DO vs. MD

[Happy12]

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I am an undergraduate student studying biology. I am interested in continuing into the pre-health field. After talking to several different advisors, I am under the impression that there is little difference between DO and MD doctors. Is there anyone who can explain to me what the major differences are and what the undergraduate requirements are for each?

 

[willthethrill]

I am an undergraduate student studying biology. I am interested in continuing into the pre-health field. After talking to several different advisors, I am under the impression that there is little difference between DO and MD doctors. Is there anyone who can explain to me what the major differences are and what the undergraduate requirements are for each?

I you search through the pre-osteopathic forum, you'll find plenty of forums on this...or google search

Overall, the differences between the two professions is shrinking, but there are still a few key differences between the two...go to a library and check out the book: The Do's. Also the AOA and AACOM have the cookie cutter descriptions of osteopathy on their websites.

(mods...this thread should be moved to pre-osteo)

 

[SLC]

You're going to get reamed for not using the search function first.

That being said: there is no practical difference between the two as far as practice is concerned, full medical and surgical practice rights in all 50 states. Identical curriculums, except DO schools require additional classes in musculoskeletal manipulative medicine (read up about this).

Osteopathic graduates have a harder time (statistically speaking) matching into certain fields for residency. Derm, Rad-Onc, Otolaryngology, etc. But MD students have an exceedingly difficult time with these fields as well.

DO's are eligible for ACGME (MD) residency's, as well as AOA (DO) residencies. MD grads are only eligible for ACGME.

Basically, unless you're certain you want to be a Dermatologist or some other exceedingly competitive specialist, there is little difference between the two.

MD and DO schools generally have identical prerequisite coursework. MD schools generally place more emphasis on scientific research experience prior to admissions and are more selective about grades and MCAT scores. DO's are less emphatic about research, and somewhat less hung up over academic credentials (though still very high standards are in place), and appear to be more willing to consider other factors when choosing who to accept.

Both MD and DO schools value service, clinical experience, shadowing, and demonstration of interests outside school (well roundedness).

I've met people who were rejected from MD schools and accepted to DO schools. I've met people who were rejected by DO schools and accepted at MD schools. I've met people who were accepted to both types of program. And I've met people who elected to only apply to one or the other.

Hope that gets you started!

 

[Longshanks]

As a starting point check out the stickies in the pre-osteo forum. Then take a peak at what may be on AACOM's website.

 

[UBCvan]

also for lots of DO schools, you need to have a LOR from a DO whom you have shadowed. About 10 DO schools don't require this but they still want you to have a LOR from an MD.

 

[Happy12]

Thank you all for your help. I am knew to SDN, but I will most definately be taking a look at the other threads.

 

[drctother]

I am an undergraduate student studying biology. I am interested in continuing into the pre-health field. After talking to several different advisors, I am under the impression that there is little difference between DO and MD doctors. Is there anyone who can explain to me what the major differences are and what the undergraduate requirements are for each?

There is many many threads on this topic if you use the search button

 

[Bungie]

DO schools require additional classes in musculoskeletal manipulative medicine (read up about this).

AKA, OMM - osteopathic manipulative medicine. TBH, I had a DO FP my whole life and he never once used it once me and said he rarely used it. We had a DO visit school and said he used it quite a bit, just personal preferences. Different schools teach it in a different manners with respect to when and how much time the place on it.

Osteopathic graduates have a harder time (statistically speaking) matching into certain fields for residency. Derm, Rad-Onc, Otolaryngology, etc. But MD students have an exceedingly difficult time with these fields as well.

Very true. It ususally take a stellar board score whether your an MD/DO to get into these fields, so I don't see DO/MD paths being too terribly different.

DO's are eligible for ACGME (MD) residency's, as well as AOA (DO) residencies. MD grads are only eligible for ACGME.

This is something to consider. With the rising number of seats in medical schools but relatively stable number of residency spots, having more than one matching system is significant factor in choosing DO/MD IMO.

Basically, unless you're certain you want to be a Dermatologist or some other exceedingly competitive specialist, there is little difference between the two.

MD and DO schools generally have identical prerequisite coursework. MD schools generally place more emphasis on scientific research experience prior to admissions and are more selective about grades and MCAT scores. DO's are less emphatic about research, and somewhat less hung up over academic credentials (though still very high standards are in place), and appear to be more willing to consider other factors when choosing who to accept.

Both MD and DO schools value service, clinical experience, shadowing, and demonstration of interests outside school (well roundedness).

I've met people who were rejected from MD schools and accepted to DO schools. I've met people who were rejected by DO schools and accepted at MD schools. I've met people who were accepted to both types of program. And I've met people who elected to only apply to one or the other.

Agree, excellent advice! I'd advise shadowing both types of physicians; granted, I found no noticeable difference between the two.

 

[PressPforPi]

Agree, excellent advice! I'd advise shadowing both types of physicians; granted, I found no noticeable difference between the two.

In my experience, DO's have been kinder and that's generally the stereotype from what I hear.🙄

 

[Iswhatis]

In my experience, DO's have been kinder and that's generally the stereotype from what I hear.🙄

 

[dbth77]

In my experience, DO's have been kinder and that's generally the stereotype from what I hear.🙄

oh brother. why do you think that is? do they teach kindness class in DO school or is it just a function of lower gpa/mcat? as long as we're going to stereotype let's go all out

 

[87DO15]

oh brother. why do you think that is? do they teach kindness class in DO school or is it just a function of lower gpa/mcat? as long as we're going to stereotype let's go all out

I think the "roll eyes" emoticon was meant to indicate sarcasm...I don't think he was being serious.

 

[dbth77]

I think the "roll eyes" emoticon was meant to indicate sarcasm...I don't think he was being serious.

I think it would be helpful if an eye rolling emoticon actually rolls the eyes

 

[UBCvan]

oh brother. why do you think that is? do they teach kindness class in DO school or is it just a function of lower gpa/mcat? as long as we're going to stereotype let's go all out

they don't teach kindness, they screen for it during your interview!!

 

[UBCvan]

I think it would be helpful if an eye rolling emoticon actually rolls the eyes

if you actually put your pointer on the avatar you see it says "sarcastic"

Elemefe Yo

 

[87DO15]

I think it would be helpful if an eye rolling emoticon actually rolls the eyes

Well, sure, but I think that's about as good as it gets...though I've never really looked beyond the few listed on the right side of the reply box.

 

[PressPforPi]

 

[aSagacious]

He mad

... must be pre-allo then

 

[PressPforPi]

... must be pre-allo then

aSagacious you always know just the right thing to say. Bromance ftw😍

 

[aSagacious]

Bromance ftw😍

Fine, but I get to be the one on the right, I like his vest