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

Choosing between an MD and a DO can be confusing. Both are doctors. Both practice medicine and prescribe medication. But their training and approach are a little different.

MDs follow allopathic medicine, which focuses on treating symptoms with proven medical techniques. DOs follow osteopathic medicine, which includes a more holistic view of patient care and hands-on techniques like osteopathic manipulative medicine.

In the U.S., there are more MDs than DOs, but the number of osteopathic doctors is growing. Osteopathic medical school numbers have risen, and more students are choosing this path.

So, which is better? Well, it depends on your interests. Some students like the DO philosophy of treating the whole body. Others prefer the MD approach, which focuses more on research-based treatments. Either way, you’ll be a medical doctor and can specialize in fields like family medicine or internal medicine.

What Is an MD?

An MD (Doctor of Medicine) is a physician trained in allopathic medicine. This means they focus on diagnosing and treating diseases using research-backed treatments like medications, surgery, and other standard therapies. MD programs teach students how to manage a wide range of conditions, from infections to chronic diseases.

To become an MD, students must complete medical school, which includes classroom learning, clinical training, and hands-on experience. Most MD students attend allopathic medical schools, which emphasize evidence-based treatments. They study subjects like anatomy, pathology, and pharmacology.

After earning an MD degree, graduates enter a residency program. This is where they gain specialized training in fields like internal medicine, family medicine, or surgery. MDs can work in primary care or specialize in more advanced fields.

MDs make up the majority of doctors in the U.S. Their approach to medical care is based on proven research, and they are licensed to prescribe medication and perform surgeries.

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What Is a DO?

A Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) is a fully licensed physician who graduates from a U.S. osteopathic medical school. A Doctor of Medicine (MD), on the other hand, completes training at a traditional medical school. Both DOs and MDs can diagnose, treat, and prescribe medication, but DOs receive additional training in osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) – a hands-on approach to care.

After medical school, DOs enter a residency program, just like MDs. They can specialize in any field, from family medicine to surgery. Many DOs choose primary care specialties, such as internal medicine or pediatrics.

The osteopathic profession is growing fast. More students are choosing this path, and DOs are becoming more common in hospitals and clinics across the U.S.

Read: The 25 Best Osteopathic Medical Schools (2025)

Pre-Medical Education: Requirements and Differences

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 Training: 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.

Read: How Long is Medical School – A Year-by-Year Breakdown

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.

Licensing and Board Exams

Before they can practice medicine, both MDs and DOs must pass licensing exams. These tests prove that doctors have the knowledge and skills needed for patient care.

MDs take the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE), while DOs take the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX-USA). Both exams test medical knowledge, clinical reasoning, and decision-making.

After passing these exams, graduates must complete their residency program and then take board certification exams if they want to specialize.

While MDs and DOs take different exams, both are fully licensed to prescribe medication, perform surgery, and work in hospitals, clinics, or private practice. The licensing process ensures that all doctors, regardless of whether they attended MD programs or osteopathic medical school, meet the same high standards in healthcare.

COMLEX vs. USMLE

Both MDs and DOs must pass licensing exams to practice medicine. Here’s a quick comparison of the two main exams:

Some DOs choose to take the USMLE along with the COMLEX, especially if they want to apply to highly competitive residency programs. However, most osteopathic medical students only need the COMLEX to move forward in their careers.

Board Certification

After completing a residency program, both MDs and DOs can pursue board certification. This is an extra step that shows a doctor’s expertise in a specific field, such as internal medicine, family medicine, or surgery.

MDs typically earn certification through the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), while DOs earn it through the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) or the ABMS. Some DOs choose ABMS certification to enhance their career options.

Why get board-certified?

• It shows a high level of knowledge and skill.
• It helps doctors stand out when applying for jobs.
• It’s often required for hospital privileges.

Certification involves passing an exam and meeting other requirements like completing training in a specific specialty. While it’s not mandatory to practice medicine, board certification is a mark of excellence for both MDs and DOs.

Philosophical Approaches to Medicine: Holistic vs. Evidence-Based

MDs and DOs share the same goal: providing excellent medical care. But their approaches have some differences.

• MDs focus on allopathic medicine, which treats symptoms with research-backed treatments like medication and surgery.
• DOs practice osteopathic medicine, which takes a more holistic approach. They consider lifestyle, environment, and the body’s natural ability to heal. They also use osteopathic manipulative medicine to treat certain conditions.

Both approaches rely on science and evidence, but DOs emphasize whole-body health, while MDs focus more on targeted, research-based treatments. Despite these differences, both MDs and DOs use modern medical advancements to provide top-quality patient care.

At the end of the day, an MD and a DO can both diagnose, treat, and prescribe medicine. The best approach depends on the doctor’s training and the patient’s needs.

Osteopathic Philosophy

The osteopathic profession is built on the idea that the body is a connected system. Instead of just treating symptoms, DOs focus on overall patient care and helping the body heal itself.

A key part of osteopathic medicine is osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM). DOs use their hands to diagnose and treat conditions, especially those related to musculoskeletal pain. This approach is often used in primary care specialties, such as family medicine and internal medicine.

DOs also emphasize:

• Preventative care – Stopping illness before it starts.
• Whole-body treatment – Considering lifestyle, nutrition, and mental health.
• Patient-centered care – Looking at more than just lab results.

While DOs can prescribe medication and perform surgery just like MDs, they often combine traditional treatments with OMM to improve health in a natural way.

