 Show An osteopathic physician, or D.O., is a board-certified physician who is fully licensed to practice in every state and in more than 65 countries worldwide. As licensed physicians, they diagnose, treat, prescribe medications and perform surgery. D.O.s are trained to focus on the whole person, working in partnership with patients to help them achieve a high level of wellness by focusing on health promotion and disease prevention. They practice the full scope of medicine in all medical specialties, from pediatrics to geriatrics, sports medicine to trauma surgery. They may decide to work in a hospital as a surgeon, in the emergency department or in another unit, caring for patients with injuries or life-threatening illnesses like heart failure or serious conditions like diabetes. In laboratories across the country, physician researchers look for the cause of illnesses and for new and better ways to treat all kinds of diseases and injuries. They run medical centers and teach future generations of physicians and other healthcare practitioners. Many D.O.s decide on a solo or group practice in which they:
The majority of D.O.s practice general or family medicine, general internal medicine or general pediatrics with a special focus on providing care in rural and urban underserved areas. In addition to using all of the tools and technology available to modern medicine, D.O.s have a strongly holistic philosophy and practice osteopathic manipulative medicine – a distinctive system of hands-on diagnosis and treatment that focuses specifically on the musculoskeletal system. Approximately 74,000 licensed osteopathic physicians are in active practice in the United States, and more than 20% of all U.S. medical students are studying at a college of osteopathic medicine. Working ConditionsMany osteopathic physicians are primary care providers. D.O.s have a strong history of serving rural and underserved populations. D.O.s often choose to work in small private offices or clinics, often assisted by a small staff of nurses and other administrative personnel. Increasingly, physicians practice in groups or healthcare organizations that provide back-up coverage and allow for more time off. These physicians often work as part of a team, coordinating care for a population of patients; they are less independent than solo practitioners of the past. Academic RequirementsThe minimum educational requirement for entry into osteopathic medical school is three years of college, although most applicants have at least a bachelor’s degree, and many have advanced degrees. Admission to osteopathic medical schools is competitive so students should keep their GPA (overall, science, math, etc.) as high as possible. Take as many science and math courses in high school and college as possible. Consult with an academic advisor or check the prerequisites for schools of interest for courses they require for admission. In addition, it’s important to participate in extracurricular activities to build leadership, teamwork and communication skills. Take advantage of winter and summer breaks as well as the school year to gain clinical experience. Shadowing an osteopathic physician is a good way to learn about the profession and the experience can be placed on your application. Volunteering in a health organization is another way to learn more about being a healthcare provider and the healthcare system. The American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) created a timeline for undergraduates who are planning to apply to osteopathic medical school that is useful for college career preparation. Personal qualities and soft skills are also important components of admission. Osteopathic medical schools are looking for students who:
The Osteopathic Medical College Information Book is a valuable resource for anyone considering or applying to osteopathic medical colleges. This publication includes descriptions of all of the osteopathic medical colleges, admissions criteria, minimum entrance requirements, supplementary application materials required, class size or enrollment, application deadlines, and tuition. Applicants will need to take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). To apply, use the AACOMAS online application service to submit one application to all of the schools of interest. Currently, there are 33 colleges of osteopathic medicine. Find out more about how to apply to osteopathic medical school through AACOMAS. Osteopathic medical students complete four years of medical school, plus three to nine years of additional medical training through internships and residencies in their chosen specialties. After earning their degree, D.O.s also must pass state licensing exams and national boards. Learn More About a Career as an Osteopathic Physician
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The American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine reviewed this career profile. Is becoming an osteopathic physician hard?For many applicants, the answer to this question is yes, but getting accepted to an osteopathic school still isn't easy. You still need to do very well in medical school prerequisites and on the MCAT and must pursue meaningful extracurricular activities. And the competition for admission is intense.
Is it harder to get a DO or MD?Practically speaking, however, it is more difficult to get into an MD program vs. a DO program. During the 2021–2022 academic year, the average MCAT and GPA for students entering U.S. MD programs were 511.9 and 3.74, respectively.
How long does it take to become a DO vs MD?DO vs MD: Curriculum Differences. Osteopathic medical school curricula are similar to those in MD programs. Both programs take four years to complete. However, you must remember that each program varies by college.
Is a doctor of osteopathy as good as an MD?In the United States, doctors are either an MD (allopathic doctor) or DO (osteopathic doctor). For patients, there's virtually no difference between treatment by a DO vs MD. In other words, you should be equally comfortable if your doctor is an M.D. or a D.O.
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How long does it take to become an osteopathic doctor
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