Hey, I was in your seat about 8 months ago and now am only looking at osteopathic (DO) schools. There are two main differences between a DO and a MD in my opinion. One is the philosophy each perscribes to. Osteopathic schools claim to have a more holistic approach to patient care looking at psychosocial connections, past histories and many other factors to get a complete idea of what caused the affliction and how best to proceed. They are taught preventative care and are generally more accepting to complementary types of medicine. This philosophy is not exclusive to osteopathic medicine as it is a method of treatment that any doctor can adhere to. It is simply one that osteopathic schools claim to teach and believe in. In my research and interaction with DOs, I have found it to be true as well. Second is that DO's learn OMT or osteopathic manipulative therapy. This is a way to manipulate the physical body as a means of treating sickness. Often it is likened to chiropractic, but it is much more than simply spinal manipulation. Asthma, gastrointestinal problems, migranes and lots of musculoskeletal problems have all been treated with OMT or OMM as it is sometimes referred to. Other than those differences, there is little to distinguish DO from MD. Both complete 4 years of medical school, a residency of at least three years, and can concentrate in any speciality. About 50% of DO students go into generalist fields like peds or family practice, but they are not limited in scope.
Osteopathic schools also generally have slightly lower average GPA and MCAT scores than their allopathic counterparts. GPAs around 3.3-3.6 and MCAT scores of roughly 24-28 are what a lot of schools report. Osteopathic schools also claim to look more at the total application focusing not just on numbers as some MD schools do. I have been told that DO schools heavily weigh LoRs, your personal statement, your understanding of osteopathic medicine and desire to partake in it, and your experiences in the medical field. It is also said that they are more receptive to non-traditional applicants.
Personally, I have found DO's to be great physicians and great people. Every DO I have met has been really nice and was loved by their patients. You will find a crabby doc everywhere you go, but in my experience, DO's have been really genuine. Also, the osteopathic students are truly helpful and want you to succeed as well. At most MD schools I have looked at, and by talking to friends at MD schools, they say that all the students are type A and very high strung. Students at DO schools seem to be less uptight, more type B, and really enjoy what they are doing. But like others said, you best bet is to look at other areas in this forum. Look at the stickies and try to get your hand on Norman Gevitz book on DO's if you like what you hear about the field. Hope I helped a little. Cheers.
