MDO Title Appeal

[GoldenStarDoctor]

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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🔹 Transitioning to MDO preserves osteopathy’s identity while eliminating an outdated division in medicine.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?

 

[Ho0v-man]

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?

Dumb idea.

1) no
2)no. This change does nothing. It’s even less likely that patients will know what an MDO is than a DO. It also looks like the pathetic midlevel nonsense name changing that is clearly just trying to trick patients into thinking their doctors. I’d argue that doing this would be like proclaiming we’re inferior to MD’s since this is what the midlevels are doing for that very reason.
3) it would hurt us. Read the chapter in the Gevitz book about how this has already been tried and went terribly.

 

[GoldenStarDoctor]

I get where you’re coming from, and I agree that a name change alone doesn’t solve the deeper issues of discrimination against DOs. But dismissing the frustration behind this idea as ‘dumb’ misses the bigger picture—many of us are tired of dealing with the bias and feeling like we have to prove ourselves more.

If a name change isn’t the solution, what do you think is? Gevitz outlines the historical failures, sure, but what strategies do you think would actually move the needle in how DOs are perceived? This issue isn’t going away, and ignoring it doesn’t help either.

 

[wysdoc]

I get where you’re coming from, and I agree that a name change alone doesn’t solve the deeper issues of discrimination against DOs. But dismissing the frustration behind this idea as ‘dumb’ misses the bigger picture—many of us are tired of dealing with the bias and feeling like we have to prove ourselves more than our MD counterparts.

If a name change isn’t the solution, what do you think is? Gevitz outlines the historical failures, sure, but what strategies do you think would actually move the needle in how DOs are perceived? This issue isn’t going away, and ignoring it doesn’t help either.

You will be a doctor with the same hospital privileges, duties and responsibilities as MDs.
Once you are past the board exams and have graduated from school you will not notice a difference.
You will prove yourself by your capability, confidence, and competence.

 

[MDMechEngr]

Your medical credential is granted to you by your institution, which is a COCA accredited institution. A good number of DO schools would not be able to obtain LCME accreditation because of training sites and resources, amoung other things. Obtain LCME accreditation then the school can grant MD title.

 

[DocWinter]

Someone really wants a shortcut to a gold star on their resume.

Go do research or volunteer the ol fashioned way.

 

[Ho0v-man]

I get where you’re coming from, and I agree that a name change alone doesn’t solve the deeper issues of discrimination against DOs. But dismissing the frustration behind this idea as ‘dumb’ misses the bigger picture—many of us are tired of dealing with the bias and feeling like we have to prove ourselves more.

If a name change isn’t the solution, what do you think is? Gevitz outlines the historical failures, sure, but what strategies do you think would actually move the needle in how DOs are perceived? This issue isn’t going away, and ignoring it doesn’t help either.

DO discrimination and it’s origins is probably the most discussed topic on this site.

The biggest issue is that our schools have so much heterogeneity in the quality of their clinical rotations. And this is a legitimate justification for the discrimination. Other things like lack of good letters of recommendation and research make the average DO application inferior to the average MD application.

When you apply to residency with a weaker app, from a school no one’s heard of, with letters of rec from random preceptors with no affiliation with graduate medical education, and a passing score on a board exam no one knows how to interpret, then you’re gonna do worse in the match than an MD student. And an audition rotation ain’t doing you any favors if you’ve never had to present a patient before. This is the situation (at least in part as now I think about 1/2 of DOs take step) for most DO’s entering the match. If you build an app like an MD, you won’t face much discrimination in the match.

The way to minimize DO discrimination is to make our schools more like MD schools. Research, affiliation with teaching hospitals, board exams that aren’t trash, etc. All of that is hard work and requires money. And it involves people in power currently making lots of money from low coca accreditation standards to make less money.

Changing the name of our degree would be a huge administrative task. If we changed our name, state and federal laws related to our licensing would have to be changed. This process could take years and millions of dollars. It would also literally accomplish nothing except making people who actually know what a DO is confused and doesn’t help people who don’t know what a DO is understand what you are since you’re still not an MD.