Allopathic Medicine

Allopathic medicine is the traditional approach to treating diseases using research-based methods. This is the foundation of MD programs and focuses on diagnosing and treating illnesses with medications, surgery, and other medical interventions.

Key principles of allopathic medicine:

• Evidence-based treatments – MDs rely on proven research to treat patients.
• Symptom-focused care – Doctors target the direct cause of a disease.
• Advanced medical technology – MDs use high-tech imaging, lab tests, and innovative procedures.

MDs work in every area of medicine, from primary care to highly specialized fields. While their approach differs from osteopathic doctors, both DOs and MDs aim to provide high-quality patient care.

Unlike osteopathic medicine, allopathic medicine does not include osteopathic manipulative medicine. However, MDs and DOs both use the latest medical advancements to treat patients effectively.

Residency, Fellowship, and Career Paths

After medical school, both MDs and DOs enter a residency program to get hands-on training in their chosen field. Residencies last between 3 to 7 years, depending on the specialty.

Residency Breakdown:

• Primary care specialties (e.g., family medicine, internal medicine) – 3 years
• Surgical and specialized fields – 5+ years
• Highly competitive fields – May require additional fellowships

After residency, some doctors choose to do a fellowship for extra training in a subspecialty. This can take 1–3 more years.

Career paths vary widely. Many DOs go into primary care, while MDs often specialize. However, both DOs and MDs can work in hospitals, clinics, research, or private practice.

No matter the path, both MDs and DOs must stay updated with medical advancements and continue learning throughout their careers.

DOs and MDs in Different Specialties: Trends and Statistics

Both MDs and DOs can work in any medical field, but trends show some differences in their career choices.

Specialization Trends:

• MDs are more likely to specialize in fields like surgery, dermatology, and anesthesiology.
• DOs tend to enter primary care specialties, such as family medicine and internal medicine.

Key Statistics:

• Over 90% of U.S. doctors hold an MD degree.
• The number of osteopathic doctors is rising—more than 25% of medical students in the U.S. are in osteopathic medical school.
• About 57% of DOs work in primary care, compared to around 30% of MDs.

Despite these trends, both MDs and DOs can work in hospitals, clinics, research, and specialized fields. The choice of specialty depends more on the doctor’s interests than their degree.

Public Trust and Professional Perceptions

Both MDs and DOs are fully licensed physicians, but public perception has traditionally favored MDs. However, this is changing as more people recognize the value of osteopathic medicine.

Common Perceptions:

• MDs are often seen as more research-focused and specialized.
• DOs are known for their holistic approach and hands-on treatments like osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM).

Changing Trends:

• More patients are choosing DOs for primary care because of their focus on whole-body health.
• Many osteopathic doctors work in top hospitals and specialize in fields beyond family medicine.
• The number of DOs is increasing, and they now hold leadership positions in major medical organizations.

In reality, both MDs and DOs receive rigorous training, and most patients see little difference in the medical care they provide. The choice between an MD and a DO often comes down to personal preference.

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.

Want to learn more? Leland offers a library of free medical school resources to help you from your application to getting into MD programs!

Final Thoughts: Should You Choose DO or MD?

Choosing between allopathic and osteopathic medicine comes down to personal preference. Both paths lead to becoming a fully licensed doctor, and both allow you to work in any medical specialty, from family medicine to surgery.

If you like the idea of a holistic approach and want to learn osteopathic manipulative medicine, a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) might be the right fit. If you prefer a more traditional, research-driven approach, an MD degree might be better.

At the end of the day, MDs and DOs work side by side in hospitals, clinics, and private practices. They both prescribe medicine, treat patients, and contribute to advancements in healthcare. What matters most is finding the right medical school and specialty that aligns with your goals.

Whether you choose an MD program or an osteopathic medical school, you’ll be taking a step toward a rewarding career in medicine.

FAQs about DOs and MDs

Is a DO better than an MD?

• Neither is better than the other. Allopathic and osteopathic medicine both prepare doctors to provide excellent patient care. MDs focus more on research-based treatments, while DOs incorporate a holistic approach and osteopathic manipulative medicine. Both can work in any medical specialty and are equally qualified.

Is it easier to get into a DO program compared to an MD program?

• Not necessarily. While there are fewer osteopathic medical schools than allopathic medical schools, making overall acceptance rates lower for DO programs, the average GPA and MCAT scores for MD programs tend to be higher. This suggests that MD programs may have more competitive academic requirements.

Do DOs and MDs take the same licensing exams?

• No. MDs take the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE), while DOs take the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX-USA). Both exams assess medical knowledge and are required for licensure, but they are distinct tests.

Can DOs specialize in the same fields as MDs?

• Yes. DOs can enter all medical specialties, just like MDs. Both complete residency programs and can pursue specialties ranging from family medicine to surgery.

Is osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) used by all DOs?

• While all DOs learn osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) during their training, not all use it in practice. Its application depends on the physician's specialty and patient needs.

Are there differences in salary between DOs and MDs?

• Salaries depend more on specialty, location, and experience than on whether a physician is a DO or an MD. Both can earn competitive incomes, especially in high-demand specialties.

Do patients view DOs differently than MDs?

• Historically, MDs were more recognized, but awareness of DOs has grown. Today, both are generally viewed as equally qualified physicians.

Can DOs practice internationally?

• MD degrees are widely recognized internationally. The DO degree is accepted in many countries, but recognition varies. It's essential to check specific country regulations if planning to practice abroad.

Do DOs and MDs attend the same residency programs?

• Yes. Since 2020, both DOs and MDs train in programs accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), allowing equal access to residency programs.