Is It Okay to Pursue a D.O. Medical School if You Don't Get into an M.D. Program?

Is it okay to enter a D.O. (Doctor of Osteopathy) medical school if you don't get accepted into an M.D. (Doctor of Medicine) program? The answer is a resounding yes—it is entirely acceptable to apply to and attend a D.O. school if you fail to secure an M.D. program. Many students choose this path for various reasons, including the unique philosophy and educational approach of D.O. programs that emphasize holistic care and the body's natural ability to heal.

Advantages of Attending a D.O. Medical School

1. Holistic Approach

The curriculum of D.O. programs is centered around treating the whole person, which makes it an appealing choice for students interested in patient-centered care. This approach encourages the integration of physical, mental, and social aspects of health in medical practice.

2. Growing Acceptance

The acceptance and recognition of D.O. graduates in the medical field have significantly improved over the years. Many hospitals and residency programs now welcome D.O. graduates, recognizing their unique skillset and educational background.

3. Flexibility in Residency Opportunities

Upon graduation, D.O. students can apply to both D.O. and M.D. residencies, providing them with a broader range of options for their post-graduate training.

Potential Disadvantages of a D.O. Program

1. Perception

Despite ongoing changes, some individuals still hold misconceptions about the qualifications of D.O. graduates relative to M.D. graduates. However, this perception is gradually changing as more D.O.s succeed in their careers.

2. Residency Competition

The competition for residencies can be high, particularly in specialized fields where M.D. graduates may hold a slight advantage. D.O. graduates may face more intense competition for certain positions.

3. Fellowship Opportunities

Fellowships may have fewer openings for D.O. graduates compared to M.D. graduates, although this disparity is narrowing over time as more D.O.s are trained in these areas.

Is There a Systemic Disadvantage in Applying to M.D. Schools?

Traditionally, a group of M.D. schools have attracted some of the most talented and high-achieving students due to their prestige and funding. This has led to higher average GPA and MCAT scores in these schools, causing D.O. schools to appear less competitive.

A study by the U.S. News World Report identified 46 M.D. schools that skew the average GPA and MCAT scores. These schools account for about 5500 students out of the ~20,000 M.D. and ~6,000 D.O. students who applied to the common match in 2020.

While D.O. schools do not typically prepare their students for the USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination), this is expected to change. Despite the perception of a disadvantage, D.O. graduates have secured some of the most competitive residencies, including those in highly sought-after specialties.

Additionally, there are approximately 39 M.D. schools that share similar student metrics with D.O. schools. There are 176 medical schools in the U.S., with the vast majority being M.D. schools, leading to more M.D. applicants for residency slots.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the decision to pursue a D.O. or M.D. degree should be guided by your personal interests, values, and career goals. While there have been historical barriers and misconceptions, the differences between D.O. and M.D. programs are becoming less significant. Both paths can lead to fulfilling careers in medicine, and many successful physicians have come from both backgrounds.

If you align with the philosophy and approach of osteopathic medicine, attending a D.O. school can be a great choice. The systemic prejudice against D.O. graduates is diminishing, and the residency and fellowship landscapes are becoming more equitable.