This idea only invites more discrimination as has been proven historically.

 

[DocWinter]

Medical students really tend to overestimate the importance of MD versus DO.

Half my colleagues don't even know I'm DO. The other half don't care.

Other than some on the house OMT to my nursing staff, it's nothing.

I agree, changing it from DO to another unknown set of initials is a backwards move.

 

[DOVinciRobot]

No.

The DO discrimination is warranted, you can thank the AOA for that. The continued opening of money grab DO schools only exacerbates the issue and is training an inferior product.

Harsh truth, we have students from a new DO school rotate at one of our private community sites and no less than half of the students I interact with from there have absolutely no business being doctors. The PA students from our medical center run absolute circles around them, let alone the MD students.

 

[DO2015CA]

Ahh it’s about time. And the cycle repeats itself

 

[DocWinter]

Yeah, COCA has gotten out of control and only in it for dollars.
When I applied there were 30 school/40 locations.

Today there's 42 and 67 by a quick search.

Increasing by more than 50% in just over 10 years. Bad business model with inferior product is inevitable.

 

[Goro]

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?

Waste of time.

Your salary as a DO in your specialty will be the same as that as your MD colleagues.

 

[Ho0v-man]

No.

The DO discrimination is warranted, you can thank the AOA for that. The continued opening of money grab DO schools only exacerbates the issue and is training an inferior product.

Harsh truth, we have students from a new DO school rotate at one of our private community sites and no less than half of the students I interact with from there have absolutely no business being doctors. The PA students from our medical center run absolute circles around them, let alone the MD students.

Sad but true.

The worst part is that the few decent training spots that a new school might have were taken from another existing school.

So pretty much every new school opening hurts all DO students.

 

[GoldenStarDoctor]

New Proposal: Thoughts?

I’m advocating for a Texas-based initiative that would allow:

1. DOs who pass USMLE Step 1, Step 2 CK, and (optionally) Step 3 to apply for recognition of the MD title in Texas, allowing them to use "DO, MD-TX" in official documentation.


2. MDs who complete additional osteopathic training (e.g., OMM fellowship, structured coursework, or a residency in OMM) to receive state recognition of a DO designation, allowing them to use "MD, DO-TX."



This wouldn’t change the underlying degrees but would serve as a state-recognized credential for licensing purposes.

Why This Matters

DOs face unnecessary barriers due to the public’s misunderstanding of the degree, despite training alongside MDs in residency.

USMLE proves competency: If a DO passes USMLE just like an MD, why shouldn’t they be recognized equivalently?

Reciprocity for MDs: If an MD gets additional osteopathic training (e.g., OMM residency), they should also be able to claim a DO title.

Addresses physician shortages: By making Texas more attractive to DOs and MDs alike, this could increase recruitment in rural and underserved areas.


How It Would Work

Texas would recognize DOs who pass USMLE Step 1 & 2 CK as eligible to use "DO, MD-TX."

MDs who complete a state-approved OMM program could apply for "MD, DO-TX."

This wouldn’t replace the original degrees but would be an additional state-based credential for licensing purposes.


Challenges & Solutions

1. Accreditation Issues (COCA & LCME)

This wouldn’t alter the degree—it’s just a Texas-recognized licensing designation, so COCA and LCME don’t have jurisdiction.



2. AOA & AMA Opposition

Framing this as competency-based recognition, not a merger of degrees.

Ensuring osteopathic identity remains intact by making it reciprocal (MDs can earn DO as well).



3. Licensure Confusion Across States

Pilot it in Texas first.

Ensure the Texas Medical Board lists the dual designation transparently in physician profiles.



4. Legislative Barriers

Find Texas lawmakers willing to sponsor a bill.

Gain support from TOMA, TMA, and physician advocacy groups.

 

[amoxicillin_resistant]

only if we get to be called medical medical doctors

 

[wysdoc]

New Proposal: Thoughts?

