Medical Doctor (MD) vs Doctor of Osteopathy (DO)
What’s right for you?
That’s up for you to decide but we are here to help provide you information and resources.
Medical Doctor (MD) vs Doctor of Osteopathy (DO)
What’s right for you?
That’s up for you to decide but we are here to help provide you information and resources.
Request More Information
By submitting this form, I provide my signature, expressly consenting to calls, prerecorded messages, emails and/or texts regarding my educational options from American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine (AUC) and its affiliates and contractors using an automated dialing system to the number and email address provided. I understand my consent is not required to enroll at AUC, and that I can withdraw my consent at any time. To request information without consenting, please call 866-372-2282.
MD or DO: What’s the Difference?
Where Do They Overlap?
MD or DO: What’s the Difference?
Where Do They Overlap?
Doctor of Medicine (MD)
Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- Allopathic medical school
- Focus on diagnosis and treatment
- Most popular practice of medicine
- Majority practice in specializations
- Takes the USMLEⓇ for certification
- Worldwide recognition
Similarities
- MCATⓇ required
- 4 years of medical school and residency
- Eligible to apply to practice in all 50 states
- Found in every specialty of medicine
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
- Focus on holistic approach to medicine
- Trained to focus on the whole body and prevention
- Majority practice in primary care
- Takes the COMLEX-USA for certification
- Required to take an extra 200+ hours of classes
Doctor of Medicine (MD)
Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- Allopathic medical school
- Focus on diagnosis and treatment
- Most popular practice of medicine
- Majority practice in specializations
- Takes the USMLEⓇ for certification
- Worldwide recognition
Similarities
- MCATⓇ required
- 4 years of medical school and residency
- Eligible to apply to practice in all 50 states
- Found in every specialty of medicine
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
- Focus on holistic approach to medicine
- Trained to focus on the whole body and prevention
- Majority practice in primary care
- Takes the COMLEX-USA for certification
- Required to take an extra 200+ hours of classes
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Alumni Network Worldwide
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1st-time residency attainment rate for 2023-2024 grads*
*First-time residency attainment rate is the percent of students attaining a 2024-25 residency position out of all graduates or expected graduates in 2023-24 who were active applicants in the 2024 NRMP match or who attained a residency position outside the NRMP match.
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USMLE® 1st-time Step 1 Pass Rate from 2019-2023**
**First-time pass rate is the number of students passing the USMLE Step 1 exam on the first attempt divided by the number of students whose first attempt was in 2019-2023. In order to sit for the USMLE Step 1 exam students must successfully complete the Medical Sciences curriculum.
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USMLE® 1st-time Step 2 Pass Rate from 2019-2023***
***First-time pass rate is the number of students passing the USMLE Step 2 CK exam on the first attempt divided by the number of students whose first attempt was in 2019-2023. In order to sit for the exam students must earn an acceptable score on the NBME CCSE as listed in the catalog.
If You Are Uncertain Which Path To Take, Consider The Below:
Established Reputation
Research Opportunities
Find Your Perfect Balance
You don’t have to choose between a high-quality education and a supportive culture. At AUC, you get both. Our ACCM-accredited institution is designed to help students develop into practice-ready physicians with small incoming class sizes*, a supportive faculty, early community service experiences, and curriculum modeled on U.S. med schools.
At AUC, you'll find the perfect combination of a rigorous education and a supportive environment. Join our close-knit community of faculty and like-minded students who are ready to help you succeed.
*Based on average incoming classes from 2022-2023 academic year at the Sint Maarten campus.
3 ENROLLMENT SESSIONS
September 2, 2024
September 2, 2024
January 6, 2025
January 6, 2025
May 5, 2025
May 5, 2025
3 ENROLLMENT SESSIONS
September 2, 2024
January 6, 2025
May 5, 2025
Global Recognition
The MD degree enjoys global recognition and understanding, making it advantageous for those aspiring to practice medicine internationally. Many healthcare systems around the world recognize MD qualifications, simplifying licensure and certification processes in different regions. The portability of an MD degree provides flexibility for pursuing international opportunities, participating in medical missions, or engaging in global health initiatives.
