People often talk about “MD or DO, which is better?” but, what really is the difference between the two? While the requirements are the same, the routes to apply and post-bacc education may look a little different! Regardless, both routes lead to becoming a physician, whether MD or DO!
Application Differences
While most of this site describes the process of applying to MD programs, the process of applying to a DO program is not entirely different! Instead of using AMCAS, the DO applications use AACOMAS for their application cycle. They require most of the same things: finished bachelor’s program with pre-medical requisite courses completed, MCAT score, letters of recommendation, etc., but they view your application as a whole through a different lens. Schools look at your application holistically, meaning that your test scores and GPA will not “make or break” your chances of getting into medical school! It is incredibly important to get DO exposure prior to your application, likely through shadowing!
MD
Traditionally, medical schools (MS) have been more prestigious, more competitive, but MS students often have an easier time matching into more competitive residencies (Orthopedics, Neuro, Plastics, etc.).
DO
OMS programs are sometimes seen as less prestigious, and often have to jump through more hoops than other MS students do. It has historically been more difficult for students from osteopathic medical schools (OMS), or, DO’s to match into competitive residencies.