Difference Between M.D. and D.O. in 3 Perspectives

1
Difference Between M.D. and D.O.: Definition
M.D.s engage in allopathic medicinal practices, which is known as the classical form of medicine that focuses on diagnosing and treating diseases.

D.O.s engage in osteopathic medicinal practices who focus on a more holistic approach to medicine in which the main focus is on viewing the patient as a competent person to achieve effective diagnosis instead of treating the symptoms of the disease alone.

The general belief is that every part of the human body works together and has significant influence on each other. Osteopathic medicine equally emphasizes on disease prevention. In the medical school, a specific training on osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) is provided, and this has been described as a hands-on technique to both diagnosis and treatment, it is also useful for disease prevention.

There are about 800, 000 practicing doctors in the United States alone; about 50, 000 of them are D.O.s, while about 750, 000 are M.D.s. D.O.s, therefore, constitute less than 10% of all practicing doctors in the United States today.

2
Difference Between M.D. and D.O.: Education

Prior to medical training, both D.O.s and M.D.s have at least four years of undergraduate degree training.

Both D.O.s and M.D.s spend four years in medical school. Both sit for the MCAT and pass through the same rigorous processes. Historically, D.O. schools are known to be more open to the nontraditional candidates.

Like M.D.s, D.O.s, decide to specialize in a particular medical field and complete a residency program that can last from 3 to 7 years. Some D.O.s spend the same number of years to complete their residency programs just like their M.D.s colleagues.

M.D. students sit for the USMLE exam while D.O. students sit for the COMPLEX exam. To practice medicine, both are required to pass one state licensing exam.

D.O.s carry out surgeries, deliver new babies, prescribe medications, treat patients, and work in the same medical environments as M.D.s. The same set of medical tools used by M.D.s is used by D.O.s, they equally make use of the same technologies and treatments like M.D.s.

D.O.s get extra training in the musculoskeletal system, which makes up a person's muscles and bones.

3
Difference Between M.D. and D.O.: Reputation & Salary

Historically, allopathic medical schools are seen to be more competitive than osteopathic medical schools.

In 2010, students admitted into osteopathic medical schools had their average MCAT score as 26.48 (5), while students admitted into allopathic medical schools had their average MCAT score as 31.1 (6)

It could be that these osteopathic medical schools keep on attracting less competitive applicants depending on the admissions of the past years, which perpetuated the reputation.

Under normal conditions, the salary scales between M.D. and D.O. are quite comparable. This takes on the same position, service years and other relevant experiences. The highest determining factor in the income potentials of a physician is his/her area of specialization. However, D.O.s go into primary care mostly which is not as lucrative as most other areas of specialty. Also, M.D.s are more often found in busy cities where the cost of living is quite high, which necessitates increased salaries.