I’m advocating for a Texas-based initiative that would allow:

1. DOs who pass USMLE Step 1, Step 2 CK, and (optionally) Step 3 to apply for recognition of the MD title in Texas, allowing them to use "DO, MD-TX" in official documentation.


2. MDs who complete additional osteopathic training (e.g., OMM fellowship, structured coursework, or a residency in OMM) to receive state recognition of a DO designation, allowing them to use "MD, DO-TX."



This wouldn’t change the underlying degrees but would serve as a state-recognized credential for licensing purposes.

Why This Matters

DOs face unnecessary barriers due to the public’s misunderstanding of the degree, despite training alongside MDs in residency.

USMLE proves competency: If a DO passes USMLE just like an MD, why shouldn’t they be recognized equivalently?

Reciprocity for MDs: If an MD gets additional osteopathic training (e.g., OMM residency), they should also be able to claim a DO title.

Addresses physician shortages: By making Texas more attractive to DOs and MDs alike, this could increase recruitment in rural and underserved areas.


How It Would Work

Texas would recognize DOs who pass USMLE Step 1 & 2 CK as eligible to use "DO, MD-TX."

MDs who complete a state-approved OMM program could apply for "MD, DO-TX."

This wouldn’t replace the original degrees but would be an additional state-based credential for licensing purposes.


Challenges & Solutions

1. Accreditation Issues (COCA & LCME)

This wouldn’t alter the degree—it’s just a Texas-recognized licensing designation, so COCA and LCME don’t have jurisdiction.



2. AOA & AMA Opposition

Framing this as competency-based recognition, not a merger of degrees.

Ensuring osteopathic identity remains intact by making it reciprocal (MDs can earn DO as well).



3. Licensure Confusion Across States

Pilot it in Texas first.

Ensure the Texas Medical Board lists the dual designation transparently in physician profiles.



4. Legislative Barriers

Find Texas lawmakers willing to sponsor a bill.

Gain support from TOMA, TMA, and physician advocacy groups.

Texas advocacy for MDs via the Texas Medical Association has successfully lobbied against scope creep of procedures by ODs, PAs, and other non- MD or DO practitioners.

 

[Ho0v-man]

New Proposal: Thoughts?

I’m advocating for a Texas-based initiative that would allow:

1. DOs who pass USMLE Step 1, Step 2 CK, and (optionally) Step 3 to apply for recognition of the MD title in Texas, allowing them to use "DO, MD-TX" in official documentation.


2. MDs who complete additional osteopathic training (e.g., OMM fellowship, structured coursework, or a residency in OMM) to receive state recognition of a DO designation, allowing them to use "MD, DO-TX."



This wouldn’t change the underlying degrees but would serve as a state-recognized credential for licensing purposes.

Why This Matters

DOs face unnecessary barriers due to the public’s misunderstanding of the degree, despite training alongside MDs in residency.

USMLE proves competency: If a DO passes USMLE just like an MD, why shouldn’t they be recognized equivalently?

Reciprocity for MDs: If an MD gets additional osteopathic training (e.g., OMM residency), they should also be able to claim a DO title.

Addresses physician shortages: By making Texas more attractive to DOs and MDs alike, this could increase recruitment in rural and underserved areas.


How It Would Work

Texas would recognize DOs who pass USMLE Step 1 & 2 CK as eligible to use "DO, MD-TX."

MDs who complete a state-approved OMM program could apply for "MD, DO-TX."

This wouldn’t replace the original degrees but would be an additional state-based credential for licensing purposes.


Challenges & Solutions

1. Accreditation Issues (COCA & LCME)

This wouldn’t alter the degree—it’s just a Texas-recognized licensing designation, so COCA and LCME don’t have jurisdiction.



2. AOA & AMA Opposition

Framing this as competency-based recognition, not a merger of degrees.

Ensuring osteopathic identity remains intact by making it reciprocal (MDs can earn DO as well).



3. Licensure Confusion Across States

Pilot it in Texas first.

Ensure the Texas Medical Board lists the dual designation transparently in physician profiles.



4. Legislative Barriers

Find Texas lawmakers willing to sponsor a bill.