According to the American Osteopathic Association, some countries have not licensed a US DO for practice..
Residency Program and Specialty Selection
While both MDs and DOs can specialize in various fields, certain competitive specialties, such as neurosurgery, orthopedic surgery, and dermatology, are more commonly filled by MDs. The flexibility in residency options allows MD graduates to pursue highly specialized areas of medicine and sub-specialties, aligning with their specific interests and career goals.
How Does AUC Fit In?
We Offer an MD Degree with a Curriculum Focused on the Whole Body.
AUC’s integrated organ systems-based curriculum focuses on learning about the mind and body as a whole. You will learn about social determinants of health, public health, psychosocial and ethical considerations in a patient-centered and evidence-based curriculum.
As a physician you choose your approach to care- if you value being holistic you can, and should, incorporate this into your practice.
Top Reasons Why You Should Apply To AUC
A Record of Success
1:1 Dedicated Support
Quality Clinical Training
Early Hands on Community Involvement
Global Elective Sites
Accredited MD Program
Your MD Journey Abroad Leads Home
Return to Your Home State for Clinicals
AUC is guaranteeing* a limited number of Year 3 core clerkships in four of our core clinical hospital areas, including New York City area, Miami area, Detroit area, and the United Kingdom. This is an opportunity for aspiring students who would like to eventually practice in their home community.
*There is a limited number of guaranteed spots available at each site per term, and AUC cannot guarantee that all eligible students will be placed at the designated site in their home area. In addition to applying to AUC, being accepted, and paying the seat deposit before guaranteed clerkship seats are filled, students must meet all eligibility requirements listed below. AUC offers three start dates per year in January, May, and September. New seats will become available for each start. An applicant may have the option to choose a later start if spots have been filled.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I practice medicine as an AUC graduate?
You'll be eligible to apply for licensure to practice in all 50 US states, Canada, to the UK and beyond.
Are AUC students eligible for financial aid?
Qualified United States citizens, permanent residents, and eligible non-citizens are able to apply and receive, if eligible, federal student loans through the Federal Direct Loan Program, which includes the Federal Direct Unsubsidized and Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan. Qualified students can borrow up to the cost of attendance. Students who wish to participate are required to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®).
FAFSA® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Education.
How selective is AUC's admissions process?
At AUC, we have rigorous standards when considering applicants. Yes, we look at the whole person—we want to know about one’s life experience, volunteerism, maturity, and commitment—but we also look closely at how a candidate performed academically as an undergraduate and their MCAT score.
Are there scholarships available?
AUC is proud to have awarded more than $55 million USD in scholarships since 2009. Scholarships are available to those who apply and qualify. Please see our full listing here.
How can I get my Visa?
If you are accepted, for a legal extended stay in Sint Maarten, you must have your passport stamped with the appropriate student visa from the Sint Maarten government. The government of Sint Maarten, with AUC’s support to facilitate the internal coordination process, will process the student visa prior to the tourist visa stamp expiration date in your passport (from when you first arrived in Sint Maarten). When you arrive in Sint Maarten, you will need to present your passport. You must show proof of a return date ticket.
Do I need to be a premed student to apply to medical school?
Short answer: No, you do not have to be a premed student to apply to medical school.
“Premed” is not a major, but rather a set of med school prerequisite courses. A premed track focuses primarily on a mix of math and sciences. Premed programs' course requirements may vary from institution to institution; however, they typically include the following...
"Attending AUC was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. While learning all the fundamentals that helped me succeed in both clinical rotations and residency, I also gained lifelong friendships, family, and unique cultural experiences I’m forever grateful for."
Brian Hachey, MD – AUC School of Medicine, Class of 2013 Cardiology
REQUEST MORE INFORMATION
By submitting this form, I provide my signature, expressly consenting to calls, prerecorded messages, emails and/or texts regarding my educational options from American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine (AUC) and its affiliates and contractors using an automated dialing system to the number and email address provided. I understand my consent is not required to enroll at AUC, and that I can withdraw my consent at any time. To request information without consenting, please call 866-372-2282.
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