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M.D. vs D.O. Programs: What’s the Difference?

Two degrees in medicine that were for many decades virulently at odds with each other are now virtually synonymous (with one minor difference) in terms of curriculum and residency options. The MD is referred to as allopathic medicine, and is the traditional degree, whereas the DO stands for Doctor of Osteopathic medicine, which began as a more holistic alternative to the MD. DO schools have traditionally placed greater emphasis on primary care and thus you would expect to see far less specialization from DO graduates. Today, graduates from DO schools are less likely to describe themselves and their degrees as distinct from the MD, and the medical profession makes little distinction in part because most DO recipients take residencies in non-DO programs.

The major difference in the medical training that distinguishes DO programs today is the rotation in manual therapy (OMM), where DO students learn spinal manipulation techniques as part of their more holistic training. DO students have also typically been from more diverse backgrounds (for example, non-science majors) and identify with a more all-encompassing form of medical treatment that includes mental and social health. Now that MD schools are starting to branch out and accept more students from non-science backgrounds as well, it is becoming less important to decide on a type of degree based on your major.

The average GPA and MCAT scores of matriculating students to DO schools has historically been lower than those of MD schools, but that gap is narrowing and is nearly closed. There is still the prestige factor, though, that keeps many traditional MD programs in such high demand. This is also due to the power that those schools (such as the Ivy League medical schools) have in terms of connections with the top residency programs in the country. If your GPA is roughly 3.4 or below, and your MCAT is below 30, you probably have a better chance of admission in DO schools than in MD schools, as long as your activities and experiences are impressive, of course.

DO schools also require a different application process than MD schools: whereas MD schools are part of the AAMC and use their centralized application system, DO schools are part of the AACOM, with their own application system. If you choose to

apply to both types of schools, keep in mind you will be filling out two entire application sets!

Top Test Prep can assist you in making the cut and gaining acceptance to your dream medical school, whether it is an MD or DO program. For more information on how to perfect yourself in all aspects of the medical school application process, call Top Test Prep today at (800) 501-7737.