EXPLAINED : Difference between MDs and DOs

Treat the patient, not the disease - the DO motto
Hi everyone! So I've been getting a lot of questions ever since I made my "How I got into med school" video about the difference between MDs and DOs. There is a lot more to the subject but hopefully this gives you a brief overview. If seen in a hospital or clinic, you probably would not even be able to tell your physician is an MD or DO unless this information is disclosed to you. In the video I also spoke about OMM/OMT - all DOs learn this but only about 5% of DOs use it regularly after residency (which is unfortunate).
I'm interested to hear what you guys know about this topic. Have you ever considered becoming a DO? And has this video changed your outlook on DOs as physicians.
REFERENCES / Additional Resources :
1. Journal of the American Osteopathic Association jaoa.org/index.aspx
2. Price-Pottenger Journal of Health and Healing; Exploring osteopathic Medicine. Vol.40/No.3 Fall 2016
3. Single Accreditation www.osteopathic.org/inside-aoa...
Pocket notebook : www.thestrivetofit.com/shop/p...
Have you seen my previous videos :
Med School Life Update | GRWM : • Med School Life Update...
HOW TO : Medical Mission Trips : • HOW TO : Medical Missi...
Ophthalmology Rotation : • Medical School | Ophth...
This channel actually started as a medical school blog in order for 5 medical students to keep in touch during clinical rotations third and fourth year. Along with my youtube videos, my friends still post regularly - they give great advice and vivid personal experiences. I think you all would really enjoy it. ellensburgdiningclub.wordpres...
Lets keep in touch
Instagram @ms_jennale
Snapchat ms_jennale

[@ObsessedPersonality]

Hi Jenny! Love your videos and thank you for introducing me to Paul Bolin videos! I liked that you explained the difference in videos, but I think there are some things that did bug me that I'd like to address in a respectful manner. 1) One thing that bugged me was that you compared becoming a DO to being a minority or a woman. You specifically and consciously made the decision to attend DO school. Whether you knew the consequences of that decision at the time of, I cannot speak on, but you did make a decision as an adult and have to deal with the consequences. So please do not make becoming a DO something that you had no control over. Women and minorities did not come into this world choosing to be women and choosing the colour of their skin. 2) Another thing that bugged me was the way you justified the philosophy of DO in superiority to MD's. I understand you chose DO based on it's grounding philosophy, and I respect that. But to insinuate that MD's do not care about patients in a holistic approach, especially in this day and age, is false. I understand that there was a lot of paternalism in previous generations of MD's, however, this was not exclusive to just MD's. It was the whole healthcare system and all those working in them. Historically and philosophically, MD's always believed in treating the patient. MD's love quoting Osler and I'll share a couple. "He who studies medicine without books sails an uncharted sea, but he who studies medicine without patients does not go to sea at all". "The good physician treats the disease; the great physician treats the patient who has the disease." 3) Another thing that bugged me was when you state that DO's are just as competitive as MD's in matching to competitive specialties. I am not saying that DO's can't match to competitive specialities, but that they are less likely to. Saying that you know people that matched to this specialty and that specialty is anectdotal evidence, which we know is not evidence-based. Numbers and statistics are there for a reason. MD's matching to more competitive specialties vs. DO's does not mean that DO's will be bad clinicians, it just means that they weren't competitive. There are those, even at Harvard, who don't match to Harvard residencies and its not ALL because they aren't competitive candidates, sometimes they are just so sick of the competition and want to work in a community hospital. And that's okay. I'm sure there are a lot of DO's who chose DO for various reason. They may have gotten into MD but it was halfway across the country. Others may not have gotten in to MD, but did get into DO, and they didn't want to wait around to try to apply again. Other's may have gotten into both, but cared less because they just wanted to do primary care. And it's okay to admit that you settled for DO, or that you settled for state school, or that you settled for primary care/anything else. At some point in everyone's life, in one way or another, we end up settling. I wrote everything above with the utmost respect for what you do, I know medical school (DO or MD) isn't easy, and creating content like this requires a lot of effort that only comes with passion. So thank you!

