**Official** CONFUSED ABOUT THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN MD AND DO thread

[binko]

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From my perspective DOs are like Macintosh computers. Which are arguably just as good as PC's (MD), some would say better, some worse. Like DOs, there are fewer Macs than PCs, but I think we tend to be more user friendly. Finally Macs tend to be more expensive....kinda like DO schools.

I'm reading this on a MacBook Pro. It's the most valuable thing I own as well as my favorite. I like this analogy.

 

[badapplestix]

Thanks for the input all 🙂

 

[Sugarrush]

From my perspective DOs are like Macintosh computers. Which are arguably just as good as PC's (MD), some would say better, some worse. Like DOs, there are fewer Macs than PCs, but I think we tend to be more user friendly. Finally Macs tend to be more expensive....kinda like DO schools.

Actually, this is a pretty good analogy. At this point, they basically do the same thing, it just costs a ton more to get a Mac/D.O. , They aren't as widely recognized, and there are many many more programs for PC's/MD's.


I'm torn, I want to be a D.O., but I hate Mac's...

I don't know what to do...

😉


(Nice analogy man, even coming from a pro-PC perspective, I think it fits and works well)

 

[Semicolon]

Actually, this is a pretty good analogy. At this point, they basically do the same thing, it just costs a ton more to get a Mac/D.O. , They aren't as widely recognized, and there are many many more programs for PC's/MD's.


I'm torn, I want to be a D.O., but I hate Mac's...

I don't know what to do...

😉


(Nice analogy man, even coming from a pro-PC perspective, I think it fits and works well)

Haha, same here. It's okay to be a little biased, right? 😀

 

[Bleurberry]

From my perspective DOs are like Macintosh computers. Which are arguably just as good as PC's (MD), some would say better, some worse. Like DOs, there are fewer Macs than PCs, but I think we tend to be more user friendly. Finally Macs tend to be more expensive....kinda like DO schools.

This is genius!

 

[hydraphoenix15]

I know that M.D and D.O are practically identical except for the fact that D.Os have osteopathic training and that not as much people are aware of D.O. But I was wondering if there was any other disadvantages? I was trying to find a thread for my (this) question and I read a few comments that were like 'it's harder to get residency' or what not, is that true?

 

[beckhunter116]

I'll bite, although most will think you are a troll.

There are like 100 threads dedicated to the differences between DO/MD, including ones that directly address this and any other concerns. Right now there is a thread in the osteo-forum for anyone with regrets about going DO. Most are very happy.

Not to sound rude, but read some of the threads here and in the osteo forum and you'll get your answers.

 

[Mohammed1989]

I'll bite, although most will think you are a troll.

There are like 100 threads dedicated to the differences between DO/MD, including ones that directly address this and any other concerns. Right now there is a thread in the osteo-forum for anyone with regrets about going DO. Most are very happy.

Not to sound rude, but read some of the threads here and in the osteo forum and you'll get your answers.

Agreed about the threads. You can find it all just browse around.
Good luck

 

[JaggerPlate]

I know that M.D and D.O are practically identical except for the fact that D.Os have osteopathic training and that not as much people are aware of D.O. But I was wondering if there was any other disadvantages? I was trying to find a thread for my (this) question and I read a few comments that were like 'it's harder to get residency' or what not, is that true?

Long story short ... no.

 

[slick27]

Other than not ever really have a name brand practice, than no.

 

[JaggerPlate]

Other than no ever really have a name brand practice, than no.

Ummm ... what???

 

[slick27]

Ummm ... what???

I was just saying you can't really put up on the front sign of your practice....Jon Doe, DO. The public would have no idea what you are, at least in my state.

 

[beckhunter116]

So you just use a few more words. John Doe, DO Family Practice they'll get it then.

 

[slick27]

So you just use a few more words. John Doe, DO Family Practice they'll get it then.

I bet they still won't get it.

 

[Chocolate Bear]

You sound confused about the differences between MD and DO. Luckily we have a thread dedicated to just this issue. Moving.

 

[beckhunter116]

I bet they still won't get it.

Well one of the docs I shadowed had his sign set up like this and there were no problems.