Gain support from TOMA, TMA, and physician advocacy groups.

If you really care so much, I’m pretty sure some Caribbean or South American school will just let you buy an MD degree once you’re done and you won’t have to do any extra schooling. Heard of it happening before.

Then you can put MD after your name. Everyone who finds out will definitely make fun of you.

 

[DO2015CA]

New Proposal: Thoughts?

I’m advocating for a Texas-based initiative that would allow:

1. DOs who pass USMLE Step 1, Step 2 CK, and (optionally) Step 3 to apply for recognition of the MD title in Texas, allowing them to use "DO, MD-TX" in official documentation.


2. MDs who complete additional osteopathic training (e.g., OMM fellowship, structured coursework, or a residency in OMM) to receive state recognition of a DO designation, allowing them to use "MD, DO-TX."



This wouldn’t change the underlying degrees but would serve as a state-recognized credential for licensing purposes.

Why This Matters

DOs face unnecessary barriers due to the public’s misunderstanding of the degree, despite training alongside MDs in residency.

USMLE proves competency: If a DO passes USMLE just like an MD, why shouldn’t they be recognized equivalently?

Reciprocity for MDs: If an MD gets additional osteopathic training (e.g., OMM residency), they should also be able to claim a DO title.

Addresses physician shortages: By making Texas more attractive to DOs and MDs alike, this could increase recruitment in rural and underserved areas.


How It Would Work

Texas would recognize DOs who pass USMLE Step 1 & 2 CK as eligible to use "DO, MD-TX."

MDs who complete a state-approved OMM program could apply for "MD, DO-TX."

This wouldn’t replace the original degrees but would be an additional state-based credential for licensing purposes.


Challenges & Solutions

1. Accreditation Issues (COCA & LCME)

This wouldn’t alter the degree—it’s just a Texas-recognized licensing designation, so COCA and LCME don’t have jurisdiction.



2. AOA & AMA Opposition

Framing this as competency-based recognition, not a merger of degrees.

Ensuring osteopathic identity remains intact by making it reciprocal (MDs can earn DO as well).



3. Licensure Confusion Across States

Pilot it in Texas first.

Ensure the Texas Medical Board lists the dual designation transparently in physician profiles.



4. Legislative Barriers

Find Texas lawmakers willing to sponsor a bill.

Gain support from TOMA, TMA, and physician advocacy groups.

No

 

[DOVinciRobot]

If a DO passes USMLE just like an MD, why shouldn’t they be recognized equivalently?

Because you didn’t earn an MD degree. You already have all the legal practice privileges of an MD, so why do you need this extra designation? Ie DOs already are recognized equivalently in the eyes of the law….

These proposals are contrite, redundant, and don’t change anything. If anything they convolute things further. Serious question, who do you think will be impressed by this DO, MD-TX on your badge?

You chose to go to a DO school. You had the option not to go. The downsides of the DO degree are very public and available to everyone to know and understand before matriculation.

 

[DO2015CA]

Because you didn’t earn an MD degree. You already have all the legal practice privileges of an MD, so why do you need this extra designation? Ie DOs already are recognized equivalently in the eyes of the law….

These proposals are contrite, redundant, and don’t change anything. If anything they convolute things further. Serious question, who do you think will be impressed by this DO, MD-TX on your badge?

You chose to go to a DO school. You had the option not to go. The downsides of the DO degree are very public and available to everyone to know and understand before matriculation.

Agree. People will just read the MD-TX as insecure DO living in Texas

 

[DocWinter]

Staaaph

 

[Kardio]

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?

When you are finished with school and in residency, fellowship, or general practice, you will identify more as an internist/surgeon/-ologist than a DO or an MD. I do not mean to be condescending, but you are much better off spending your time preparing to be an excellent doctor than wasting it thinking about this.

 

[DO2015CA]

When you are finished with school and in residency, fellowship, or general practice, you will identify more as an internist/surgeon/-ologist than a DO or an MD. I do not mean to be condescending, but you are much better off spending your time preparing to be an excellent doctor than wasting it thinking about this.

