MD's vs DO's

[ira4802]

Who has better training?

Who has better pay?

At the end of the day who's a better physician: MD or DO?

[justletmein]

This distinction does not exist in Canada and should be discussed in the American Schools forum.

 

To my knowledge, one is not "better" than the other, however DO still has a "stigma" attached to it in certain areas.

[Der Kaiser]

Main differences:

 

1) Lower admission stats for DO (on average), though some state schools may have similar stats as some of the "better" DO schools (better meaning more competitive).

 

2) DOs tend to go into primary care more often, and I think (someone correct me if I am wrong), their training emphasizes primary care a little more (during the medical student phase). Again, this can be school dependent.

 

3) OMM. DOs learn this. It is indicated for many things, but evidence suggests it may only be useful for some things (i.e. back pain).

 

For a Canadian wanting to get a residency (in Canada or US) MD is the better option. More recognized, less hoops, etc. DO is still a way better option than international though. For an American going DO might mean less access to certain residencies (though this may change over time because of the residency merger). Final assessment: from a practical standpoint MD is better (for one's ambition, etc), but in the end both are medical schools and will make you into a physician in the end.