What is the difference between an M.D. and a D.O.?
Training and Education
MD programs focus on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases using conventional medical practices. The curriculum is heavily oriented towards evidence-based medicine, pharmacology, and surgery. MD students undergo rigorous training in medical sciences and clinical rotations in various specialties.
Philosophy
The allopathic approach primarily focuses on the use of medications and surgeries to treat symptoms and diseases. MDs tend to adopt a more traditional, symptom-based approach to patient care.
Practice and Specialization
MDs can practice in all medical specialties, including surgery, internal medicine, pediatrics, and more. They are often found in hospitals, private practices, and academic settings.
Licensing and Certification
MDs take the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) to obtain their medical license.
Training and Education
DO programs also cover the full spectrum of medical training but with an added emphasis on holistic care and the body's musculoskeletal system. DO students receive additional training in osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), which involves hands-on techniques to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness. This approach aims to promote the body's natural ability to heal itself.
Philosophy
The osteopathic approach is holistic, considering the whole person rather than just specific symptoms or illnesses. DOs are trained to emphasize preventive care and the interrelationship between the body's nerves, muscles, bones, and organs. They often use OMT to complement traditional treatments.
Practice and Specialization
DOs are also eligible to practice in all medical specialties, and many choose primary care fields such as family medicine, internal medicine, and pediatrics. However, DOs can also be found in specialized fields and are increasingly present in hospitals, clinics, and private practices.
Licensing and Certification
DOs take the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX-USA). They also have the option to take the USMLE if they choose.
The American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine is an organization that supports and promotes osteopathic medical education in the United States. AACOM serves as a unifying voice for osteopathic medical schools, providing leadership, advocacy, and resources for the development and improvement of osteopathic medical education. It also works to increase awareness and understanding of osteopathic medicine, supports research, and advocates for policies that advance osteopathic medical education and practice.
Prospective students interested in becoming a D.O. are encouraged to create an AACOM account.
Click Here to Join AACOM
What is the AACOMAS?
The American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service is a centralized online application service used by students applying to osteopathic medical schools in the United States. AACOMAS streamlines the application process by allowing applicants to submit one set of materials (transcripts, letters of recommendation, personal statement, etc.) that are then distributed to multiple osteopathic medical schools. This service helps manage the application process efficiently and provides a standardized method for evaluating applicants.
Prospective students interested in applying to osteopathic medical schools are required to create a AACOMAS account in order to submit their application.
Click Here to create an AACOMAS account
Click Here for the AACOMAS Quick Start Guide and FAQs