There is a common misconception that DO schools are not as difficult to get into, the curriculum is easier, and you cannot match into residencies; I am here to tell you none of that is true.
Types of physicians:
There are three types of physicians in the United States, generally. Medical Doctors (MD), Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) and Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM). Both MDs and DOs can specialize in anything that interests them, so for all intents and purposes, we are going to focus on DO and MD. DPMs focus solely on medicine pertaining and around the foot.
Schooling:
The length of school is the exact same for an MD as it is for a DO, 4 years. However, there are a few nuances. They do not go to the same schools. To become an MD you attend an allopathic medical school while to become a DO you attend an osteopathic medical school. Both are 4 year degrees and are extremely difficult. It is also important to note that residency positions are for both MD and DO, so that aspect of training is exactly the same. The difference comes in their curriculum throughout medical school. Osteopathic schools have a heavier focus on the holistic image of treatment and diagnosis while allopathic tends to take a more biomedical approach.
Additionally, there are certain processes that only DO schools teach, MD schools do not. For example, at osteopathic schools they teach you to treat with your hands. This includes osteopathic manipulative treatment, a hands-on way to diagnose and treat.
Specialties:
There is a misconception that if you are a DO you cannot pursue residencies such as surgery, dermatology, or other very competitive specialties. This is not true. Though, it can be tough, there is no limit regarding MD or DO on what residencies you can match into or apply for. The application process is the same regardless of what type of medical school you went to.
Applications/examinations:
As you apply to medical school you will go through an application portal. However, that portal is different for DO and MD schools. MD schools use AMCAS, whereas DO schools use AAMCOMAS. The application process is very rigorous for any type of medical school you choose. Both schools require students to take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). When applying to both schools you need letters of recommendation, a strong GPA, and volunteer/clinical experience. Depending on the school and their mission statement, they value certain aspects, for example, volunteering.
During your time in medical school, you must pass board exams. These exams typically are taken in between your second and third year as well as during your fourth year. MD and DO schools have different exams, as their curriculum is different, but the rigor is very similar. MD students take the United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE) while DO students take the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical. Licensing Examination (COMLEX).
Common misconceptions:
Though MD and DO schools have different curriculums, application services, and board examinations, they are equally as difficult and time-consuming. Additionally, after medical school, regardless of the type of school you went to, you will be applying for the same residency positions. 10 years down the road, both MD students and DO students will be practicing medicine in their desired specialty. There is a stigma that exists around being a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine that should not exist.
