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D.O, M.D all the same
- Thread starter Imlost
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Evidently, this comes up a lot. Don't worry about it. There are a lot of foreign countries where D.O.'s have the same practice rights as M.D.'s, but it's hit-or-miss. According to that map, D.O.'s can practice in the United Kingdom but not Ireland, and in New Zealand but not Australia. So even neighboring countries where 95% of the laws are similar won't have the same standing on this particular issue.
I don't have a large desire to practice outside the U.S. myself, but if this is a big deal for you it definitely would pay to get the universal standard M.D. degree instead. In Canada, which is actually marked green on that map (most accepting of the D.O. degree) there is a grand total of 1 practicing D.O. in all of Ontario, which is by far their most populous province (Toronto et al). So just be aware that the misunderstandings about the D.O. degree in the United States are greatly magnified anywhere outside of this country.
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Also, be aware that just having an MD is not a free license to pack your bags and go anywhere in the planet and start saving lives. Most countries will not allow you to practice medicine unless you pass their licensing examinations (in their native language, of course). This doesn't apply to missionary work.
