Matthew
In the US, what is the real difference between an MD and DO?
I'm a first year pre-med student, and with all of the college health advising, most focus on the path to becoming an MD and for some reason the path to becoming a DO is not often looked at. On a more superficial side, I understand that its easier to get into a DO program than an MD program and that on average MD's make more than DO's, but apart from that, my understanding ends. #medicine #science
3 answers
Kim Igleheart
Kim’s Answer
From personal experience as a patient, Doctors of Osteopathy are more likely to want to try non-drug approaches.
Osteo- "bone".
They know more about muscles, ligaments, etc., they can do manipulations like a chiropractor, etc. I don't know of any D.O.'s who have become specialists. They are usually family practitioners. I imagine they could go into sports medicine, but don't know for sure. I don't know if there is a path for them to become specialists. I personally trust and respect D.O's more than M.D's.
The state of healthcare is scary! I have a lot of neck and back problems. I have seen 3 different pain doctors, who have given me Rx pills, sent me to therapy, and given me injections. Not a single one has asked me about my bed. I recently started sleeping on a recliner, and my issues have substantially improved!
DOs can pursue specialities. I have a friend who's a DO that's starting a fellowship this summer in cardiology.
Sara Anderson
thank you!
Kim Igleheart
Drew Peake, MSME, M.Eng., MBA, PE, FNAFE, DEE, CIH, CSP
Drew’s Answer
I don't know the difference between an MD and a DO. From your description, I recommend applying for both programs and if selected for both take the MD. Everyone knows with an MD does.
Drew recommends the following next steps:
Cindy Cesar
Cindy’s Answer
https://medicalschoolhq.net/md-vs-do-what-are-the-differences-and-similarities/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_MD_and_DO_in_the_United_States