[@drjennale]

I want to thank you for your input and I wanted to respond with a couple of points. First I would like to apologize that I have offended you. It is rather difficult to address any topic, with the right words, in such a short time frame. Yes, I did choose to become a DO and I do understand that there are common misconceptions about this profession. My only hope this that others would judge me on what I can bring to the table, my knowledge, rather than the letters behind my name. I by no means think that DOs are better than MDs or that we are the only ones that "treat our patients" (this is a very old saying and I should have chosen my words more wisely). That are "bad" and "great" practitioners in every profession. I wish I conveyed that better in this video. Lastly, it is true that MD's match into more competitive specialties but as you said - this depends on the type of student you are and the board score you have. The resources you have as an osteopathic medical student is not any less than those of an allopathic student. So on an individual student bases, your own work ethic determines where you match. I would like to see how the statistics change once all residencies are duel accredited in 2020.

[@WeAreObject]

But DO schools do have less resources, speaking in research terms. You think the top DO school (which ranks in the 100-150 range) has the same amount of resources and connections as WashU, Duke, Harvard, Princeton?

[@drjennale]

+Infinite Knowledge The medical knowledge that you will be able to obtain as a DO is the same as those of a MD. And when I speak of resources - I speak of the resources need to become a great physician. Whether MD or DO, it is what you do with your studies, your work ethic, and your attitude that shapes the physician you will become. Not the letters behind your name or where you went to medical school. At the end of the day MDs and DOs will be filling the same jobs, held up to the same medical standards. I've seen a lot of your comments and it is obvious we have differing opinions - so let's agree to disagree.

[@softbreezy6052]

Thank you, YoursTruly. You expressed my thoughts perfectly! I, too, was surprised she tried to throw away statistical evidence based on anecdotes. Pre meds need to take everything they heard on youtube with a grain of salt.

[@sabrinapineda1675]

Jenny Le I

[@arinbrandenburg9723]

I feel that anyone commenting and bashing DO's is probably not an MD themselves, and if you are I hope you realize that in the field a DO is respected equally as much as an MD. MDs work side by side with DOs. If you cannot respect a DO then I cannot imagine you doing well in the medical field because you rely on the work of many different people that chose a different path than you. And I don't know why you would need that sort of validation? MDs are smart. DOs are smart. Nurses are smart. Hell you could even have a medical assistant that is smart. People lead different lives and belittling someone because you feel they are a threat to your intelligence is pretty sad. Best of luck 💞

[@JM-gy1ev]

There is an unspoken hierarchy in medicine between MDs>> DO>> MDs from the carribean Of course DOs and MDs work together, but you find DOs doing mostly primary care, and MDs doing longer specialties. Sadly, DO students have it worse than DOs. because as a DO student they do have this stigma of "rejects of med school" - this is what DO students tells me, and how some MDs vew them. You literally have to work hard as a DO student to prove you are as good as a med student. I'm not saying it's right, but that's what happens behind the scenes because when applying to residency, the MD vs DO does matter. In the real world, most patients could care less as long as you are a good doctor.

[@mike112693]

There's no hierarchy lol. it's just people pefer one over the other. doesn't make one better than another

[@MQLin910]

@@mike112693 And, I think as more and more students go into DO, this hierarchy or perceived stigma will continue to decrease as years go by! Plus with the residency merger in 2020, that reduces the "rifts" even more.

[@ThatGirlPearl]

MD, DO, does it really matter? Same amount of work, same pay grade. Not really sure why ppl try to downplay one over the other. A physician is a physician. SIMPLE! Loved this video!

[@daisneylacroix]

MD's, and Do's are basically the same thing people. I'm currently preparing to go to an osteopathic medical school. You are my motivation

[@drjennale]

That is awesome!! Good luck :)

[@taryn4669]

Daisney but there is a difference

[@anureetkaur5635]

Daisney do foreign medical graduates need USMLE scores for applying to DO

[@AmyStylinson]

Anureet Kaur yes. Pls don't let the internet fool you, it's the same as being an MD in every relevant way, including application criteria.

