M.D. vs. D.O. Programs

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The Scoop on M.D. vs. D.O. Programs

Now that's you've got a good head start on all of your premed classes, you're probably starting to wondering about the future.

One of your most important questions will of course be about which school you will attend.

Both fortunately and unfortunately, you have many options in this matter.

One of the choices that will come up will the ongoing debate of M.D. vs. D.O. programs.

Chances are, you've heard mostly about M.D. programs up until now but you should get aquantaited with the D.O. programs that are available.

First of all, lets clear up the names:

1) M.D. = Medical Doctor

2) D.O. = Doctor of Osteopathy

Read on to get the full scoop on the M.D. vs. D.O. programs story...

M.D. vs. D.O. Programs: Medical Doctor 

These kinds of programs make up the majority of the type of medical school programs that are offered in the United States. About 94% of physicians in the United States are trained through M.D. programs.

These programs focus on the allopathic approach to medicine. This means that you will learn how to treat patients in a way that stresses intervention. These forms of intervention include surgery, medicines, and therapeutics. This is considered to be the traditional Western style of medicine.

M.D. programs are generally four years in duration and are followed by a minimum of three years in residency.

M.D. programs have generally been found to be more competative than D.O. programs because of an higher interest in these kinds of programs. However, D.O. programs are growing quickly in popularity and are therefore becoming more and more competative.

M.D. vs D.O. Programs: Doctor of Osteopathy 

D.O. programs are rapidly growing in populartity throughout the United States. Common misconceptions about these kinds of programs include that these programs are for people who could not get into M.D. programs. However, these misconceptions are being done away with as more successful physicians come through the D.O. programs.

D.O. programs stress a more preventive approach to medicine that is generally thought to be a more Eastern style of medicine.

While the physicians that graduate from D.O. programs are equally adept at interventive treatments, they are also capable of chiropractice-type techniques that involve manually maniuplating the human body.

D.O. trained physicians place more stress on adjusting the human body physically to allow for a more natural and disease free life.

Many of the D.O. programs are also four years in duration. After those four years, however, there are many paths that a D.O. trained physician can follow.

D.O physicians have the option to follow the traditional residency route that M.D. physicians take after medical school.

However, it is important to note that this path can be difficult for D.O physicians because of the common misconseptions, even among other doctors.

D.O physicains also have the option to go to osteopathic residencies. These types of residencies are rather competative because there are not a great deal of them in the United States.

M.D. vs. D.O. Programs 

Which One to Choose?

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Best Books About Osteopathic Medicine 

There a growing number books coming out that discuss the development of osteopathic medicine and it's capabilities.

These are some of my favorites. They are all very interesting to read.

I would especially recommend them to premed majors. I'm sure you've heard about it but do some research on your own...you might end up going into osteopathy instead!

The DOs: Osteopathic Medicine in America

This book will provide you a history and development of osteopathic medicine. Find out how the field has grown and where it's going.

Amazon Price: $23.35 (as of 07/11/2009) Buy Now

Engaging the Movement of Life: Exploring Health and Embodiment Through Osteopathy and Continuum

Bonnie Ginstis explains how awareness through breathing and movement can restore health. A very interesting read especially if you're wondering what make osteopathic practices powerful.

Amazon Price: $13.57 (as of 07/11/2009) Buy Now

My Favorite M.D. Experience Books 

These are books that you must read if you're thinking of becoming an M.D.

I love all of them and have gone out and bought every one!

The House of God: The Classic Novel of Life and Death in an American Hospital

This one is a must-read...talk to any doctor, they've read it. However, I'll admit that it's not an uplifting book. Give your brain a work out.

Amazon Price: $10.20 (as of 07/11/2009) Buy Now

Hot Lights, Cold Steel: Life, Death and Sleepless Nights in a Surgeon's First Years

I love how this book was written. His prose is interesting and intriguing and very REAL. That book made me tear up and laugh out loud. Cheesy, I know, but it's true.

Amazon Price: $10.85 (as of 07/11/2009) Buy Now

Treatment Kind and Fair: Letters to a Young Doctor (Letters to a Young...)

This book is written by a mother (who is a doctor) writing to her son who is also going to medical school. It is written in a very loving, caring manner. It includes personal experiences as well as advice to future doctors.

Amazon Price: $12.71 (as of 07/11/2009) Buy Now

What an Adjustment Looks Like

Keep Up to Date 

This is a pretty well known blog on the internet right now that is created by a practicing primary care physician.

Even if you don't agree with his views, he points out interesting medical happenings and news that will keep you up to speed.

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Hear from an Osteopath 

This is kind of a cheesy video but it has good information on what it's like to be a doctor of osteopathy since it's coming from a practicing osteopath.

He really highlights the important aspects of being a doctor of osteopathy and how it differs from being an M.D.
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Doctor Shirt 

Everyone needs something comfy to slip into after work...especially doctors (or would-be-doctors!)

Baseball Jersey

Price: 26.99 Buy Now

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Help Those in Need: Right Now! 

Want to go to medical or d.o. school but feel stuck in the you're stuck in the "premed" phase forever?

There are many ways to help those in need that are suffering from illnesses and diseases. You can help them by giving just a little of your time or your money.

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We at Squidoo passionately believe in creating new ways to support good causes online. By making a donation to Stroke Network from this page, you are sending money directly to that organization, in whatever amount you want. We don't touch it. We don't even see it. The author of this page doesn't either. And if you made it this far, thanks for caring.

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