Hi, does anybody know what countries recognize DO's as licensed physicians and which don't? I was considering practicing outside of the US. On a separate note, if I get into a DO school, are good residencies harder to get into or equally chanced? Thanks everyone.
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DO abroad & residency
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It varies from country to country--in Africa, most countries are willing to accept any doctors, allopathic or osteopathic, who are willing to practice; most Western European countries have too many doctors, so the issue of trying to get a license, regardless if you are allopathic or osteopathic, is nearly out of the question.
Being an allopathic doctor does not give you carte blanche to automatically begin practicing in another country: all doctors, allopathic or osteopathic, must apply for licenses, and most countries consider allopathic and osteopathic doctors trained in the US to be equal. For most American trained doctors, the problem isn't discrimination because they are osteopathic doctors, but rather because its difficult for any doctor, allopathic or osteopathic, to receive a foreign medical license
If you do a search you'll see that this was once discussed and a link was provided with a list of specific countries...However, I think that list was since modified to include more countries...Anyone know? Especially European countries?
This is a key point that many people miss. There are a few places that treat US DOs differently than US MDs, but most of the countries limit any foreign-trained physicians.
That all said, here's a link to a thread about DO international practice rights along with an update on the UK.
It's also my understanding that in a few European nations, DO is synonymous with chiropractor. DOs in England are trained to do manipulation and are never trained to practice medicine. Although this may not effect ability to practice, it will definitely confuse patients who you will have to explain to that you are an American-trained DO whose scope includes the practice of medicine.
i thought practice rights in france were since updated as well, but corrected me if I'm wrong anyone...
