A common question that a lot of people ask themselves is "What is the difference between an MD (doctor of medicine) and DO (doctor of osteopathic medicine)?". I'm here to answer most of your questions about the differences and similarities between these programs. One thing you should keep in mind that both of these programs are very rigorous will give you the license to work as a doctor in the US. However, there are some differences between the two that might make you choose one over the other.
The main difference between an MD and DO is their ideology. MD's take a "traditional medicine" approach known as allopathic medicine while DO's take a "mind-body-spirit" approach known as osteopathic medicine. The allopathic approach is much more focused on using medication, surgery, and research-based experimentation as they want to treat the medical conditions and symptoms directly. The osteopathic approach, on the other hand, is focused more on preventive care and a whole person approach, taking all factors into consideration. Keep in mind, that there is a lot of overlapping between the 2 programs so both ideologies will be thoroughly explored and you can pick whatever you like out of the two. Just because you go to one program does not mean you can follow the other.
Another difference is the licensing tests for each program. MD's take the United States Medical Licensure Exam (USMLE) while DO's take the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX). After taking these exams, you will be matched to a residency peogram. A common misconception is that it is harder for DO's to get their desired residency. This was "true" for a while but by 2020, all DO programs will have the accreditation needed for every single residency program out there just like MDs (which was not the case before). Residency programs will not have a preference and will just look at the scores (unless your school is associated with the program). If you put in the work, you will match with the residency you want to no matter what program you're in.
The requirements for both programs are the same. A person applying must have a high GPA and a good MCAT score to be considered. A lot of people think that getting into a DO school is easier when they look at the average MCAT scores and GPA stats but that is simply not true. Getting into a DO program is just as hard when you account for the fact that there are less accredited programs and these programs have a lower acceptance rate. Keep in mind, it is a major accomplishment to get into either of these programs as they are highly selective. Over 50,000 people applied to medical school in 2019 and only around 20,000 were accepted. That number of applicants applying increases every year while the number of spots remains relatively the same.
The curriculums are mainly the same for both programs. You will go over the same information and have your clinical rotations during your 3rd and 4th year. However, the units your school divides the knowledge in is different from school to school. The same goes for grading systems. The only major difference is that DOs need to complete an additional 200 hours of studying on the musculoskeletal system.
At the end of the day, both of these programs are very rigorous and an honor to get in to. I would highly recommend applying to both types of programs and then doing your own research to see which program you like if you get into both. However, even if you get into one the one you're not too fond off, I highly encourage you to go no matter what! Getting into medical school is EXTREMELY tough so you should be proud of getting into any programs at all. In conclusion, IT DOES NOT MATTER what program you are in because, at the end of the day, if you're willing to put in the work necessary, you will be a doctor in your desired field. Being an MD or a DO does not define the type of doctor you will be, that is all up to you.
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