Fundamental differences between DO and MD

[Stronghopeful]

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Obviously DO is less competitive than MD, but what are some of the differences?

Statistically what would a rough MCAT + GPA of average acceptance to an MD be as compared with DO.

How exactly is MD better than DO? Is there more prestige? More specialized doctor, etc?

 

[Onres]

Obviously DO is less competitive than MD, but what are some of the differences?

Statistically what would a rough MCAT + GPA of average acceptance to an MD be as compared with DO.

How exactly is MD better than DO? Is there more prestige? More specialized doctor, etc?

You could probably just search this and get more accurate numbers than I can give you but I think the average for MD schools is around 3.6/31, and DO is much lower. I think some DO schools are as low as 22-25 (avgs), with GPAs around 3.0.

Technically you can do the same things as a DO than as MD, but realistically it's harder for DOs to land the residencies/jobs they want.

 

[RogueUnicorn]

You could probably just search this and get more accurate numbers than I can give you but I think the average for MD schools is around 3.6/31, and DO is much lower. I think some DO schools are as low as 22-25 (avgs), with GPAs around 3.0.

Technically you can do the same things as a DO than as MD, but realistically it's harder for DOs to land the residencies/jobs they want.

there is no way this is true.

 

[Silverman780]

an MD gets an additional +2 dexterity but a -2 constitution while a DO has an enhanced armor roll.

This has been beaten to death here search "MD vs DO" or any variation of that and you will find what you're looking for.

 

[Barcu]

Obviously DO is less competitive than MD, but what are some of the differences?

Statistically what would a rough MCAT + GPA of average acceptance to an MD be as compared with DO.

How exactly is MD better than DO? Is there more prestige? More specialized doctor, etc?

MD has the prestige factor over DO. Most people don't know what a DO is. Plus, admission standards are lower.

Still, DOs receive the same training, can take the USMLE, and get into an MD residency. You may have more of an uphill battle, but it is doable.

The fundamental difference is that DOs learn OMM (Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine). Other than that, training is identical.

You could probably just search this and get more accurate numbers than I can give you but I think the average for MD schools is around 3.6/31, and DO is much lower. I think some DO schools are as low as 22-25 (avgs), with GPAs around 3.0.

Technically you can do the same things as a DO than as MD, but realistically it's harder for DOs to land the residencies/jobs they want.

The MD averages are right. I don't know about the DO, but I think your numbers are a little low there.

 

[seelee]

The only real difference between MDs and DOs is in the mind of a pre-med.

 

[Longshanks]

You could probably just search this and get more accurate numbers than I can give you but I think the average for MD schools is around 3.6/31, and DO is much lower. I think some DO schools are as low as 22-25 (avgs), with GPAs around 3.0.

Technically you can do the same things as a DO than as MD, but realistically it's harder for DOs to land the residencies/jobs they want.

Those numbers are way off for DO schools. For the average MD school those numbers seem about right, but if you're looking at the big name places its more closer to 3.7/33. Most DO schools these days are around high 3.4s-low 3.5s and a 28.

The only real difference between MDs and DOs is in the mind of a pre-med.

+1
for the most part. Check out the pre-osteo forum and there are stickies and FAQs there.

 

[Catalystik]

I think the average for MD schools is around 3.6/31, and DO is much lower. I think some DO schools are as low as 22-25 (avgs), with GPAs around 3.0.

Median MD acceptee stats for 2010 entry were cGPA 3.67/BCPM 3.61/MCAT 31.1. Average entering DO student in 2009 had 3.48/3.35/26.19.

 

[Geekchick921]

Multiquote incoming!

MD has the prestige factor over DO. Most people don't know what a DO is. Plus, admission standards are lower.

Still, DOs receive the same training, can take the USMLE, and get into an MD residency. You may have more of an uphill battle, but it is doable.

The fundamental difference is that DOs learn OMM (Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine). Other than that, training is identical.

I agree with this except for the fact that most people don't know what a DO is. I think this is largely dependent on region.

The only real difference between MDs and DOs is in the mind of a pre-med.

Pretty much.

Those numbers are way off for DO schools. For the average MD school those numbers seem about right, but if you're looking at the big name places its more closer to 3.7/33. Most DO schools these days are around high 3.4s-low 3.5s and a 28.

This seems much more accurate to me, but I think the MCAT is closer to 26.

According to this, the mean GPA is 3.48 and the median MCAT is 26.
http://www.aacom.org/data/Documents/Matriculants/2009MatriculantSummary.pdf

an MD gets an additional +2 dexterity but a -2 constitution while a DO has an enhanced armor roll.

