* MD: Must have a bachelor's degree and then complete four years of medical school.
* DO: Must have a bachelor's degree and then complete four years of osteopathic medical school.
Licensing
In order to practice medicine one must be licensed by the states in which they wish to practice.
-Both DOs and MDs must:
- Pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE), or the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX-USA)
- Complete a residency program
Job Opportunities
- MDs and DOs have similar job opportunities.
- Both are qualified to practice in all 50 states.
- Both are eligible for board certification in their respective specialties.
- Both can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices.
- Both can earn similar salaries.
Philosophical Approach to Patient Care
- DOs receive additional training in osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM), which is a hands-on approach to patient care that emphasizes the body's natural ability to heal itself.
- OMM is used to diagnose and treat a variety of conditions, including pain, headaches, and sports injuries.
- MDs do not receive training in OMM.