DO vs. MD

[Heather74]

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I would like to hear as many opinions on what the difference is between DO and MD. Sure I have read about both but I would like "other than textbook" answers. Why am I asking? I am trying to decide what is best for me. Thanks!! 😀

 

[DrBowtie]

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=240220

Read through the FAQ under What is a DO

 

[jbone]

Oh yea, bring the popcorn for this one. Funny, this is right below the "MD vs DO" posted by Admin.

 

[QuantumMechanic]

I would like to hear as many opinions on what the difference is between DO and MD. Sure I have read about both but I would like "other than textbook" answers. Why am I asking? I am trying to decide what is best for me. Thanks!! 😀

In all reality, they are the same (aside from OMT). Some may claim philosophical differences, but in the end you are going to be a doctor. So why worry about your degree?

 

[dr.z]

In all reality, they are the same (aside from OMT). Some may claim philosophical differences, but in the end you are going to be a doctor. So why worry about your degree?

Exactly.

 

[Nate]

Please use the search function for this as it has been discussed over and over and over again, also refer to the very top post on this page "FAQ Please read first!" as it has descriptions and links, also, to anyone contemplating replying to this thread please see the sticky on the top of the pages about DO vs. MD threads.

Having said that, my opinion is thus; the history of where and why we came about is easy to read but today the difference is much smaller than what it once was. We are given identical training in basic sciences, surgery, pharmacy, and all else with two differences; one, additional training beyond the standard medical training in Osteopathic Manipulative medicine and body mechanics and two, we are taught to appreciate the musculoskeletal system as the central and interconnecting body system of the body as a whole. However, beyond the classroom years the clinical training and application of knowledge blurs with allopathic training and certainly more than 50% of DOs go on to train in allopathic residency positions. I suppose if you take away OMM and get down to the meat and potatoes of treating patients the best you can, just as allopathic physicians will, the true difference is just in our pride of a revolutionary history, small supportive community, and a separate political entity.

 

[Dr Alo]

This has been discussed ad nasueum, just look up.

You could also read my post on this:
http://www.thealo.com/maloblog/blog_comment.asp?bi=233

 

[Heather74]

Well thank you. Man you guys are tough stupid questions, ease up! Thanks anyways 😱

 

[nerdgrrl]

Well thank you. Man you guys are tough stupid questions, ease up! Thanks anyways 😱

Every time someone asks this question, it turns into a flame war. We're sick of it, and there are plenty of past flame wars that you can look up on the topic.

 

[Shinken]

I would like to hear as many opinions on what the difference is between DO and MD. Sure I have read about both but I would like "other than textbook" answers. Why am I asking? I am trying to decide what is best for me. Thanks!! 😀

The best thing you can do for yourself if you're serious about deciding which path is best for you is to shadow an MD and shadow a DO.

Actually, I don't know which city you live in, but it would be great if you could shadow a primary care DO that performs OMT in addition to "regular" medicine to get a taste of what you could potentially do with a DO degree.

In the end it's pretty much the same.

 

[OSUdoc08]

I would like to hear as many opinions on what the difference is between DO and MD. Sure I have read about both but I would like "other than textbook" answers. Why am I asking? I am trying to decide what is best for me. Thanks!! 😀

They are the same thing.

As a DO, you take 4 semesters of OMM and at some schools do an OMM clinical rotation. In addition, you may be more likely to do more primary care rotations.

Other than that, they are exactly the same thing. Every other course is the same.

 

[GonnaBeAnMD]

The search option will work wonders. It will flood you with answers and more. I was in the same spot before and found threads ad naseum

 

[Hoberto]

Is there some way to prevent posts from people who have not visited the FAQs? It would sure help a lot of new people with Frequently Asked Questions and prevent useless threads in the forum. Just an idea.

Carry-on.

 

[Beau Geste]

STOP IT! STOP IT! STOP IT!

NO MORE MD vs. DO threads!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

AAAAUUUUUUGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you.

 

[EctopicFetus]

Lol..

 

[Heather74]

SORRY!!!!!!!! I regret ever asking this question. Anyways your responses have helped!

 

[Beau Geste]

SORRY!!!!!!!! I regret ever asking this question. Anyways your responses have helped!

Good. I hope you have learned your lesson.

 

[Taus]

Megboo...alittle FYI (and also just to post b/c im so bored w/ studying micro/virology all damn day)...

You should add to the quote in your signature....after "everybodys got one" it should read: "and most of them are full of $hit!" or alternatively "and no one thinks theirs can stink as bad as everyone else"

 

[Beau Geste]

Megboo...alittle FYI (and also just to post b/c im so bored w/ studying micro/virology all damn day)...

