MD vs. DO

[anatomicalagb]

---

Members don't see this ad.

I am in the process of applying for 2018 and am choosing between DO and MD. I would like to enter a surgical specialty, preferably orthopedics, and would like to know if there is an advantage between DO and MD for that? Also is there a difference in residency match rates between the two?

 

[fldoctorgirl]

This can be answered with a simple google search. Ortho is considered one of the competitive specialties, but many DO schools have had several orthopedics matches. What matters more than the school you go to, or even DO vs. MD, is your board scores, and how you perform on your rotations.

In my opinion, you should not be making a decision on DO vs. MD based on what specialty you think you want to pursue. This can all change once you're actually in med school. Look into the philosophies, look at how your GPA/MCAT compares for matriculants to both degrees, and make a decision that way.

 

[Blessthefall]

I am in the process of applying for 2018 and am choosing between DO and MD. I would like to enter a surgical specialty, preferably orthopedics, and would like to know if there is an advantage between DO and MD for that? Also is there a difference in residency match rates between the two?

In before thread derailment, intense back and forth about the two and impending thread lock.

 

[fldoctorgirl]

In before thread derailment, intense back and forth about the two and impending thread lock.

I was thinking the same thing

 

[Lawpy]

I am in the process of applying for 2018 and am choosing between DO and MD. I would like to enter a surgical specialty, preferably orthopedics, and would like to know if there is an advantage between DO and MD for that? Also is there a difference in residency match rates between the two?

When given a choice between US MD and US DO, always choose US MD regardless of the specialty you intend to pursue. Briefly, you take fewer tests in US MD schools (you don't take COMLEX, DO shelves, OMM etc.) and you have much better clinical education opportunities because the standards are stricter and MD schools simply have more resources.

Also, there are no differences in "philosophy" between MD and DO. They both practice evidence-based medicine. The differences pertain to the structure of the education pathways and the resources/opportunities available.

 

[gyngyn]

Just to set the tone: MD vs. DO Threads

 

[rabbott1971]

Seems like this issue matters somewhat less now because of the impending merger of residency programs.