MD vs DO Explained: Training, Salary, Specialties & More (2025 Update)!
Introduction: When you’re choosing a physician or considering a career in medicine in the United States, you’ll often come across two designations: MD (Doctor of Medicine) and DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine). While they may seem similar—both are fully qualified physicians—there are important distinctions in their training, philosophy, and practice styles.
In this in-depth article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about MD vs DO to help you understand how each pathway works, what makes them unique, and which may be the right choice for your needs or career aspirations.
Understanding the Basics: What is MD vs DO?
MD (Doctor of Medicine) is a degree given to allopathic physicians. Allopathic medicine is the traditional form of medical practice that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of human diseases using drugs, surgery, and other interventions.
DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) is a degree given to osteopathic physicians. DOs practice the same modern medicine as MDs but with a holistic approach, incorporating preventive care and Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT)—a hands-on technique to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness or injury.
History of MD vs DO in the U.S.
The MD Path
The allopathic approach has been the mainstream model in the U.S. for centuries, tracing its roots back to European medicine.
The Birth of Osteopathy
DO medicine began in 1874, founded by Dr. Andrew Taylor Still, who believed that the medical practices of his time were often harmful and ineffective. He introduced osteopathy as a more natural, holistic way of healing, focusing on the musculoskeletal system’s
Philosophical Differences
MD Philosophy
MDs follow a disease-centered approach, which focuses on diagnosing and treating specific symptoms and illnesses, typically using medications or surgical methods.
DO Philosophy
DOs emphasize a patient-centered and holistic approach, considering the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. They often incorporate preventive care and believe in the body’s ability to heal itself with the right support.
Educational Path: MD vs DO
Stage MD Path DO Path
Bachelor’s Degree Required Required
Medical School 4 years at an allopathic med school 4 years at an osteopathic med school
Clinical Rotations Yes Yes
Licensing Exams USMLE (Steps 1, 2, 3) COMLEX (Levels 1, 2, 3) + optionally USMLE
Residency Accredited by ACGME Accredited by ACGME (since 2020 merger)
Both MD vs DO paths require:
A Bachelor’s degree (typically in sciences)
MCAT scores
Medical school training
Licensure exams
Residency training
Medical School Admissions Criteria
MD Admissions:
Highly competitive
Higher average GPA (3.7+)
Higher MCAT scores (510+)
Focuses heavily on academics and research
DO Admissions:
Slightly more flexible
Holistic review process
Average GPA (~3.5)
MCAT score (~503+)
Values shadowing of DO physicians and service-oriented experience
Curriculum and Training
MD Curriculum:
Emphasis on evidence-based medicine
More focus on pharmacology, pathology, and high-end procedures
DO Curriculum:
Includes 200+ hours of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM)
Extra training in preventive care and hands-on techniques
Integrative and holistic treatment strategies
Note: Both spend the first two years in classroom and lab instruction, and the next two years in clinical rotations in hospitals and clinics.
Residency and Specialization Opportunities
Until 2020, MD and DO graduates applied for different residency programs. However, now all residency programs in the U.S. are unified under the ACGME, allowing both MDs and DOs to compete for the same programs.
Competitive Specialties:
MDs generally dominate ultra-competitive specialties like dermatology, neurosurgery, and orthopedic surgery.
DOs are more prevalent in family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, and rural healthcare.
Licensing and Board Certification
MDs:
Take USMLE Steps 1, 2, and 3
Get board-certified by ABMS (American Board of Medical Specialties)
DOs:
Take COMLEX-USA Levels 1, 2, and 3
Can also take USMLE for wider options
Certified by AOA (American Osteopathic Association) or ABMS (if applicable)
Both MD vs DO must pass state licensing exams to practice independently.
Practice Rights and Scope
MDs and DOs have equal rights and privileges in all 50 U.S. states and are recognized by:
Hospitals
Insurance companies
Government agencies (including the military)
They can:
Prescribe medications
Perform surgeries
Specialize in any field of medicine
In short, DOs are not limited in any way compared to MDs.
Where They Work: Hospitals, Clinics, and Specialties
Setting MDs DOs
Academic Hospitals More prevalent Less common
Private Practice Common Common
Rural Areas Less common More common
Military/VA Both serve equally Both serve equally
DOs often choose primary care and work in underserved areas, which aligns with their philosophy of preventive and holistic care.
Patient Perception: MD vs DO
While many patients don’t notice the difference, some still prefer MDs due to traditional reputation. However, awareness of DOs is growing, especially as they now hold key roles in major hospitals, military, and medical research.
Patients often appreciate the extra time and attention DOs may provide, due to their holistic focus.
Which is Better? MD vs DO?
There is no “better” degree—both MD vs DO paths produce competent, licensed physicians.
