D.O. versus M.D.: What’s the Difference?
Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.s) and Doctors of Medicine (M.D.s) are both fully licensed physicians. Both can practice medicine, perform surgery, and prescribe medication. But what exactly are the differences between these two paths to becoming a doctor? It’s a question many prospective medical students are asking themselves as they consider which path to take.
This article compares D.O. and M.D. degrees to help you better understand the differences in education, career paths, and, of course, salary expectations. We’ll address some of the common questions and misconceptions surrounding these two career paths. We’ll also touch on the history of osteopathic medicine, which emphasizes a more holistic approach to treatment, including osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT).
So, when it comes to D.O. salary versus M.D. salary, what can you expect? Let’s dive in.
Educational Paths: D.O. and M.D. Program Requirements
Both D.O. and M.D. programs are rigorous and demanding. Here’s a breakdown of what it takes to get into and through each type of medical school.
Pre-Medical Education
The path to becoming either a D.O. or an M.D. starts with a solid pre-med foundation.
- Bachelor’s Degree: You’ll need a bachelor’s degree with a strong emphasis on science. Expect to take courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and organic chemistry.
- MCAT Exam: The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a standardized exam required for admission to both D.O. and M.D. programs. Although both types of programs require it, the average MCAT scores of accepted students can differ.
Medical School Curriculum
Once you’re in medical school, you’ll find similarities and differences between D.O. and M.D. programs.
- Similarities in Core Curriculum: Both D.O. and M.D. programs cover core medical subjects such as anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, pathology, and microbiology. Clinical rotations, where you get hands-on experience in different medical specialties, are also a crucial part of both curricula.
- Distinctive Features of D.O. Programs: D.O. programs emphasize osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), which is a hands-on approach to diagnosis and treatment that focuses on the musculoskeletal system. D.O. students will spend around 200 hours of OMT training.
Licensing Examinations
After medical school, you’ll need to pass a licensing exam to practice medicine.
- USMLE vs. COMLEX-USA: M.D. students typically take the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). D.O. students take the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX-USA). Both exams are designed to test the knowledge and skills you’ll need in medical practice.
Residency and Specialization: Shaping Your Medical Career
Whether you graduate as a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) or a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.), your journey to becoming a practicing physician isn’t over after graduation. You’ll still need to complete a residency to specialize in a particular area of medicine.
Residency Training
Residency is a post-graduate training period that can last from three to seven years, depending on the specialty you choose. The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) accredits residency programs for both D.O. and M.D. graduates, ensuring standardized training.
Specialization Options
Both D.O.s and M.D.s can specialize in pretty much any medical field, from internal medicine and pediatrics to surgery, cardiology, and oncology. In the past, D.O.s were more likely to go into primary care, but that’s changing as more and more D.O.s pursue specialized fields. In 2023, 52% of graduating D.O.s chose primary care, compared with only 35% of M.D.s.
While opportunities are definitely increasing, D.O.s have historically faced some challenges in being accepted into super-competitive specialties like dermatology, neurosurgery, and orthopedic surgery. The good news is that recent data suggests that match rates for D.O.s in these fields are improving, although disparities may still exist. To illustrate, 93.8% of M.D.s matched into thoracic surgery, whereas only 2.1% of D.O.s did.
Residency Match Rates
Overall, residency match rates for D.O. and M.D. graduates are generally comparable. In the 2024 NRMP Main Residency Match, the PGY-1 match rate for U.S. M.D. seniors was 93.5%, while for U.S. D.O. seniors, it was 92.3%.
However, differences in match rates do exist within specific specialties, reflecting varying levels of competitiveness and program preferences.
Salary Expectations: D.O. vs. M.D. Compensation
When it comes to compensation, there are often questions about whether Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.s) earn as much as Medical Doctors (M.D.s). While the playing field is leveling, some data suggests some salary discrepancies still exist.
Average Salary Discrepancies
It’s been reported that M.D. physicians, on average, tend to earn more than their D.O. counterparts. One source places the average D.O. salary at around $163,908 per year in the U.S., while M.D.s average around $201,918 per year. However, it’s important to dig deeper into what influences these numbers.
Factors such as specialization, location, years of experience, and the type of practice setting all play a significant role in determining a physician’s salary, regardless of whether they hold a D.O. or M.D. degree.
Impact of Specialization
Physicians who specialize in fields like surgery, cardiology, and radiology typically command higher salaries than those in primary care. Since M.D.s are somewhat more likely to pursue these higher-paying specialties, that contributes to the overall salary gap between the two degrees.
That’s not to say that D.O.s in primary care aren’t well-compensated. Their salaries are still competitive within the primary care landscape, but may not reach the levels seen in highly specialized fields.