🤣 This is the best answer to the MD/DO debate EVER!

 

[Helen Wheels]

The mean total MCAT score of those who were offered admission to an osteopathic medical school was 27.3.

Mean total GPA was 3.50

This is from 2009 AACOMAS data: http://www.aacom.org/resources/bookstore/Documents/AppRpt2009.pdf

Mean total MCAT for allo matriculants was 31.1 and mean GPA was 3.67.

From AMCAS data: https://www.aamc.org/download/161690/data/table17-facts2010mcatgpa99-10-web.pdf.pdf

The data isn't totally comparable since one table looks at accepted applicants and the other looks at matriculants but it gives you an idea. There is a difference but it isn't as huge as some make it out to be. And, just like with allo, DO schools are getting more and more applicants every year and stats are going up.

 

[Onres]

I did say search for more accurate ones, it's quite easy, but since I don't care about DO schools I gave an estimate of what I thought...

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

I did say search for more accurate ones, it's quite easy, but since I don't care about DO schools I gave an estimate of what I thought...

A.k.a talking out of your ass.

 

[Narmerguy]

Really you couldn't find the answer to this somewhere?

 

[Onres]

A.k.a talking out of your ass.

No... I based it on what I recalled reading on SDN, based on "What are my chances?" threads, and things like that. For some reason, in my mind those are the numbers I associated with DO. A 3.5 GPA seems good enough for MD, so I didn't really imagine that would be the average for DO... That's all, just a bad estimate, I think no one was harmed...

 

[RogueUnicorn]

A.k.a talking out of your ass.

pot & kettle, mr. junior by credits

No... I based it on what I recalled reading on SDN, based on "What are my chances?" threads, and things like that. For some reason, in my mind those are the numbers I associated with DO. A 3.5 GPA seems good enough for MD, so I didn't really imagine that would be the average for DO... That's all, just a bad estimate, I think no one was harmed...

no one cares what's on your mind son.

 

[Onres]

no one cares what's on your mind son.

I do. Son.

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

pot & kettle, mr. junior by credits
.

Good day to you too mr. facepalm lion.

 

[gettheleadout]

Really you couldn't find the answer to this somewhere?

Seriously...this is just going to turn into an MD vs DO debate when some idiot comes in here...

Also I wouldn't talk to bleargh like that lol...(Referring to ilton)

 

[RogueUnicorn]

I do. Son.

dang you really showed me, huh

Good day to you too mr. facepalm lion.

carry on then

 

[slowbutsteady]

Nothing beats a good DO v. MD battle.

 

[Droopy Snoopy]

dang you really showed me, huh

Unfortunately there is a stigma attached to DOs in the minds of more folks than just some pre-meds. The last generation of docs came thought of DO grads the same way we think about non-LCME Caribbean grads. Some training programs, departments, even whole specialties are quite MD-centric; ENT and rad-onc for example.

 

[WingedOx]

Unfortunately there is a stigma attached to DOs in the minds of more folks than just some pre-meds. The last generation of docs came thought of DO grads the same way we think about non-LCME Caribbean grads. Some training programs, departments, even whole specialties are quite MD-centric; ENT and rad-onc for example.

ironically enough, the only ENT I personally know graduated from Des Moines COM.

 

[mishaS]

Does anyone have extra curricular info on DO matriculates? There are MD schools which don't weigh numbers heavily, I've heard this same thing about DO schools as well.

 

[DbDan]

I think some DO schools are as low as 22-25 (avgs), with GPAs around 3.0.

I did say search for more accurate ones, it's quite easy, but since I don't care about DO schools I gave an estimate of what I thought...

Responses like this are what lead people on here to believe that DOs are inferior and DO should be a backup. If you don't know, don't throw out some low ass numbers to try and prove some point that MD>>>>>DO. FFS... Fact of the matter is that DO schools get more competitive by the year and I wouldn't be surprised if they are on par statistically with your average MD in the fairly near future.

That said, to the OP. MD = "more prestige" and more well known. DO has OMM. Thats the main difference these days. You can easily search this on any part of this site or google.

 

[DbDan]

Does anyone have extra curricular info on DO matriculates? There are MD schools which don't weigh numbers heavily, I've heard this same thing about DO schools as well.

How do you quantify extra cirriculars? Its not really possible. I can say though that outside of Western, ever DO school that I have been to for interview or tour has stressed its not all about numbers. DOs also seem to take more career change applicants or applicants who are non-traditional. Then again many MDs do and say the same thing

 

[wolverinepwns]

You could probably just search this and get more accurate numbers than I can give you but I think the average for MD schools is around 3.6/31, and DO is much lower. I think some DO schools are as low as 22-25 (avgs), with GPAs around 3.0.

