This is probably the most debated topic on every premed forum in existence. Should you go MD or DO. Is one better than the other. Will choosing DO limit your career options. Are they really the same thing.
Lets cut through the noise because theres a LOT of misinformation floating around out there especially on Reddit and Student Doctor Network where people get absolutely heated about this topic for no good reason.
The basic difference
MD stands for Doctor of Medicine. DO stands for Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. Both are fully licensed physicians who can practice in any specialty prescribe medications perform surgery the whole thing. The core difference is that DO programs include additional training in osteopathic manipulative medicine which is basically a hands on approach to musculoskeletal treatment.
In practice many DOs never use OMM after they finish school. Some do especially those who go into primary care sports medicine or physical medicine and rehabilitation. But the point is that both degrees allow you to do literally everything a physician does.
Lets talk about the elephant in the room
Is there still a stigma around DO? Honestly a little bit in some circles. Certain competitive specialties and academic medical centers have historically favored MDs. But this has been changing rapidly and the biggest game changer was the merger of MD and DO residency programs under a single accreditation system which happened back in 2020.
Now MD and DO students apply to the same residency programs through the same match system. DO students regularly match into competitive specialties like dermatology orthopedic surgery and ENT. Is it slightly harder statistically? In some cases yes. But its far from impossible and the gap is shrinking every year.
Anyone who tells you a DO degree is worthless or that it will ruin your career is either misinformed or stuck in 2005. Plenty of DOs are running departments serving as program directors and practicing at top hospitals across the country.
Admissions differences
DO schools tend to have slightly lower average MCAT scores and GPAs compared to MD schools. The average matriculant to a DO school typically has around a 504 to 506 MCAT and a 3.5 GPA compared to roughly 511 to 512 and 3.7 for MD schools.
This does NOT mean DO schools are easy to get into. They are competitive and getting more competitive every year as the stigma continues to fade and more people apply. Many DO schools receive thousands of applications for a few hundred spots.
One notable difference is the application system. MD schools use AMCAS. DO schools use AACOMAS. The two systems are separate so you can apply to both simultaneously but youll need to fill out two different applications. AACOMAS has the benefit of grade replacement meaning if you retook a class they use the better grade. AMCAS averages all attempts.
DO schools also tend to place more emphasis on primary care and serving underserved communities. If thats your genuine interest its actually an advantage in DO admissions.
Clinical training and rotations
This is where things can vary. MD schools especially those attached to large academic medical centers often have rotations at major teaching hospitals with tons of resources and specialties. DO schools have improved their rotation sites dramatically over the past decade but some still rely more heavily on community based hospitals and clinics.
Community based training isnt a bad thing at all. You often get more hands on experience and responsibility at smaller sites. But if doing your third year rotations at a big name hospital matters to you its worth looking at specific schools and their rotation affiliations.
The bottom line on choosing
If you have the stats to be competitive for MD schools and being at a traditional allopathic program matters to you then apply MD. If your stats are on the lower side applying to both MD and DO gives you way more options and significantly increases your chances of getting in somewhere.
A lot of premeds apply to a mix of both and thats a totally reasonable strategy. Apply to MD schools where youre competitive. Apply to DO schools as well to widen your net. If you get into both you can make a decision based on specific schools not just the degree type.
What you should NOT do is turn down an acceptance to a DO school just to reapply for an MD acceptance the following year. Unless there is a very specific reason like a particular residency program or research opportunity that requires it. A year of medical training is almost always better than a gap year of hoping for a different outcome.
Some things to consider
Think about your career goals. Want to go into primary care or family medicine? MD and DO are practically identical in terms of opportunities. Want to do neurosurgery at Mass General? An MD from a higher ranked school will give you a statistical advantage but its still possible from either pathway.
Think about the specific school. A strong DO school with great rotation sites might give you a better education than a lower ranked MD school with limited clinical exposure. The degree letters matter less than the quality of training you receive.
Think about cost. Some DO schools are significantly cheaper than some MD schools. If youre going to be a family medicine doc in a rural area the difference between 200K and 350K in loans is meaningful.
Still not sure which path is right for you?
This is one of those decisions where personalized advice really helps because it depends on YOUR specific stats goals and circumstances. At SOS Admissions we help students figure out the MD versus DO question all the time and we can help you build a school list that maximizes your chances regardless of which route you take. Hit us up if you want to talk it through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a DO degree the same as an MD?
Both MD and DO are fully licensed physicians who can practice in any specialty, prescribe medications, and perform surgery. The main difference is DO programs include training in osteopathic manipulative medicine. Since 2020 both degrees go through the same residency match system.
Can DO students match into competitive specialties?
Yes. DO students regularly match into competitive specialties like dermatology, orthopedic surgery, and ENT. It can be slightly harder statistically in some cases but the gap is shrinking every year especially since the residency merger.
Should I apply to both MD and DO schools?
If your stats put you on the lower end for MD schools, applying to both MD and DO is a smart strategy that significantly increases your chances. Many premeds apply to a mix and make their decision based on specific schools rather than degree type.
Do DO schools use AMCAS?
No. DO schools use a separate application system called AACOMAS. You can apply to both MD and DO schools simultaneously but youll fill out two different applications. AACOMAS offers grade replacement which can help if you retook classes.