[@bhojjadamotabanda]

Anureet Kaur If you are alredy a medical graduate, why would want to do a DO? DO and MD are first medical degrees in the US, unlike most other places where MD is used for the specialised postgraduate medical degree after your first medical degree.

[@sweetcheekshoney]

My bf just finished residency and he's a DO. He's the smartest and worked so hard. Try to not let ignorant people ruin your day! I love watching your videos!

[@drjennale]

+Vy Voo Congrats to your boyfriend! You must be so proud 🤓

[@marklucero1136]

How long did it took ? From osteopathic school + residency?

[@drjennale]

I'm interested to hear what you guys know about this topic. Have you ever considered becoming a DO? And has this video changed your outlook on DOs as physicians.

[@jordanmelbourne435]

Please do a video on osteopathic medicine and How you chose what you wanted to do after medical school. Also could you do a video on how you were able to stand out from others when applying to Medical School and How you Study. I am going to be a Pre-med major or Biochemistry major in the fall. So excited for college.. and I have been binge watching a ton of pre-med and medical videos. I love your videos, your so inspirational

[@OliveHazyMama]

Jenny Le your video is very informative, thank you! Unfortunately in Pre-Med community DO schools are treated as "second choice" after MD schools, which is so incredibly unjustified and always makes me upset. I am considering to apply to a DO school, and I loved hearing more about DO philosophy from you.

[@kaitlynkilpatrick36]

Jenny Le I am currently pre DO and want to do family medicine! I like the philosophy better personally, though MD is no joke as well. I do like the emphasis on the musculoskeletal system and the preventive medicine aspect.

[@dancingwiththedocs134]

Jenny Le I have thought extensively about becoming a DO. However, I thought that they weren't encouraged to practice surgery, and that is a specialty I am really looking into, but I've seen that there are still opportunities in any specialty. Another thing I love about DO's is that they "treat the patient and not the disease." I appreciate the fact that they treat with a "whole-body diagnosis" mindset. I vaguely heard about the merge but I'm interested in learning more about it and watch more of your videos. Thanks for you're openness and transparency. You're awesome!

[@gbritto98]

Hey Jenny I was just wondering if DOs can go into surgery?

[@ej_l2525]

This is the specialty I want to work with. I want to become a DO rather than MD and then prescribing people to take drugs to make them feel better whilst not even having to check their inner health and their lifestyle. . I value health and nutrition so much and taking care of my patients. I see myself here.

[@MadameWinnell]

Great mindset , I'ma 2nd yr DO student and I made a video showing an inside look at our training at school so lmk if you have any questions.

[@devneetsingh5573]

I'm currently in high school and have an interview for an accelerated BS/MD program at Albany Medical College tomorrow. You are such an inspiration--intelligent and beautiful. Thank you for your videos! 😊

[@drjennale]

That's amazing! Good luck!!

[@mrspokitstheriot477]

Devneet Singh How did it go!?

[@blakemuller5149]

Grats, but Union College sucks lol

[@purettyzz]

I'm in high school too, how'd you get the interview and what steps did you take to get there?

[@upasnas3220]

Devneet Singh How are you doing now?? Where did you decide to go for college? I’m a senior rn and it’s been a ride to decide which college to go to!

[@annaslovesyou]

I work as a scribe in the emergency department and to be honest i prefer working with the DOs a lot better. I find that they are more kind, have better patient care, and are the types of doctors I want to be and it's also why I'm considering to apply to DO schools instead. My preprofessional advisor told me my first time meeting him that if you want to be a doctor for the title you should stop trying to be one right now and I think that's such good advice. The title doesn't matter, you're still gonna be a doctor. I also have been watching your vids for a while and you're my goals! I wish you the best and thank you for being such an amazing role model and inspiration for me!

[@ozilynn]

I completely understand. I am a neuroscience major at my school and I always get looked down upon when I tell people that I'm getting my degree from the humanities and social sciences college rather than the college of natural and agricultural sciences even though I take the EXACT same classes as CNAS neuro majors and have to complete the EXACT same number of units.