Or many practices I drive by daily have a sign that says The Doctor's Office and then list the 4 Docs they have both MD's and DO's.

 

[Semicolon]

I was just saying you can't really put up on the front sign of your practice....Jon Doe, DO. The public would have no idea what you are, at least in my state.

It depends on the region. There are plenty of states where you could put that sign up and it'd do just fine (such as in the northeast and midwest). Perhaps not in Wisconsin. 😉

 

[deleted212936]

Serious question. Please tell me all about it!!!

 

[Limvostov]

I think you should shadow some DO's... that would answer this best. I have done enough to know that I saw no difference other than personality and that will vary from person to person no mater what group you work with to some extent.

I saw no negatives to being a DO and the MD's and DO's worked as a team at all times in both the out patient facility and the hospital. I imagine most physicians are more concerned with the task at hand then what letters are after your name. If you haven't already, I would look around and find some DO's to shadow and maybe go to a pre-medical society presentation by a DO at a local College or University. I never attended any of them, but I would imagine some questions could be answered at one of those events as well.

Maybe some residents or attendings on here will have a minute to chime in. A search on the forum should pull up many conversations covering this as well.

 

[blits24]

I'm currently in the 7-year B.S./D.O. program over at NYIT, that's associated with NYCOM medical school and I just have a question that I'd appreciate some non-biased answers to if possible my question is:

1. If M.D.'s aren't "better" than D.O.'s then why is it that the requirements (GPA/MCAT score) to get into D.O. medical school are so much lower then the requirements to get into all M.D. medical schools?

I'm only asking because I've gotten a lot of opinions from a lot of people, M.D.'s included, and the general consensus is that M.D.'s are in a sense "better" then D.O.'s and I don't want to continue down the D.O. path and go through all of that schooling to end up getting looked down upon by others (M.D.'s). I know the differences between the two but I'm just curious as to why there is such a requirement difference.

Thanks

 

[slim78]

I'm currently in the 7-year B.S./D.O. program over at NYIT, that's associated with NYCOM medical school and I just have a question that I'd appreciate some non-biased answers to if possible my question is:

1. If M.D.'s aren't "better" than D.O.'s then why is it that the requirements (GPA/MCAT score) to get into D.O. medical school are so much lower then the requirements to get into all M.D. medical schools?

I'm only asking because I've gotten a lot of opinions from a lot of people, M.D.'s included, and the general consensus is that M.D.'s are in a sense "better" then D.O.'s and I don't want to continue down the D.O. path and go through all of that schooling to end up getting looked down upon by others (M.D.'s). I know the differences between the two but I'm just curious as to why there is such a requirement difference.

Thanks

The requirements are not different. It is also inaccurate to state that the requirements for DO schools are lower than ALL MD schools. You are talking about averages here (not requirements) and there are many of us who go to DO schools that had "MD competitive" stats. There is a lot more that goes in to choosing a school and being chosen by a school than simply MCAT and GPA.

Having said that. It sounds like you are really worried about what other people might think of you should you decide to go DO. Maybe you'd better just apply to only MD schools and skip the whole DO thing altogether. The DO path isn't for everyone.

 

[Chocolate Bear]

We have a whole thread for these questions. I'll move this over there for you. 🙂

 

[medhoney]

I've been reading a lot of threads and some posts about the differences between MD and DO. I don't want to start a war so hopefully that won't happen, but besides the differences in admission requirements, what really is there? And from what I have read from people, many say that MD's have a lot more advantages (such as better residency options?), but I just wanted to try switching the plate a bit: what's an advantage of choosing DO? Thanks in advance!

 

[UTsksk]

umm...take everything I say with a grain of salt.

DO's tend to do more primary care (if that's your thing, but there are plenty of DO's that specialize), from my experience more patient contact, different philosophy (im sure you'll find that on here...it's based on how they treat patients...entire body vs certain area i believe), OMM practice, same compensation, same education.

the main difference that I see between the two are the two letters after the doctor's name. I'm still in college so I don't have all the answers, but I hope this helps. Keep searching through the forums and you'll figure out the answer to your question.

