Why do people pursue a D.O. degree rather than an M.D.?

Question

Is it easier to get into these schools? less rigorous training? other factors?

Answer 1

I imagine that a few do it because they agree with the slightly different philosophy. But most do it because they didn't get into the schools they applied to that offer an MD.

Since most doctors would prefer to get an MD to a DO -- the quality of student will be lower -- which is not the same as saying that it is low.

DOs still have to become board certified to practice medicine -- and the standards are the same for DOs as they are for MDs.

Answer 2

Osteopathy schools are slightly easier to get into. The MCAT scores of entrees is lower than for MD school. (It's still fiercely competitive).

Osteopathy school graduates are more likely to be generalist practitioners than go into medical specialties.

Some Osteopathy students are drawn to Osteopathy's claim to be more "holistic" than MD schools (a bogus claim, in my view)

Osteopathy made the switch from crackpottery to science-based practice about 60 years ago. Chiropractors never made that switch. The original bone-cracking Osteopathy practices are ignored by most osteopaths, and the original fruit loop aspects of Osteopathy are mainly taught in peripheral classes.

Crank practices are making a comeback in Osteopathy, as some Osteopaths embrace altmed and seek to distinguish themselves from MD physicians. This is worrisome, and might result in Osteopathy sliding backwards altogether and losing licensing privileges. Right now, they have the same privileges to diagnose and prescribe as do MD physicians.