[@stephmiller531]

Love this Jenny! OMS-II here. I remember at the beginning of med school they told us to prepare an "elevator speech" about what a D.O. is. While I initially sometimes got annoyed or frustrated that I had to explain our profession and justify our equality, I now try to think of it as an opportunity to educate.. So that maybe one day the differences will be common knowledge and we won't need to prove our worth as equals! Good luck with the match process!

[@drjennale]

Thank you so much! I love your outlook on the situation. Med school passes by so fast so enjoy it!

[@amjtexas]

Thank you so much for your openness and vulnerability. You're an excellent healer. Your video has persuaded me to seek out a DO as my primary care physician. Blessings on the rest of your journey.

[@annaxiong1434]

Great video Jenny! Thank you for sharing so much information and for gathering courage to make this video. I love you so much, continue to strive!

[@JoseRamirez-ee5mx]

GOSH. I love watching your videos. Your passion really inspires me. Don't ever let anyone get you down because you're going to be an amazing physician, and you know that!

[@AnnaNguyen-zb7bo]

Hi Jenny, I am a premed student and I'm REALLY interested in going to a DO school after I graduate. You are so brave for putting yourself out here on KZbin, where people can criticize you. But I want to remind you that although there is criticism, you've helped so many people like me gain a better understanding of what being a DO is all about. Please please please post up a longer video of what OMM/OMT is!!! Thank you for every video you've made thus far, you inspire me!!

[@mr.mrs.jstevenson9160]

I LOVE DOs! I think they are all great and really appreciate their philosophies. Have always had better support from DOs. Thank you for your video. Good luck, Jenny!

[@AdamU1016]

Great video, Jenny! I noticed this video is 3 years old so you would be a resident now in whatever field you have chosen. I have been a DO for 26 years now. I am MD double board (ABA) certified in Anesthesiology and CHOP (Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia) Peds Fellowship trained in Pediatric Anesthesiology. I have encountered some discrimination during my med school, internship, residency, fellowship, and even as an attending. It used to bother me at first but having been in practice now for 21 years and double boarded and Director of Pediatric Anesthesiology at my hospital in NJ, I really don’t give a shit anymore. Pardon my language. It has never really affected my drive and determination to succeed. Even the one doctor that questioned my qualification as an attending when he first met me ended up requesting for me to take care of his mother 5 years later when she needed surgery. There is probably much less discrimination now than when I was a Med student since there is now Dr. Google to set things right for people. My best Med school friends have become general surgeons, vascular surgeon, hospitalist, family physician, and ER physician and we keep in touch with one another almost daily as we discuss our personal and professional lives. My other classmates have become internist, radiologist, dermatologist, plastic surgeon, endocrinologist, ENT, etc. We are all successful and have had no regrets. My daughter will be applying to both MD and DO schools and whichever path she chooses I will be proud of her. Thanks for your video in educating the masses and informing those about to embark on their medical journey. I still recommend Medicine (whether MD or DO) as the field to choose despite all the changes that have occurred. Good luck in residency!

[@kamillianne1941]

Dr Google😊

[@MzMary801]

Ok this the 2nd video I've seen and your makeup is flawless! Love that it's simple! Subscribing coz I love it! :)

[@catieandthebopeeps]

I just found you, and you’re an absolute gem of a person! I know I’m late to this topic/video, but I wanted to say that when I seek out a physician I specifically look for a DO. ❤️

[@michaelbaliton4527]

Thank you for being so honest about your degree, your experience with becoming a DO. It's not easy to be so transparent. But! For students contemplating medical school and considering the DO route, this was really really helpful. I appreciate your videos & sharing your hard work. Thanks so much.

[@joneleha4468]

love this video ... thank you for clearing up this doubt .... all the best for your future career..

[@mystogan292]

I find your life experiences really intriguing. You're an amazing women, and it's even more amazing to hear you overcome obstacles in your life. #YouGoGirl

[@bethanyandrews5058]

I love how passionate you are❤I'm only in high school but I am going to be a surgeon and your videos really help to educate me about the journey ahead💕Thank you and I love you.Keep doing what you're doing, you are amazing.

