DO vs MD

[The1]

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Ok...Ok...I am kinda confused here. Most of the information I've been able to locate on the web has been a biased opinion. Can anyone tell me in plain English, what are the differences between DO and MD??? Are the opporunities to practice the same??? Is one regarded as more superior over the other???

 

[irish79]

I don't think there is a huge difference between DO's and MD's. Classes taken in school will be exactly the same with the addition of OMM classes in DO school. There are some differences in philosophy, but all in all, they are the same (both are physicians). If you go to the AOA (American Osteopathic Association) website, I think they give a pretty good, nonbiased, explanation of the differences.

Each has full, medical practice rights, is able to practice the full spectrum of medicine and is paid equally. As far as one being regarded as more superior, I think that is a matter of opinion. I have met MD's who think they are superior to DO's, DO's who think they are superior to MD's, surgeons who think they are superior to family physicians, and Ivy League graduates who think they are superior to state school graduates. Don't let this be your driving force--superiority is childish.

 

[Fenrezz]

Okay, let the betting begin. Even up the flame war starts by the end of this page, 3:1 by page 3, 5:1 by page 5, and 2500:1 that it never starts.

To answer your question, you're much better off doing a search of this message board as this topic has been discussed ad nauseam. Believe me nothing new will be posted here that hasn't been posted 100 times in other DO v. MD threads.

 

[lotrfan81]

Didn't you post this thread on the pre-allo forum? Anyway, you should probably do a search for this topic. It has been discussed endlessly and most of the threads end in an argument.

 

[irish79]

Is it "ad nausea" or "ad nauseam?" I was thinking it was the latter.

 

[Fenrezz]

Originally posted by irish79
Is it "ad nausea" or "ad nauseam?" I was thinking it was the latter.

You're right, it is ad nauseam. I accidentally left out the "m" when typing it. Thanks for letting me know. 😉

 

[stoic]

I think it might be worth noting that in the past there has been resistance to DO's coming from some of the MD camps. This really is changing though. I've had the chance to talk about bias with younger MD's and DO's. Both agree that because so many DO's (I think about 60%) do MD residencies, MD's and DO's learn to respect each other on a personal and professional basis. You will still run into some biased people, but in my experience it's usually the younger, uniformed premeds that are the worst (or at least more vocal).

 

[jhug]

american league vs national league.....
some minor differences....and only one gets barry!!!😀

 

[Shinken]

Hello The1,

Without getting into another "DO vs MD" debate, in your situation, for all practical purposes, yes both will allow you the same practice opportunities (and pay is the same for both). Is one regarded superior to the other? On the SDN forums, yes. In the real world, no. Asking which one is superior to the other is like asking if the Packers are superior to the Bears. Some people will say yes, some no, but in the end...who cares? both are good football teams, both win sometimes and lose sometimes.

(OK...bad example. We all know the Packers are much better than the Bears...but you get my point, right?)

 

[dmbwb69]

I think MDs are better well known, there are many ignorant people out there and they think that DO's only treat with herbal medicines and everything. I think it is better therefore to go to an MD school. Md's have a better represetnation from what i know, i dont want to offend anyone so take any offense to this.

 

[Dr Sum Day]

Originally posted by dmbwb69
I think MDs are better well known, there are many ignorant people out there and they think that DO's only treat with herbal medicines and everything. I think it is better therefore to go to an MD school. Md's have a better represetnation from what i know, i dont want to offend anyone so take any offense to this.

Not a problem. I had no idea what a DO was until last year or so. I was also apprehensive about applying to DO schools b/c of my unfamiliarity/approval of OMM. Since I've observed DO's who use OMM, I now prefer the DO route b/c it's an extra tool under the belt. This month a DO helped my chronic back spasms, which no other health profession could do, such as MD's, Chiropracters, & PT's---it was back and forth, back and forth. Hell, this back problem ruined my military career---almost half-way to retirement. Now, I may be able to return to service as a DO and retire as a Colonel.

It's a shame that only ~6% of DO's use OMM. It was hell trying to find one who specializes in OMM. Perhaps, too many MD wanna-be's?