As it should be. Dentists don’t see themselves as DDS or DMD. They see themselves as general dentists and orthodontists etc. This is where med community is (and should be) trending towards. Now if we could stop the outrageous school openings without supported quality clinical rotations then it would get there faster

 

[GoldenStarDoctor]

I don’t understand why the U.S. education system insists on maintaining separate degree titles that only create unnecessary division and conflict. For now, I’ll set this aside and stay focused on my academics and research. In three years, I’ll revisit this and see if my perspective has changed.

 

[DO2015CA]

I don’t understand why the U.S. education system insists on maintaining separate degree titles that only create unnecessary division and conflict. For now, I’ll set this aside and stay focused on my academics and research. In three years, I’ll revisit this and see if my perspective has changed.

Well it was 2 systems that developed alongside each other is why. Really there is no division or conflict after the match other than within insecure DOs themselves. This is really just a DO med student problem. I agree revisit it after your intern year and realize that you were unlikely to match ENT even as an MD anyway so don’t let that color your glasses.

 

[DOswag]

Graduated DO school in 2014 from an established DO school. Outside of premed and what I've read for years on SDN (been lurking sdn since about 07-08) I've never received any concerns over my DO degree. Went to an allopathic psych residency that had several DO's per class. Interviewing for jobs I never once received a question about MD vs DO as all the jobs required was an MD or DO. Have a great job now working with MD's and DO's, I make good money, great work/life balance. Seems the biggest areas of the debate are waged on SDN. Now if you're a DO and you want to go neurosurgery at an ivy league program, you'll be fighting an uphill battle for sure. My class graduated with somewhere around 70-75ish students and we had several that went into other specialties such as anesthesia, ortho, ER, psych, PM&R, gen surgery etc. I do believe it helped that the school I went to had an associated med center with it where we could rotate and was well established across the state with various other hospitals and clinics which greatly assisted our training in the clinical years.

 

[Ho0v-man]

I don’t understand why the U.S. education system insists on maintaining separate degree titles that only create unnecessary division and conflict. For now, I’ll set this aside and stay focused on my academics and research. In three years, I’ll revisit this and see if my perspective has changed.

If your school offered an MD degree, then you likely wouldn’t have been competitive enough to be accepted. Instead of complaining about the division of the degrees, you should be thanking your lucky stars it exists.

Without the DO degree, you (nor I) would likely have never had a chance to become doctors.

 

[DO2015CA]

Graduated DO school in 2014 from an established DO school. Outside of premed and what I've read for years on SDN (been lurking sdn since about 07-08) I've never received any concerns over my DO degree. Went to an allopathic psych residency that had several DO's per class. Interviewing for jobs I never once received a question about MD vs DO as all the jobs required was an MD or DO. Have a great job now working with MD's and DO's, I make good money, great work/life balance. Seems the biggest areas of the debate are waged on SDN. Now if you're a DO and you want to go neurosurgery at an ivy league program, you'll be fighting an uphill battle for sure. My class graduated with somewhere around 70-75ish students and we had several that went into other specialties such as anesthesia, ortho, ER, psych, PM&R, gen surgery etc. I do believe it helped that the school I went to had an associated med center with it where we could rotate and was well established across the state with various other hospitals and clinics which greatly assisted our training in the clinical years.

Same. I did fellowship at a large academic institution and I am joining faculty at a well known coastal academic institution with zero people even mentioning being a DO. For residency interviews, they just wanted to make sure I spent clinical rotations with residents on inpatient wards. Granted I’m in a DO friendly specialty of course.

 

[DrFutureDO]

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?

They will ignore your letter.

 

[GoldenStarDoctor]

Instead of focusing on changing the title of the DO degree, now I believe that we should advocate for increasing residency spots specifically for DOs. If we can secure more residency positions, it would help ensure that DO students feel more confident and secure in their paths, making the title less of a concern.

Thoughts?

 

[DocWinter]

What would be really cool is if we had a separate DO match, which occurred two weeks before the ACGME match, exclusively for DO students allowing them access into osteopathic residencies.