Technically you can do the same things as a DO than as MD, but realistically it's harder for DOs to land the residencies/jobs they want.

LOL! You should be an advisor!

 

[Silverman780]

Nothing beats a good DO v. MD battle.

 

[willen101383]

Fundamental difference: You are forced to learn OMM for a total of 1 to 2 hours a week...and it can be a PITA. Other than that the curriculum is the same.

 

[aspiringOSTEO]

1

 

[Barcu]

Out of your a** again I suppose? Some people 😕

I don't want to start a war here, but I think that might have been the one thing he said that is actually legitimate.

I understand that MD and DO have the same curriculum. I understand that a DO student can get into any residency.

Still, let's not kid ourselves that MD=DO in terms of recognition and residency placement.

I'm a defender of DOs, but I think potential applicants should also hear this potential drawback for going the DO route.

 

[BJJ]

Yeah I've been to a handful of osteopathic medical school visits and the GPA's are creeping very close to MD schools. Avg. osteo is like a 3.5 while allopathic is 3.6ish. The key difference is the MCAT. It is hard to get into an allopathic school with a score less than 30 while if youre around 25-26 you should be able to get into an osteopathic school.

 

[gettheleadout]

Out of your a** again I suppose? Some people 😕

Seriously...while it may be harder for DO's to match into certain specialties, the assertion that it's harder for them to get the jobs they want is completely unfounded and intended as a smear.

 

[Barcu]

Seriously...while it may be harder for DO's to match into certain specialties, the assertion that it's harder for them to get the jobs they want is completely unfounded and intended as a smear.

Oh, I actually agree with this interpretation of aspiringosteo's post.

Smearing is not good.

 

[eablackwell]

I firmly believe the big acceptance difference is not in straight GPA, but in the grade substitution allowed for D.O. Those GPAs would be a lot lower for many students if the first attempts were counted. I know my AACOMAS GPA was around a 3.9 and my AMCAS GPA was a 3.31 (I had a crap freshman year).

I don't like DO vs MD threads. Just remember to be civil everybody. 👍

 

[willen101383]

I firmly believe the big acceptance difference is not in straight GPA, but in the grade substitution allowed for D.O. Those GPAs would be a lot lower for many students if the first attempts were counted. I know my AACOMAS GPA was around a 3.9 and my AMCAS GPA was a 3.31 (I had a crap freshman year).

I don't like DO vs MD threads. Just remember to be civil everybody. 👍

While I do agree with you to some degre...I dont think too many DO students (at least at my school) have all these retakes factoring into their GPA. I for one has zero retakes of any classes and I dont know of anyone in my group of friends who retook classes for the purposes of boosting their GPA Just sayin.

 

[startswithb]

I firmly believe the big acceptance difference is not in straight GPA, but in the grade substitution allowed for D.O. Those GPAs would be a lot lower for many students if the first attempts were counted. I know my AACOMAS GPA was around a 3.9 and my AMCAS GPA was a 3.31 (I had a crap freshman year).

I don't like DO vs MD threads. Just remember to be civil everybody. 👍

Qft. If MD schools had the same policy, everyone would have 4.0s. The sgpa doesn't even include math! Bye bye freshman Cs!

 

[Narmerguy]

Yeah I've been to a handful of osteopathic medical school visits and the GPA's are creeping very close to MD schools. Avg. osteo is like a 3.5 while allopathic is 3.6ish. The key difference is the MCAT. It is hard to get into an allopathic school with a score less than 30 while if youre around 25-26 you should be able to get into an osteopathic school.

The GPA difference also has a lot to do with how the GPAs are calculated for the different schools. Personally I'm glad retakes are graded the way they are for MDs or else I'd have to retake every lousy class to "keep up" with everyone else.

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

Qft. If MD schools had the same policy, everyone would have 4.0s. The sgpa doesn't even include math! Bye bye freshman Cs!

No. Not many Pre-DO's retake courses. I doubt many people would use the policy for MD schools either.

 

[WingedOx]

Qft. If MD schools had the same policy, everyone would have 4.0s. The sgpa doesn't even include math! Bye bye freshman Cs!

those of us who got into med school without any freshman Cs should probably be telling you to knock off ripping on other medical professionals.

 

[mishaS]

I firmly believe the big acceptance difference is not in straight GPA, but in the grade substitution allowed for D.O. Those GPAs would be a lot lower for many students if the first attempts were counted. I know my AACOMAS GPA was around a 3.9 and my AMCAS GPA was a 3.31 (I had a crap freshman year).