You should add to the quote in your signature....after "everybodys got one" it should read: "and most of them are full of $hit!" or alternatively "and no one thinks theirs can stink as bad as everyone else"

I like the alternative one... I think I'll change it now!

 

[aflo]

Heather74,

Thanks for the post, while there has be others post about this topic, there has also been endless threads about should I apply with these stats. It sounds like your questions have been answered but if they still linger feel free to PM me. I have worked for both MDs and DOs and ultimatly will become a DO. Sorry for the harsh critics here. Some people don't remember when they first signed on and were looking for answers and found them here. I would love to return the favor for those more gracious that preceded.

 

[Taus]

OP...don't take this the wrong way..
its really not that people didn't want to answer your question...its just that the topic has come up soooo many times and it turns into a disaster almost every single time.....everything that could have ever conceiveably been answered and asked about the topic of do/md has been....that being said...almost every post disintigrates into what many deem a "pissing contest" and variations of the declaration of "my dad can beat up your dad"....doing a quick search on this topic will show you exactly what I mean....

if you want see a post recieve an incredible amount of attention and posts....just make some controversial statements about md/do stuff and make some popcorn...

 

[nico05]

You know what's funny, every time a new member posts this question, or any question that has been asked more, than once for that matter, everyone loses their **** and gets angry. Angry!? Are you kidding? People come on to this web site for information regarding the profession; just like all of us did at first. They don't know to use the "search" option, they post questions hoping for answers not for irate responses from pretentious asses. All I ever see is people who have 500+ posts and 1000+ posts using this as their daily rant page and unfortunately, at times, it's at time at the expense of people new to the process. They explain why their political view or their ideas of how medicine should be is the correct one and most times, it's not.

Ease up on the people why have questions, who are scared, who are looking for information and often times, support. If all you are going to do is spew **** and insult people, don't respond! Use your time for something other than hanging out on SDN all day waiting to rip into people who have questions. Is that how your patients are going to be dealt with?? Good luck in the profession if that is the case..."but doctor I don't understand why...?" SHUT UP YOU ASS. WHY ARE YOU SO STUPID?? READ A JOURNAL, PICK UP A MAGAZINE, USE GOOGLE AND DO YOUR OWN SEARCH..."

Why don't we try to help these people by directing in a normal manner like humans would other humans...tough concept, huh

 

[Taus]

most questions do not warrant the type of responses that we see here...however do/md is another beast...and in my honest, most level-headed opinion that I could offer..I agree that the search function and FAQ are the best resources that the OP could possibly find on this subject. There is no malice or pi$$ed off agenda here behind my post....its just that for this topic, and probably this topic alone, the OP's best bet is the aforementioned resources

 

[Beau Geste]

Especially when there is a sticky on this EXACT topic at the top of this forum. Duh.

 

[Canuck99]

Every time someone asks this question, it turns into a flame war. We're sick of it, and there are plenty of past flame wars that you can look up on the topic.

so what if this is a duplicated thread. for the most part, people have the freedom to ask whatever they want, good or bad. if you are tired of the thread topic then dont waste your time responding. despite this question being beaten to death, people will repsond with their opinions, and that is what the OP wants.

 

[mrdarthvader]

SORRY!!!!!!!! I regret ever asking this question. Anyways your responses have helped!

I am sorry that so many people were harsh in their answers instead of just politely referring you to the FAQ area. I think people just get a little frustrated with answering the same questions over and over, but as a group we should be a little kinder when pointing this out to new people. 🙂

I hope you got some of the information you were looking for. I think one of the best links that I have read was from Malo at his site.... very informative. Here is the link Malo's link on DO's I had a lot of the same questions when I was trying to decide so I understand...If you have any other questions please PM me.

For all the angry responses....I really think by going off on people when they ask a question like this we are just doing a disservice to the DO profession and sending a message that if you don't know about DO's...don't ask us. I think it is a valid point that this has been asked and answered a ton of times, but I think we should either not respond if it too much to ask with out flaming someone or just be polite and tell them where to look for the answers...just my humble opininon...

 

[cfdavid]

I agree with Darth. Time to chill out people.

Not eveyone is as neurotically active on this site like some of us. Also, there are times when the search function just doesn't work very well.

Remember that being a professional means being patient during the most trying of times.......lol

 

[EctopicFetus]

Maybe opinions have changed? uhh strike that folks.. Hope 2006 is treating my DO colleagues well!