 

[ILikeFood]

I've been reading a lot of threads and some posts about the differences between MD and DO. I don't want to start a war so hopefully that won't happen, but besides the differences in admission requirements, what really is there?

OMM. That's it as for as classes. I personally enjoy it. Not only do I get a free massage once a week, it's a great way to learn how to palpate different people/and their landmarks.

And from what I have read from people, many say that MD's have a lot more advantages (such as better residency options?), but I just wanted to try switching the plate a bit: what's an advantage of choosing DO? Thanks in advance!

You get a choice between the MD or DO match. If you go through the MD match, like many DO's do, you probably won't match at a handful of anti-DO sites, but there are a gazillion more to choose from.

 

[medhoney]

You get a choice between the MD or DO match. If you go through the MD match, like many DO's do, you probably won't match at a handful of anti-DO sites, but there are a gazillion more to choose from.

Sorry, I'm new here at SDN and I'm still trying to figure out all the acronyms and words and what not so I'm not yet familiar with all the other verbage. I'm not really sure what you're talking about.

 

[Phosphorus Ylide]

Sorry, I'm new here at SDN and I'm still trying to figure out all the acronyms and words and what not so I'm not yet familiar with all the other verbage. I'm not really sure what you're talking about.

What words or acronyms? I was new to this forum myself around 3 months ago and had the same trouble as you.

 

[medhoney]

What words or acronyms? I was new to this forum myself around 3 months ago and had the same trouble as you.

well i just figured out what OP (original poster, right?) means. but there's OMM. i have no clue what that stands for. OOS i guess stands for out of state. and whatever that other poster was talking about that i quoted 2 posts above this one. there's other things too but I just can't remember them right now

 

[Phosphorus Ylide]

well i just figured out what OP (original poster, right?) means. but there's OMM. i have no clue what that stands for. OOS i guess stands for out of state. and whatever that other poster was talking about that i quoted 2 posts above this one. there's other things too but I just can't remember them right now

http://www.dmu.edu/blog/index.php/2009/06/what-is-omm/
That's OMM.

As far as your question in the post 4, were you asking about match?

 

[spicedmanna]

well i just figured out what OP (original poster, right?) means. but there's OMM. i have no clue what that stands for. OOS i guess stands for out of state. and whatever that other poster was talking about that i quoted 2 posts above this one. there's other things too but I just can't remember them right now

OMM stands for "Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine."

Here's one take on what OMM is:

http://www.vcom.vt.edu/omm/

 

[Ibn Rushd]

So MDs don't "treat the whole person?" Those bastards! DO all the way.

 

[rddoms]

So MDs don't "treat the whole person?" Those bastards! DO all the way.

That's funny!

 

[ShyRem]

There is more and more overlap between the two, but having worked with MD students even they agree our anatomy tends to be much better, and our palpatory skills are much better. With so much experience of palpating in OMT (osteopathic manipulative therapy) (same thing as OMM, just different words), DOs don't have to work so much to feel stuff.

As for "treating the whole patient" there are MD schools that are also coming around to that mode of thinking. And even Harvard sponsors a month long OMT course for MDs that is fully booked months in advance. The differences in approach to the patient are becoming smaller as time goes by.

 

[medhoney]

As far as your question in the post 4, were you asking about match?

Yes, I'm asking about the match too.

There is more and more overlap between the two, but having worked with MD students even they agree our anatomy tends to be much better, and our palpatory skills are much better. With so much experience of palpating in OMT (osteopathic manipulative therapy) (same thing as OMM, just different words), DOs don't have to work so much to feel stuff.

As for "treating the whole patient" there are MD schools that are also coming around to that mode of thinking. And even Harvard sponsors a month long OMT course for MDs that is fully booked months in advance. The differences in approach to the patient are becoming smaller as time goes by.

WOW.. I didn't know that. I mean, that's the very thing that attracted me to DO. I came from a school who's vision was "To make man whole" so I thought DO would be pretty close to what I learned and ended up liking. Just that sometimes when I tell people about what my plans are, they go, "huh?" because not much from the general public I guess knows about DO still. Makes you apprehensive sometimes. But, I've made up my mind. =) Thanks guys!