I've heard most schools are ok with "poor" grades in basic classes so long as you show improvement in more advanced classes, and are not the least bit impressed with retaking classes because it isn't hard to get an A on material you've already learned once. Getting an A in general chem after getting a C only means you needed to cover the difference between an A and a C in a whole semester, but getting an A in analytical chem shows that you got your crap together and aced a more difficult class making it very reasonable to believe you could have aced gen chem.

 

[eablackwell]

No. Not many Pre-DO's retake courses. I doubt many people would use the policy for MD schools either.

Sorry, I was going off of my n=4 info. Wasn't trying to be mean or anything. I only know 4 people who applied DO (personally, not SDN buds, and this is including myself), out of all 4 of us we had significant GPA differences due to retakes. I didn't finish my DO apps but the others did and 2 of the 3 thankfully have acceptances. 🙂 I have nothing against the DO route, just have personal experiences that swayed my judgement in the matter above.

I'm also pretty sure I wouldn't want to talk about how I had to retake courses once I got to med school. Clean slate = 👍

 

[gettheleadout]

The GPA difference also has a lot to do with how the GPAs are calculated for the different schools. Personally I'm glad retakes are graded the way they are for MDs or else I'd have to retake every lousy class to "keep up" with everyone else.

👍 While it may not be common for Pre-DO applicants to retake classes just to boost their GPA (either way that's not the point here) you can bet Pre-MD applicants would. Everybody would have a 3.8+ and GPA would be less meaningful.

 

[SarahBellum1]

Question. Say you really wanted MD, but you had borderline grades so you applied to DO schools in addition to MD, just in case. You get an interview at an MD. Would the interviewer ask you why you want to be MD, rather than DO? If so, how would you answer?

 

[doit4themunki]

Question. Say you really wanted MD, but you had borderline grades so you applied to DO schools in addition to MD, just in case. You get an interview at an MD. Would the interviewer ask you why you want to be MD, rather than DO? If so, how would you answer?

I got asked this question and said the generic/safe/respectful thing to say which is that I just want to be a doctor, the letters after my name don't matter...that its more of if the school fits, etc etc

 

[panasonic52]

Question. Say you really wanted MD, but you had borderline grades so you applied to DO schools in addition to MD, just in case. You get an interview at an MD. Would the interviewer ask you why you want to be MD, rather than DO? If so, how would you answer?

I've been asked once where I applied to, but in general I don't think people really get asked "why MD rather than DO"

 

[Unclipped]

I applied to both, but I was never asked why MD over DO at an MD school. There is no way for them to know where you applied.

However, I was asked at a DO school if I applied MD.

Question. Say you really wanted MD, but you had borderline grades so you applied to DO schools in addition to MD, just in case. You get an interview at an MD. Would the interviewer ask you why you want to be MD, rather than DO? If so, how would you answer?

 

[SarahBellum1]

Hmm...I don't know if I would feel comfortable answering with saying that it didn't matter which one I was...well...for one because it truthfully would matter to me, and also I feel like that would allow the interviewer to think "well, if she doesn't care, then the DO schools can have her!"...but that's probably dumb... And I don't know how I would answer, because I guess I don't have a "real" reason to choose MD over DO. It just "feels" better, I guess.

 

[FlowRate]

FFS... Fact of the matter is that DO schools get more competitive by the year and I wouldn't be surprised if they are on par statistically with your average MD in the fairly near future.

Actually, that is not the fact of the matter, and more than likely, DO schools will NEVER have the same acceptance statistics--on average--as MD schools.

Out of your a** again I suppose? Some people 😕

Nope, it was a legit point.

I don't want to start a war here, but I think that might have been the one thing he said that is actually legitimate.

Still, let's not kid ourselves that MD=DO in terms of recognition and residency placement.

👍👍

Seriously...while it may be harder for DO's to match into certain specialties, the assertion that it's harder for them to get the jobs they want is completely unfounded and intended as a smear.

Specialty you want = job you want.

 

[Stronghopeful]

Wait Math doesn't count for DO? Lol Math is actually helping my sGPA

 

[Onres]

Actually, that is not the fact of the matter, and more than likely, DO schools will NEVER have the same acceptance statistics--on average--as MD schools.



Nope, it was a legit point.


👍👍


Specialty you want = job you want.[/QUOTE]

That was my line of thinking. I don't think My info was that wrong, my numbers for the DOs were low, big deal. I also never said I thought DO schools were inferior.