Your decision should depend on:
Your career goals
Preferred learning style
Passion for holistic vs traditional approach
Competitiveness of application profile
Pros and Cons: A Side-by-Side Comparison
Feature MD DO
Training Traditional Holistic + OMT
Prestige Slightly higher Growing steadily
Residency Access Slightly better in top specialties Competitive with USMLE
Global Recognition More widespread Recognized in fewer countries
Patient Focus Disease-centered Patient-centered
Licensing Exams USMLE COMLEX (can also take USMLE)
Specialties All available All available
Recent Trends and the Future of DOs
Increasing acceptance of DOs in academic medicine and research
Leadership roles in medical institutions (e.g., Surgeons General, hospital CEOs)
Unified residency system makes both degrees equally competitive
Growing international recognition, especially in Canada, UK, and parts of Asia
By 2030, it’s expected that 1 in 4 practicing physicians in the U.S. will be a DO.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About MD vs DO in the USA
1. Are MD vs DO both real doctors?
Yes. Both MDs (Doctor of Medicine) and DOs (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) are fully licensed physicians in the United States. They attend accredited medical schools, complete residency training, pass licensing exams, and can practice medicine, prescribe medications, and perform surgery.
2. What is the main difference between MD vs DO?
The main difference lies in philosophy and training:
MDs follow a traditional, allopathic approach—focusing on diagnosing and treating specific illnesses.
DOs follow a more holistic approach, incorporating preventive care and Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT).
3. Do MD vs DO take different licensing exams?
Yes, but both lead to licensure:
MDs take the USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination).
DOs take the COMLEX-USA (Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination), but many also take the USMLE for broader residency opportunities.
4. Can DOs become surgeons or specialists?
Absolutely. DOs can pursue any medical or surgical specialty, including:
Neurosurgery
Dermatology
Cardiology
Anesthesiology
Orthopedics
The pathway may be slightly more competitive for DOs in certain high-demand specialties.
5. Is it easier to get into DO schools than MD schools?
Generally, yes:
DO schools may have slightly lower GPA and MCAT score requirements.
They emphasize holistic admissions, focusing on a candidate’s motivation, service, and experience in healthcare. However, both types of schools are rigorous and selective.
6. Do patients notice a difference between MD vs DO?
Most patients don’t notice or care whether their doctor is an MD or DO. The majority prioritize the doctor’s:
Communication style
Experience
Reputation
Clinical expertise
Some patients appreciate the holistic and hands-on approach that DOs offer through OMT.
7. Are DOs accepted worldwide like MDs?
MDs are more widely recognized internationally.
However, DOs are accepted in many countries including:
United States and Canada
United Kingdom
Australia
India (limited and conditional)
Some European and Asian nations
Recognition depends on local regulations; DOs planning to work abroad should research country-specific requirements.
8. What is Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT)?
OMT is a set of hands-on techniques used by DOs to:
Diagnose
Treat
Prevent illness or injury
It focuses on the musculoskeletal system, helping improve body function, circulation, and mobility—especially helpful in cases like back pain, sports injuries, and migraines.
9. Are DOs paid less than MDs?
Not necessarily. Pay is influenced more by:
Specialty
Location
Experience
Type of practice (private, academic, hospital-based)
Because DOs are more likely to work in primary care or rural settings, their average income may appear lower—but in the same specialty, compensation is comparable.
10. Can a DO become a hospital CEO or academic leader?
Yes! DOs hold leadership positions in hospitals, medical schools, and even public health organizations. Examples include:
Former U.S. Surgeon General (DO)
Deans of major medical schools
Healthcare policy advisors
Their training is increasingly recognized and respected at the highest levels of healthcare.
11. Why would someone choose to become a DO instead of an MD?
Some students choose the DO path because they:
Prefer a holistic philosophy
Are interested in OMT
Want to serve in rural or underserved areas
Appreciate the community-based, patient-first approach of osteopathic medicine
12. Can MDs learn OMT like DOs?
No. OMT training is unique to DO medical schools and is not part of MD curricula. However, some MDs pursue additional manual therapy certifications, but it’s not the same as osteopathic training.
13. Are DOs allowed in the U.S. military and government healthcare systems?
Yes. DOs serve as:
Military physicians (Army, Navy, Air Force)
VA hospital doctors
Public health service officers
They have equal rights and opportunities as MDs in all federal and military systems.
14. Is the number of DOs increasing in the U.S.?
Yes. According to recent statistics:
Over 25% of U.S. medical students are enrolled in DO programs.
It is estimated that by 2030, 1 in 4 practicing U.S. physicians will be a DO.
15. Are MD vs DO more likely to work in primary care?
DOs are more likely to enter primary care fields such as:
Family Medicine
Pediatrics
Internal Medicine
This is partly due to their focus on preventive, whole-person care and serving underserved communities.
Conclusion: MD vs DO – Two Roads, One Goal
Choosing between an MD (Doctor of Medicine) and a DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) isn’t about picking the “better” doctor—it’s about understanding their training, philosophy, and approach to healthcare.
Both MD vs DO:
Attend rigorous medical schools
Complete clinical training and residencies
Are fully licensed to diagnose, treat, prescribe, and perform surgeries
Can specialize in any medical field
Deliver high-quality patient care across the United States
While MDs follow a more traditional, disease-focused model, DOs add a holistic dimension, often emphasizing prevention and treating the whole person—body, mind, and spirit. The inclusion of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) gives DOs an additional tool for patient care.
In today’s integrated medical landscape, the differences between MD vs DO are becoming less about capability and more about philosophical preference and practice style. Both degrees are respected, both are growing, and both contribute immensely to the health of the nation.
Whether you’re a future medical student or a patient choosing a physician, remember: the best doctor is not defined by their degree but by their compassion, skill, and commitment to healing.