application Process

The choice between MD and DO extends beyond the borders of the United States, impacting the international practice of physicians. MD-trained physicians hold full practice rights globally, enabling them to work in medical settings worldwide. In contrast, DO physicians currently possess full practice rights in approximately 50 countries and limited practice rights in numerous others. To expand the recognition of DO degrees internationally, the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) is actively engaged in advocacy efforts.

For those with international medical aspirations, the MD path may be the more straightforward route. Additionally, if you have a desire to practice medicine abroad, exploring locum tenens opportunities could be an appealing option. Locum doctors take on temporary assignments in regions where the demand for physicians is high. This career choice often involves significant travel, offering doctors the flexibility to determine their working hours, change locations, or even explore different medical roles.

The benefits of working as a locum doctor extend beyond flexibility and travel. Locum doctors tend to enjoy slightly higher compensation than traditionally employed physicians. They fill roles in hospitals that struggle to find qualified doctors, which may lead to assignments in rural areas. With more free time at your disposal, you can use this opportunity to delve into personal interests, whether it’s learning a new language or exploring unique natural environments.

In summary, the choice between MD and DO may influence your global medical journey. While MD degrees offer broad international recognition, DO degrees are progressively gaining acceptance. Your preference for international practice should be a factor in your decision-making process.

How to Decide Where to Apply?

The decision of whether to pursue an MD or DO degree is influenced by several key factors, and where to apply for medical school is a pivotal one. The considerations include:

• Preferred Training Modality: 

MD and DO physicians undergo rigorous medical training, but the allopathic and osteopathic approaches to care resonate differently with individuals. If you are inclined toward a holistic approach to medicine or wish to study osteopathic manipulative treatment, DO programs might align better with your preferences.

• Career Goals: 

While both MD and DO physicians can ultimately practice in any medical specialty, this is contingent upon successfully matching into their desired field. If you foresee a specialization in your future, you may want to prioritize MD programs. On the other hand, if you are strongly inclined toward working as a primary care physician, the training modality offered by the school should carry more weight in your decision-making process.

• Academic Stats: 

Some prospective students may find that their academic qualifications, such as GPA and MCAT scores, do not meet the stringent criteria of MD programs. In such cases, DO schools may be their most viable option for pursuing a medical career.

It’s important to emphasize that the decision to apply to MD or DO programs isn’t always a clear-cut choice. Many students harbor an interest in both training modalities and opt to apply to a mix of MD and DO programs. Furthermore, students with academic credentials that are competitive for some MD programs but not all should consider applying to varying numbers of both MD and DO programs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both the MD and DO paths offer fulfilling careers in medicine. Your choice between the two should align with your values, career aspirations, and your vision of patient care. Whether you choose the allopathic approach of MDs, with its focus on disease diagnosis and treatment, or the holistic philosophy of DOs, emphasizing natural healing and preventive care, you are embarking on a noble journey to provide healthcare. The collaboration between MDs and DOs continues to strengthen, offering a bright future for healthcare professionals dedicated to the well-being of their patients. Regardless of the path you choose, remember that both MDs and DOs play essential roles in the healthcare landscape.

If you have any questions about any aspect of your medical school application, you can count on Jack Westin experts. Check out our blog and courses and boost your chances of getting into the medical school of your dreams.