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- Mar 22, 2022
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Should DOs Become MDOs?
I recently submitted an appeal advocating for the transition of the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) title to Medical Doctor of Osteopathy (MDO) to the following organizations:
American Osteopathic Association (AOA)
Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA)
Texas Osteopathic Medical Association (TOMA)
Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE)
Student Osteopathic Medical Association (SOMA)
American Medical Association (AMA)
My proposal argues that the current DO/MD distinction creates unnecessary confusion, professional discrimination, and international recognition challenges. Despite identical medical training, DOs often face barriers in residency placement, academic positions, leadership roles, and global licensure simply due to the title.
The Core of My Argument:
🔹 The term "Medical Doctor" explicitly states that DOs are fully licensed physicians, removing public and international ambiguity.
🔹 The DO title is misunderstood in many countries, leading to restricted practice rights.
🔹 The DO/MD distinction reinforces a hierarchy that disadvantages DOs professionally.
🔹 Transitioning to MDO preserves osteopathy’s identity while eliminating an outdated division in medicine.
🔹 Public perception would improve—patients often question whether DOs are "real doctors."
My Questions to You:
1️⃣ How do you think these organizations will respond to my appeal?
2️⃣ Do you support or oppose the transition from DO to MDO? Why or why not?
3️⃣ Would this change benefit DOs, or could it create unintended consequences?
What about having both designation MD,DO?
I recently submitted an appeal advocating for the transition of the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) title to Medical Doctor of Osteopathy (MDO) to the following organizations:
American Osteopathic Association (AOA)
Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA)
Texas Osteopathic Medical Association (TOMA)
Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE)
Student Osteopathic Medical Association (SOMA)
American Medical Association (AMA)
My proposal argues that the current DO/MD distinction creates unnecessary confusion, professional discrimination, and international recognition challenges. Despite identical medical training, DOs often face barriers in residency placement, academic positions, leadership roles, and global licensure simply due to the title.
The Core of My Argument:
🔹 The term "Medical Doctor" explicitly states that DOs are fully licensed physicians, removing public and international ambiguity.
🔹 The DO title is misunderstood in many countries, leading to restricted practice rights.
🔹 The DO/MD distinction reinforces a hierarchy that disadvantages DOs professionally.
🔹 Transitioning to MDO preserves osteopathy’s identity while eliminating an outdated division in medicine.
🔹 Public perception would improve—patients often question whether DOs are "real doctors."
My Questions to You:
1️⃣ How do you think these organizations will respond to my appeal?
2️⃣ Do you support or oppose the transition from DO to MDO? Why or why not?
3️⃣ Would this change benefit DOs, or could it create unintended consequences?
What about having both designation MD,DO?
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