Osteopathic Medicine: How are M.D.s and D.O.s alike?

Allopathic/Osteopathic Doctors

*Applicants to both D.O. and M.D. medical colleges typically have a four-year undergraduate degree with an emphasis on scientific courses.

*Both D.O.s and M.D.s complete four years of basic medical education.

*After medical school, both D.O.s and M.D.s can choose to practice in a specialty area of medicine -- such as surgery, family practice or psychiatry--after completing a residency program (typically two to six years of additional training).

*Both D.O.s and M.D.s must pass comparable state licensing exams.

*D.O.s and M.D.s both practice in fully accredited and licensed health care facilities.

Source: The AOA, www.osteopathic.org/index.cfm?PageID=ado_whatis, 31 MAY 2004.