In the United States, two types of medical degrees qualify a person to practice medicine: the Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree and the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree. Both MDs and DOs are fully licensed physicians who can diagnose illnesses, treat patients, and prescribe medications. However, the paths to earning these degrees and the philosophies behind them differ, leading many to ask, “Is an MD higher than a DO?” Let’s explore the similarities and differences between these two types of medical school degrees to provide a comprehensive answer.
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The Basics: MD vs. DO
The MD degree is awarded to graduates of allopathic medical schools which follow a traditional approach to medicine. In contrast, the DO degree is awarded to graduates of osteopathic medical schools, which emphasize a holistic approach to medicine and include training in osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM). While MDs and DOs are equally qualified to practice medicine, the main difference lies in their training and philosophy.
Allopathic medicine, associated with MD programs, focuses on diagnosing and treating diseases primarily with medications and surgery. Osteopathic medicine, on the other hand, takes a more holistic approach to patient care, emphasizing preventive medicine and the body’s natural ability to heal itself. DOs receive additional training—usually around 200 hours—in osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), which involves hands-on techniques to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal issues.
Medical School Training and Admissions
MD Programs
MD programs in the United States are accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME). Students applying to these programs must complete a bachelor’s degree and meet prerequisites in science courses. Admission is highly competitive, with factors like Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) scores, GPA, and extracurricular activities playing a crucial role.
Once admitted, MD students undergo rigorous medical education that includes two years of classroom-based learning in subjects like anatomy, pharmacology, and pathology, followed by two years of clinical rotations. These rotations expose students to various specialties, such as internal medicine, surgery, and family medicine, preparing them for residency programs.
DO Programs
DO programs are accredited by the American Osteopathic Association’s Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA). Like their MD counterparts, osteopathic medical students must complete a bachelor’s degree and take the MCAT as part of the admissions process. However, DO programs often place a slightly greater emphasis on holistic approaches and community-based care during admissions, sometimes offering more flexibility in MCAT score requirements.
Osteopathic medical school training mirrors that of allopathic medical schools, with the addition of training in osteopathic manipulative medicine. This extra focus on OMM gives DOs a unique perspective on diagnosing and treating conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system.
Residency and Licensing
Both MDs and DOs must complete residency programs after graduating from medical school. These programs provide specialized training in areas like internal medicine, pediatrics, and primary care specialties such as family medicine.
Accreditation and Licensing Exams
Residency programs for both MDs and DOs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). In 2020, the ACGME implemented a single accreditation system, allowing both MD and DO graduates to apply to the same residency programs. This move has further unified the paths for MDs and DOs in graduate medical education.
To practice medicine, all physicians must pass licensing exams. MD students take the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE), while DO students take the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX-USA). Both exams assess medical knowledge and clinical skills, ensuring that all physicians meet high standards of patient care and medical expertise.
Philosophical Differences in Patient Care
One of the main differences between MDs and DOs lies in their view of medicine. Allopathic medicine often focuses on treating symptoms and diseases using advanced technology, while osteopathic medicine takes a holistic approach. DOs consider the whole person, including lifestyle, environment, and emotional well-being, in their approach to medicine. This holistic philosophy is particularly evident in primary care specialties, where DOs often emphasize preventive care.
DOs also integrate osteopathic manipulative treatment into their practice. Called osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), this hands-on technique can be used to alleviate pain, improve function, and support the body’s natural healing processes. While not all DOs use OMT in daily practice, the training in osteopathic manipulative techniques sets them apart from their MD counterparts.
Choosing Between an MD and a DO
For patients, the choice between seeing an MD or a DO often depends on personal preference and the type of care they seek. Both types of doctors are fully qualified to provide high-quality medical care, but some patients prefer the holistic approach of a DO, while others might choose an MD for their expertise in allopathic medicine.
For medical students, the choice between an MD and a DO program depends on factors like career goals, preferred approach to medicine, and medical school admissions criteria. Students interested in specialties like surgery or academic medicine may lean toward MD programs, while those passionate about primary care or a holistic view of medicine might prefer DO programs.
Myths and Misconceptions
A common misconception is that an MD degree is “higher” or more prestigious than a DO degree. This belief may stem from the historical roots of osteopathic medicine, which was initially viewed as an alternative to traditional medicine. However, today’s DOs receive rigorous medical education and training comparable to their MD counterparts. Both types of doctors are eligible for the same residency programs and can practice in all 50 states.
Another myth is that DOs are limited to primary care specialties. While it’s true that many DOs enter primary care fields, they are also represented in highly competitive specialties like anesthesiology, dermatology, and orthopedic surgery.
The Reality of MDs and DOs
In practice, the difference between MDs and DOs is often minimal. Both types of doctors work side by side in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings, providing patient care and collaborating on treatment plans. The main difference lies in their training and approach to medicine, but both are united in their commitment to improving patient outcomes.
Key Takeaways
- Type of Degree: MDs graduate from allopathic medical schools, while DOs graduate from osteopathic medical schools.
- Training: Both MD and DO programs include rigorous medical education, but DOs receive additional training in osteopathic manipulative medicine.
- Philosophy: MDs focus on allopathic medicine, emphasizing the use of technology and pharmaceuticals. DOs take a holistic approach, emphasizing preventive care and the body’s natural healing ability.
- Residency and Licensing: Both MDs and DOs complete residency programs accredited by the ACGME and must pass licensing exams (USMLE for MDs and COMLEX-USA for DOs).
- Patient Care: Both types of physicians are fully qualified to diagnose, treat, and manage illnesses across various specialties.
The main difference between an MD and a DO is their training and philosophical approach to medicine. Neither degree is inherently “higher” or better than the other. Instead, they represent two equally valid paths to becoming a physician in the United States. Whether you see an MD or a DO, you can be confident that you’re in the hands of a highly trained medical professional.
Final Thoughts
The question, “Is an MD higher than a DO?” highlights a lingering misconception in the medical field. While the paths to earning an MD or DO degree differ, both types of doctors are essential to the healthcare system. As the integration of allopathic and osteopathic medical education continues, the differences between these two degrees are becoming less significant, emphasizing their shared goal: providing exceptional patient care.