 

[DrFutureDO]

What would be really cool is if we had a separate DO match, which occurred two weeks before the ACGME match, exclusively for DO students allowing them access into osteopathic residencies.

And then if they don’t match , they can still enter the MD match ?

 

[Nontrad_FL_LGBT]

What would be really cool is if we had a separate DO match, which occurred two weeks before the ACGME match, exclusively for DO students allowing them access into osteopathic residencies.

I appreciate you very much.

 

[DocWinter]

And then if they don’t match , they can still enter the MD match ?

Yeah. They'll be so nervous and sick from not matching round one, but yeah let them play a round with the big boys.

 

[Ho0v-man]

Instead of focusing on changing the title of the DO degree, now I believe that we should advocate for increasing residency spots specifically for DOs. If we can secure more residency positions, it would help ensure that DO students feel more confident and secure in their paths, making the title less of a concern.

Thoughts?

If the jokes don’t make sense to you, it’s because you may not realize this system existed until 2020.

 

[DO2015CA]

Instead of focusing on changing the title of the DO degree, now I believe that we should advocate for increasing residency spots specifically for DOs. If we can secure more residency positions, it would help ensure that DO students feel more confident and secure in their paths, making the title less of a concern.

Thoughts?

The biggest need is primary care specialty slots. Which they are expanding year but yall don’t want that

 

[DOVinciRobot]

Instead of focusing on changing the title of the DO degree, now I believe that we should advocate for increasing residency spots specifically for DOs. If we can secure more residency positions, it would help ensure that DO students feel more confident and secure in their paths, making the title less of a concern.

Thoughts?

Oh you are so concerned you can’t compete with MDs you want your own protected spots?

 

[DOswag]

Same. I did fellowship at a large academic institution and I am joining faculty at a well known coastal academic institution with zero people even mentioning being a DO. For residency interviews, they just wanted to make sure I spent clinical rotations with residents on inpatient wards. Granted I’m in a DO friendly specialty of course.

Also for others reading this and are concerned/worried about the DO/MD debate, I was a very average student. Smack in the middle of my class, average step 1, 2, 3 passed all the first time. Didn't really have much extra curricular activities as I'm married and already had 1 child when med school started, wifey had another in 4th year (then one in residency and another after residency lol). I knew I wasn't trying to go into a super competitive specialty but had no problems being a DO getting accepted into a large MD psych program though it's been pretty DO friendly for a while. Things may have changed in the past 10 years as I'm not involved with any academic facility or teaching residents so I don't know but it truly has not seemed to hinder my career in any way. As I said, I get paid the exact same as my MD colleagues, don't feel disrespected at all or judged for my degree.

 

[DO2015CA]

Also for others reading this and are concerned/worried about the DO/MD debate, I was a very average student. Smack in the middle of my class, average step 1, 2, 3 passed all the first time. Didn't really have much extra curricular activities as I'm married and already had 1 child when med school started, wifey had another in 4th year (then one in residency and another after residency lol). I knew I wasn't trying to go into a super competitive specialty but had no problems being a DO getting accepted into a large MD psych program though it's been pretty DO friendly for a while. Things may have changed in the past 10 years as I'm not involved with any academic facility or teaching residents so I don't know but it truly has not seemed to hinder my career in any way. As I said, I get paid the exact same as my MD colleagues, don't feel disrespected at all or judged for my degree.

Also, also… hehe. If someone is judging you based on your undergraduate medical degree and not your clinical acumen, leadership skills, or bedside manner then these are people that you should not value their opinion.

 

[DrWBD]

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 ….

Your mistake is thinking there is any scenario where organizations that survive solely due to the “distinction” they deliberately created and foster will ever voluntarily be changed by them.

We should all be MDs. The separate Osteopathic medical education system serves no useful purpose in modern times (and is actually now an hindrance). The separate system should be abolished. However, there is way too much financial conflict of interest for this to be done from within osteopathic medicine. It has to come from outside.

