DO vs. MD: Degree Differences in Education, Jobs & Salary | Leland

If you want to become a doctor, you might be wondering whether to earn an MD degree or a DO degree. Both lead to becoming a licensed doctor who can treat patients, write prescriptions, and work in any medical specialty. But the training, philosophy, and career focus between these two degree programs have some key differences.

This guide is designed to help you understand the DO vs MD comparison in simple terms. Think of it like a classroom overview where your teacher breaks everything down step by step so it’s easy to follow.

MD vs DO: What Do These Degrees Mean?

MD stands for Doctor of Medicine. These doctors follow what’s called allopathic medicine. Basically, they focus on treating illness using proven methods like medications, surgeries, and technology.

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DO stands for Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. These doctors also learn everything MDs do, but they get extra training in something called OMM (Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine). That’s a hands-on way to help with pain or body problems using movement and touch. DOs also learn to think about the whole person, not just the disease.

Read: The 25 Best Osteopathic Medical Schools

Here’s a quick comparison:

Admission Requirements for MD and DO Programs

Both MD programs and osteopathic medical schools have similar pre-med requirements. Here’s what students need before applying:

• Bachelor’s Degree – Most students complete a degree in biology, chemistry, or another science-related field.
• Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) – Both MD and DO schools require this standardized test.
• Prerequisite Courses – Required classes typically include:
  • Biology
  • Chemistry (General & Organic)
  • Physics
  • Biochemistry
• Clinical Experience – Shadowing doctors, volunteering, or working in healthcare helps applicants stand out.
• Letters of Recommendation – Usually from professors, doctors, or healthcare professionals.
• Extracurriculars – Research, leadership roles, or community service can strengthen an application.
• Application Process – MD applicants use AMCAS (for allopathic medical schools), while DO applicants use AACOMAS (for osteopathic medical schools).

The biggest difference? DO schools emphasize a holistic approach and often look for students who are interested in osteopathic medicine and learning osteopathic manipulative medicine.

Read: Medical School Requirements: What You Need to Get In | Leland

Medical School and Curriculum: What Students Learn

Both MD students and osteopathic medical students go through intense training in medical school. The goal? To prepare them to practice medicine and provide high-quality patient care.

The first two years focus on classroom learning. Students study anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, and other core subjects. They also begin clinical skills training -- learning how to examine patients, take medical histories, and diagnose conditions.

The final two years are all about hands-on experience. Students complete clinical rotations in different specialties like internal medicine, family medicine, surgery, and pediatrics. This gives them real-world experience treating patients under supervision.

One big difference? Osteopathic medical students also learn osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM), a hands-on approach to treating pain and other conditions. MD programs, on the other hand, focus entirely on evidence-based treatments.

By the time they graduate, both MDs and DOs are ready to enter a residency program and start their journey as doctors.

Medical School Curriculum

The medical school curriculum for both MDs and DOs is intense. It’s designed to build a strong foundation in medical care while preparing students for real-world patient care.

First Two Years (Classroom Learning)

• Basic Sciences – Anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and pharmacology.
• Pathology & Microbiology – Understanding diseases and infections.
• Clinical Skills – Learning how to examine patients and take medical histories.
• Medical Ethics & Communication – Training to interact with patients and healthcare teams.

Last Two Years (Clinical Rotations)

• Students work in hospitals and clinics, gaining hands-on experience.
• Rotations include internal medicine, family medicine, surgery, pediatrics, and more.
• DO students also practice osteopathic manipulative medicine techniques.

The biggest difference? MD programs focus on evidence-based medicine, while osteopathic medical students get extra training in treating musculoskeletal pain and using OMM to help patients.

Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) in DO Programs

One major difference between MDs and DOs is Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT). This is a hands-on approach that osteopathic doctors use to diagnose and treat patients. It focuses on the musculoskeletal system, helping with issues like musculoskeletal pain, headaches, and mobility problems.

How does it work?

DOs use their hands to move muscles and joints in specific ways. This can help with circulation, reduce pain, and improve overall function. Many DOs use OMT alongside traditional treatments like medication or physical therapy.

Do all DOs use OMT?

Not necessarily. While all osteopathic medical students learn OMT in osteopathic medical school, not every DO uses it in their practice. Some DOs, especially those in primary care specialties like family medicine or internal medicine, use it regularly. Others, especially in surgical or specialized fields, may not.

OMT is a unique part of the osteopathic profession, setting DOs apart from MDs.

