Medicine 101 (Courtesy of AACOM and AAMC)

There are two types of degree programs to become a physician in the U.S.—an MD (allopathic) degree and a DO (osteopathic) degree. Most people are more familiar with MD physicians, most likely because over 93 percent of physicians in the United States have MD degrees. However, it has been projected that by 2020 there will be over 100,000 practicing DO physicians, making up 14% of the physician workforce.

Allopathic (MD) v. Osteopathic (DO) Medicine

Both MD and DO physicians utilize scientifically-accepted methods of diagnosis and treatment, including the use of prescription drugs and surgery. Educational requirements are similar. Both degrees require four years of medical school and a residency program of three to seven years. In most instances, DO and MD physicians are examined by the same state licensing board, therefore licensure for both are based on the same requirements and the same or comparable examinations. Both types of physicians are licensed to practice all phases of medicine in every state in America, and both are found in every specialty of medicine. The premedical pathway is identical for both allopathic and osteopathic schools, requiring premedical coursework (which varies slightly from school to school), the MCAT, and a bachelor’s degree.

The differences between osteopathic and allopathic degrees are centered on the basic philosophy of osteopathy. Osteopathic philosophy focuses on a holistic approach to practicing medicine, meaning treating the patient as a whole—not just the symptoms or injuries. The concept of “mind, body, spirit” is very commonly cited in the holistic philosophy of osteopathic medical education. With this philosophy comes the emphasis that structure determines function and that all the body systems are interconnected, therefore the musculoskeletal system reflects and affects the condition of all the other systems. Osteopathic schools require up to 200 hours of manipulation training on top of the medical coursework, demonstrating the emphasis placed on the musculoskeletal system. This training teaches students manual therapy and manipulation techniques, adding another tool to traditional forms of diagnosis and treatment to effectively care for patients. Other than teaching osteopathic manipulative medicine, the medical school curriculum for an MD and DO is virtually indistinguishable.

What does a physician do? (Courtesy of BLS)

Take a patient’s medical history and perform a physical exam
Document and update charts and patient information to show findings and treatments
Order tests and consultations for other physicians or healthcare staff to perform
Review test results to identify abnormal findings
Recommend, design, and implement a treatment plan
Address concerns or answer questions that patients have about their health and well-being
Help patients take care of their health by discussing topics such as proper nutrition and hygiene

Physicians focus on a particular type of practice. Within their area of focus, they also may specialize or sub-specialize.

Ready to Learn more about Medicine? Check out these resources:

Association of American Medical Colleges (information about medical careers, applying to medical school, taking the MCAT, and more; may need to create a free account to access some resources)
Core Competencies for Entering Medical Students (may need to create a free account to access)
AAMC Applicant and Matriculant Data
American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (information about the profession, applications, shadowing, and more!)
AACOMAS Course Subjects (help to determine if a course is behavioral science, biology, etc.)
Resources for shadowing a DO (may need to create a free account to access)
Choose DO Explorer tool (learn more about DO schools including application deadline, tuition, etc.)
Check out the recommended reading about osteopathic medicine
Rocky Vista University Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
University of Colorado School of Medicine
Check out the websites of other medical schools you are interested in

Ready to Pursue Medical School?

Contact your advisor to add the Pre-Medicine Advising Guide (able to add to any major, based on the requirements at CU Anschutz, not a major or minor)
Join the Pre-Health Society on campus to meet other students interested in health careers (they also have admissions reps from different professional schools come in, host a MCAT prep session, and do volunteer work)
Start reaching out to doctors for shadowing. Look at different specialties and different environments (private practice, community clinic, hospital, etc.). Keep a log/journal of your shadowing including the date/time, provider, a brief summary of what you experienced, and any reflections. This will be useful when filling out your application and writing personal statements and application essays.
Get experience in the medical field. Do you have the bandwidth to become a medical assistant, EMT, paramedic, or CNA? If so, this a great way to get experience and get paid! If not, look for webinars from the schools you are interested in, attend related events/webinars, watch relevant videos on YouTube, and follow related social media accounts. Keep track of what you do. You'll need it for your application.
Review the requirements for the medical schools you want to apply to and meet with your advisor early to make sure these courses are in your degree plan or can get worked in.
Community service is crucial as it shows your commitment to service and medicine is a service-focused profession. Choose an interest you are passionate about and look for opportunities to volunteer. Medical schools look for longevity, not one-off experiences. Focused on your academics during the school year? Use your summers! Keep track of what you do. You'll need it for your application.
Get research experience, even if it is for a summer or a semester. Connect with your faculty about research opportunities. This is a great conversation topic for office hours! Keep track of what you do. You'll need it for your application.
Is the MCAT required for the schools you want to apply to? Figure out when you're going to study and take the exam. Make sure it aligns with the application deadlines for the schools.
- Check out these free MCAT resources.
- Need a refresher on organic chemistry before taking the MCAT? Enroll in this FREE, online MCAT Organic Chemistry course
Connect with the Pre-Health Career Coach in the Career Center.
- Check out their Medical School Application Information Session recording from Jan. 2022
- Interviews are a common piece of the application process. The Career Center can facilitate a mock interview and give you feedback.
Have the Writing Excel Center review your personal statement and any additional application essays.

We wish you the best on your pursuit and look forward to working with you on this journey!