 

[DO2015CA]

Your mistake is thinking there is any scenario where organizations that survive solely due to the “distinction” they deliberately created and foster will ever voluntarily be changed by them.

We should all be MDs. The separate Osteopathic medical education system serves no useful purpose in modern times (and is actually now an hindrance). The separate system should be abolished. However, there is way too much financial conflict of interest for this to be done from within osteopathic medicine. It has to come from outside.

You aren’t wrong but also have to understand that the vast majority of DO schools will have to shut down to meet LCME requirements this would lead to most of the DO students not even being doctors. And those requirements don’t necessarily affect the quality of physicians it produces sometimes, specifically research stuff doesn’t affect a large number of physicians after training.

 

[DrWBD]

You aren’t wrong but also have to understand that the vast majority of DO schools will have to shut down to meet LCME requirements this would lead to most of the DO students not even being doctors. And those requirements don’t necessarily affect the quality of physicians it produces sometimes, specifically research stuff doesn’t affect a large number of physicians after training.

There are new US MD schools opening every year that have no issues meeting the LCME requirements, and most of these are not affiliates of high-ranking research-oriented universities. I believe most DO schools could meet the requirements in a transition, with effort.

 

[DO2015CA]

There are new US MD schools opening every year that have no issues meeting the LCME requirements, and most of these are not affiliates of high-ranking research-oriented universities. I believe most DO schools could meet the requirements in a transition, with effort.

I disagree. With significant effort, yes but it would be easier just to fold and let the ones that can meet the research requirements expand their classes.

 

[DrWBD]

I disagree. With significant effort, yes but it would be easier just to fold and let the ones that can meet the research requirements expand their classes.

It’s instructive to recall the Flexner report and the effect of raising standards in medical education- some of the osteopathic schools at the time of the report ended up being closed but the rest continued on by raising their standards. Arguably osteopathic medicine is better off today because of this.

Flexner Report - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org

 

[SurgeDO]

As others have said, nobody cares about this after you match.

I’m in a specialty at an academic power house that doesn’t have a lot of DOs in it. I had to fight hard in medical school to match into my residency program.

I hate the AOA, OMM, and all the AT Still dork bull ****, but I like to think my colleagues think highly of me considering they know all the bull **** I had to go through to get to where I’m at.

 

[DO2015CA]

It’s instructive to recall the Flexner report and the effect of raising standards in medical education- some of the osteopathic schools at the time of the report ended up being closed but the rest continued on by raising their standards. Arguably osteopathic medicine is better off today because of this.

Flexner Report - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org

Oh I’m with. I would certainly be ok with another flexnor report. Would get rid of most branch campuses and would require each rotation site to have residents at it (doesn’t have to be every specialty just every site). Idc as much about the non-clinical standards. If this can be accomplished then they can stay open

 

[DrWBD]

As others have said, nobody cares about this after you match.

I’m in a specialty at an academic power house that doesn’t have a lot of DOs in it. I had to fight hard in medical school to match into my residency program.

I hate the AOA, OMM, and all the AT Still dork bull ****, but I like to think my colleagues think highly of me considering they know all the bull **** I had to go through to get to where I’m at.

I’m a practicing osteopathic physician. I care about this, as I HAVE experienced first hand the effect of being a DO in MD-dominated institutions. So your first statement is incorrect. Please don’t minimize the issue with unintentional condescension.

 

[ToKingdomCome]

This literally has no appeal

 

[DO2015CA]

I’m a practicing osteopathic physician. I care about this, as I HAVE experienced first hand the effect of being a DO in MD-dominated institutions. So your first statement is incorrect. Please don’t minimize the issue with unintentional condescension.

What have you experienced, recently or decades ago, and what part of the country? Medicine is full of pretentious jerks so I could see individuals doing it but they would also do it to a low tier MD school if the DOs were to dissolve

 

[ryker1997]

As someone who plans to go to an osteopathic school, I never fully understand why people go DO if the title bothers them so much. Also - idk I would assume that adults who have been training for awhile would have different priorities, then caring about the title of their degree.