Furthermore, many of the differences between allopathic and osteopathic medical programs are dissolving in the modern health-care environment. In the past, osteopathy's insistence on preventative care and holistic healing distinguished it from allopathic training. The recent emphasis on primary care in M.D. programs is promoting even greater overlap between the two schools. Even so, there are some important differences between the two degrees.

What to Think About

• D.O. programs concentrate more effort on primary care, training strong, general physicians before specialists. They emphasize preventative care and a holistic approach to patient care, treating the whole person, not just symptoms;
  
  
• D.O. programs focus extra attention on musculo-skeletal health and train students in Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment, a unique, hands-on approach to diagnosis and treatment;
  
  
• M.D.s do their clinical rotations in a teaching hospital affiliated with their medical school while D.O.s do their clinical rotations in community hospitals and local doctor's offices;
  
  
• D.O.s must pass the COMLEX board exam to be licensed; in some cases, D.O.s also take the USMLE board exam if they choose to compete for some allopathic residency program;
  
  
• D.O.s have the option of pursuing an osteopathic residency program or applying for a residency through the National Residency Match Program ("The Match") used by allopathic physicians.

One final factor to consider is that, while most D.O.s feel that their training is as strong as, if not superior to, M.D. training, prospective D.O.s should be prepared to be a part of the minority in the medical community. Because they comprise only 6 percent of American doctors, osteopathic physicians must often explain—and sometimes defend—their educational background. When considering the weight of this issue, it may also be useful to consider where you plan to practice. In states such as Pennsylvania and Michigan, osteopathic doctors comprise about 10 percent of all practicing physicians, whereas in many Southern and Southwesters states like Arizona and Arkansas, they make up less than 1 percent of the physician population. If you are not comfortable being part of a misunderstood or minority group, osteopathy may not be a good fit for you.

Whether you chose to become an M.D. or a D.O., medical school is a long and challenging journey that will require stamina, commitment, and a lot of hard work. You will be most successful—not to mention happiest—in a program that fits with your personal philosophy and career goals. Before you apply to any medical school, allopathic or osteopathic, you should carefully consider where you can get the education you need to do the work you want to do.