Residency and Specialization

After medical school, both MDs and DOs enter a residency program to get specialized training. This is where they develop expertise in their chosen field, whether it’s internal medicine, family medicine, surgery, or another specialty.

Residency lengths vary by specialty:

• Primary care specialties (like family medicine) – About 3 years
• Surgical specialties – Can take 5–7 years
• Highly specialized fields – Some require additional fellowships after residency

For many years, MDs and DOs had separate graduate medical education systems. But now, all residency programs in the U.S. follow a single accreditation system, meaning DOs and MDs compete for the same positions.

DOs can work in any specialty, just like MDs. However, a larger percentage of DOs go into primary care, while MDs tend to specialize in a wider range of fields.

The main difference lies in philosophy. MDs follow the allopathic approach, focusing on treating diseases, while DOs complete the same foundation but add osteopathic manipulative medicine and holistic care principles.

Philosophy and Training: MD vs DO

Note: Both MDs and DOs are equally qualified physicians who complete similar training and provide the same level of patient care.

Residency Programs and Specialization

After medical school, all medical students enter residency programs lasting 3–7 years, depending on specialty. Since 2020, MDs and DOs have applied through a unified accreditation system, meaning both MD graduates and DO graduates train together in the same hospitals.

DOs tend to pursue primary care (family medicine, internal medicine), while more MDs enter specialties like cardiology, dermatology, or surgery. Still, both degrees open doors to the same specialties and career paths.

Licensing Exam and Board Certification

To become a licensed physician, you must pass a licensing exam:

Some osteopathic medical students take both exams to strengthen residency applications. After residency, both MDs and DOs can pursue board certification through the AMA or AOA, proving advanced skill in their specialty.

Where Can You Work?

In the United States, both MDs and DOs are treated equally. You can open a clinic, work at a hospital, or do research. Internationally, though, it’s sometimes easier to work abroad with an MD degree. Some countries have limited recognition for DOs.

More Students Are Choosing DO

A few years ago, most people didn’t even know what a DO was. But that’s changing. Today, about one in four medical students in the U.S. is earning a DO degree. There are over 150,000 practicing DOs, and the number keeps growing. Many students are choosing this path because it matches their values, especially those interested in family medicine, community health, and whole-person care.

Salary Comparisons and Job Market Outlook

MDs and DOs earn competitive salaries, but pay can vary based on specialty, location, and experience.

Average Salaries

• Primary care doctors (e.g., family medicine, internal medicine) – Around $250,000/year
• Specialists (e.g., cardiologists, surgeons) – Can earn $350,000+ per year

MD vs. DO Salary Differences

• On average, MDs earn slightly more than DOs, but this is mostly due to specialty choice.
• DOs are more likely to enter primary care, which tends to pay less than specialized fields.
• DOs and MDs in the same specialty earn similar salaries.

Job Market Trends

• Demand for primary care doctors is growing, making osteopathic doctors highly valuable.
• Both MDs and DOs have strong job prospects, with physician shortages in many areas.
• The number of osteopathic medical students is increasing, meaning DOs will continue to expand in all fields of medicine.

At the end of the day, career satisfaction comes more from specialty choice than from whether someone holds an MD degree or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree.

Key Differences: DO vs MD at a Glance

The Bottom Line

MDs and DOs walk parallel paths. The key differences lie not in ability, but in approach and identity. If you believe in the power of preventive, whole-person care, a DO program might feel like home. If you're drawn to data, technology, and academic rigor, the MD route could be your match.

Either way, what defines your impact isn't your initials. It's how you show up for your patients.

Ready to Take the Next Step Toward Medical School?

Deciding which medical path fits you best can be challenging, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. Our expert medical school coaches can help you compare programs, strengthen your application strategy, and find the path that aligns with your goals and values. Contact our expert coaches today to get personalized guidance for your medical school journey

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FAQs

Is a DO better than an MD?

• No. Both have similar training, passed licensing exams, and are fully qualified to practice medicine.

Is MD higher than DO?

• No. Both hold a medical degree and can treat illnesses and prescribe medication independently.

Are there disadvantages to a DO degree?

• Only in international recognition. Some countries still prefer the MD qualification, but in the U.S., both are viewed equally.

Can a DO be an OB-GYN or a Surgeon?

• Yes. DOs and MDs can specialize in any field, including surgery and obstetrics, after completing the right residency programs..