DO working in other countries?

[Perfoman]

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I did a quick search but didn't really find anything on the subject, but I just signed up so forgive me if this is an old question...

What kind of options are open to American trained DO's who want to work abroad? From what i've been reading a DO in another country isn't necessarily considered a "doctor". Is that distinction based solely on the letters D.O. or do other countries take into account that you were trained in the U.S.? I can't say for certain that I will work in another country, it would just be nice to know that I had the option.

 

[scotchtapetest]

I did a quick search but didn't really find anything on the subject, but I just signed up so forgive me if this is an old question...

What kind of options are open to American trained DO's who want to work abroad? From what i've been reading a DO in another country isn't necessarily considered a "doctor". Is that distinction based solely on the letters D.O. or do other countries take into account that you were trained in the U.S.? I can't say for certain that I will work in another country, it would just be nice to know that I had the option.

http://www.oialliance.org/directories.htm

Lists some major countries and the process!

 

[DrMidlife]

Doctors without Borders and other aid organizations don't care if you're MD or DO.

Wikipedia has a practice rights list: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doctor_of_Osteopathic_Medicine#International_practice_rights

 

[Perfoman]

" ...Restricted...OMM only...French government does not recognize osteopathic medicine. "

Man out of anywhere France was on the top of my working abroad list 🙁

 

[DrMom]

there are tons of the threads on this topic. I recommend doing a search for "international practice rights" to find threads. Also, keep in mind that 1) these lists apply to full licensure (ie: move there to practice full time), not medical missions type trips and 2) many countries make it difficult for any foreign trained physician to become fully licensed in their country.

 

[JaggerPlate]

It's all in the sticky/faq at the top of the threads. However, think of it this way ... practicing abroad if difficult no matter what, MD or DO. MDs are recognized more around the globe, but that is because they have been around for much longer ... and the DO degree a longgggggg time ago used to represent something different. If you think about it this way though, even if you went to the best Medical school in France (for example) you probably wouldn't have any practice rights in the US whatsoever, so getting a DO in the US and assuming that France (like most places are) will recognize Osteopathic Medicine soon enough seems like a much more practical route.

 

[gmard33]

" ...Restricted...OMM only...French government does not recognize osteopathic medicine. "

Man out of anywhere France was on the top of my working abroad list 🙁

Don't throw in the towel just yet.
I've lived in France for the past few years and have recently been accepted to PCOM for the fall of next year. Many doctors over here tell me things are in the works to be changed since so many French doctors are taking courses to be trained in OMM.
I'm sure there will be some sort of equivalence exam to take before you can practice here, but I couldn't tell you for sure.
Also, if you're looking to work in the humanitarian sector, don't worry about the letters after your name. Doctors without Borders was founded by a French doctor and a lot of adminstrative affairs take place in France, so if you can work for DWB as a D.O., I'm sure you'll be able to work in France with that degree. You may not be a practicing D.O. in France, but you could work with humanitarian organizations here in between practicing in other countries.

Hope this helps!🙂