Geographic Location
Where a physician chooses to practice also has a major impact on their earning potential. Doctors in urban areas often earn more than those in rural areas, due to a higher cost of living and greater demand for specialized services. Again, because M.D.s are more likely to practice in urban settings, this can contribute to the salary disparity.
Salary levels can also vary significantly across different regions of the United States, influenced by local market conditions and the overall demand for healthcare services. So, a D.O. in a high-demand area could potentially out-earn an M.D. in a less competitive market.
Practice Philosophy and Patient Care
While both D.O.s and M.D.s are fully licensed physicians, their approaches to medicine and patient care have some key differences.
Osteopathic Medicine’s Holistic Approach
D.O.s are trained to see the patient as a whole person, taking into account the interconnectedness of body, mind, and spirit, rather than simply focusing on individual symptoms. The goal is to treat the patient, not just the disease.
A distinctive feature of osteopathic medicine is osteopathic manipulative treatment, or OMT. This involves hands-on techniques to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal issues. D.O.s use OMT to increase range of motion, relieve pain, and generally improve a patient’s health.
Allopathic Medicine’s Focus on Diagnosis and Treatment
M.D.s emphasize evidence-based medicine, using scientific research and clinical trials as the foundation for their diagnostic and treatment decisions. They rely on a wide range of tools and technologies to diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries.
M.D.s often specialize in a particular area of medicine, allowing them to gain expertise in complex medical conditions and procedures. They tend to be at the leading edge of medical innovation, using advanced technologies to improve patient outcomes.
Collaborative Care and Patient-Centered Approach
Both D.O.s and M.D.s work with other healthcare professionals — nurses, physician assistants, therapists, and social workers — to provide comprehensive patient care.
Both types of physicians emphasize patient education and empowerment, giving patients the information and resources they need to make smart decisions about their health.
Career Paths and Practice Settings
Both Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.s) and Medical Doctors (M.D.s) have access to a wide range of career paths and practice settings. Here’s a glimpse into where you might find them:
Diverse Practice Settings
- Hospitals and Clinics: You’ll find both D.O.s and M.D.s working in hospitals, clinics, private practices, and teaching institutions. They might also work in government agencies, research labs, or public health organizations.
- Rural and Urban Practice: While M.D.s are more likely to be located in urban areas, D.O.s often choose to practice in rural and underserved communities, which helps to address healthcare disparities in those areas.
Academic and Research Opportunities
- Teaching and Mentoring: Both types of doctors can pursue academic careers by teaching medical students and residents. They can also conduct research to expand medical knowledge and improve patient care.
- Research Funding: M.D.s may have better access to research funding, especially in specialized fields of medicine.
International Practice
- Varying Recognition: The ability to practice medicine in other countries depends on how that country recognizes D.O. and M.D. degrees. M.D. degrees are generally more widely recognized around the world.
- Global Health Initiatives: Both D.O.s and M.D.s can participate in global health initiatives by providing medical care and support to underserved populations in different countries.
Frequently Asked Questions
DO psychiatrists vs MD psychiatrists salary
Generally, there isn’t a significant difference in salary between DO and MD psychiatrists. Compensation depends more on factors like location, experience, specialization (e.g., child psychiatry), and the type of practice (private, hospital, etc.) than on the degree itself. Both DO and MD psychiatrists perform the same roles and responsibilities.
Is DO school more expensive than MD school?
Tuition costs can vary significantly between individual DO and MD schools. It’s not a straightforward answer. Some DO schools might be more expensive than some MD schools, and vice versa. Researching specific schools is crucial to understand the actual costs involved. Factors like public vs. private status and location also influence tuition.
Do DO or MD make more money?
On average, MDs tend to earn slightly more than DOs. However, this difference is often attributed to factors like specialization and practice setting. Highly specialized DOs can certainly earn as much as, or even more than, general practice MDs. The gap is closing as DOs gain more recognition and acceptance within the medical community.
Is an MD higher than a DO?
No, an MD is not “higher” than a DO. Both are fully licensed physicians with the same legal rights and responsibilities. They both complete rigorous medical training and can practice any specialty. The difference lies in their educational philosophy: MDs focus on allopathic medicine, while DOs emphasize a holistic approach that includes osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT).
Wrapping Up
Both D.O.s and M.D.s are fully licensed physicians, but they approach patient care and medical training from slightly different angles. Both types of doctors are essential parts of our healthcare system.
Deciding whether to become a D.O. or an M.D. is a personal choice that depends on what you’re looking for in a medical career, as well as your individual strengths and interests. If you’re thinking about medical school, consider shadowing doctors of both types to see what their day-to-day work is like.
Carefully weigh your options and pick the path that best fits your goals and values. No matter which type of degree you earn, remember that the most important thing is to provide compassionate, effective, and high-quality care to your patients.