[@drjennale]

Thank you so much! And enjoy the road towards medicine - you end up learning a lot about yourself :)

[@JessicaMHernandez]

One of Jamie's Flamingo notebooks😁👍🏼...I really enjoy watching your vlogs. You're motivational. Like the saying goes, "When you do something wonderful people may want to imitate it"🤓

[@drjennale]

You are so sweet, thank you! And yes!! Jamie's notebook - I love supporting my fellow hardworking females!

[@tiffinfish]

Thank you for educating me on what DO's actually do in there work. I think the stereotype of a DO not being "as good" as an MD comes from not being informed correctly about their practice. You are putting up amazing videos and I would love to see the OMM/OMT video to learn more about osteopathic medicine. You're going to a dope physician. Stay strong!! :)

[@drjennale]

Osteopathic physicians are also newer as a profession than allopathic. So establishment and reputation play a roll in fulling the misconception as well. Thank you so much for watching! I really appreciate it.

[@AmandaRodriguez89]

Hi Jenny! I loved this video. I'm interested in becoming a DO because, I've always thought DO's learned even more than MD's. The same curriculum and then some! You go girl. #GirlPower #DOPower

[@drjennale]

YES!! Makes me so happy to see other people excited about this profession.

[@Fandomonium456]

This was the video that convinced me to look into being a D.O., shadow D.O’s, visit the instate D.O. school, and fall in love with that school and the overall philosophy. I chose to attend my dream D.O. school instate over a private M.D. school instate, and I cannot wait to attend in the fall! I am literally SO excited to become my journey as an osteopathic physician, and I owe it all to you!! I don’t even know where I would be if it weren’t for this video :)

[@ayalajoy]

Hello Jenny! I am new to your channel and I wanted to sincerely thank you for giving me so insight into the DO world and your personal life as well. I am testing for the MCAT in April and my plans are of applying to LECOM- a DO School in Bradenton, FL. I recently got engaged and sometimes it feels like there is just a lot on my plate (studying, thinking of a wedding, etc). THANK YOU for showing me and al of your subscribers that yes! it IS possible to manage several things and like you say, there is really not a perfect time for things, so we have to do what we love and believe in. Again, thank you so much for sharing your life with me! Gives me all sort of hope! Kudos to you! :) -Joy

[@balletd11]

Originally I thought about applying only to MD schools since DOs can be looked down on in CA, which is where I live and hope to live for the rest of my life. However, I am much more passionate about the philosophy of DOs as compared to that of MDs. I decided that if I am going to invest my youth years and a lot of money, then I might as well go with what I believe is the right state of mind. It is very encouraging to see that other people like yourself hold the same passion for osteopathic medicine even after it is considered second to allopathic. Thank you for sharing your journey with us!

[@Pixlanta]

I love your videos, so helpful and informative ❤️👍🏼👏🏻

[@ThumpingPeaches262]

super enlightening!! thanks so much!! im really glad you chose to do this video I really wouldn't have known the difference other than what I was socialized to think. I loved it!

[@drjennale]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@ThumpingPeaches262]

Jenny Le thank you so much for replying ♡♡

[@Theredheadguru]

I’ve done thorough research and decided I’m applying the DO route I really enjoy that there’s a hands on approach to medicine and you treat the patient as a whole love the mind body spirit concept and OMM looks really school

[@carlyemings7481]

Hi! I just started watching your videos today, and I am super encouraged :). I will be attending an osteopathic medical school starting this summer and I also want to get married soon, so it was cool finding someone who has done both (+a kid!) successfully :). And I 100% agree with and love your video on the difference between DO's and MD's! It makes me super sad when it seems like people may think that DO students are not as smart as other students because they're DO's, when they actually have additional training. I ended up feeling like I really wanted to get the training in OMM and to practice from a preventative-focused approach, because that's what I really believe in, so I chose DO anyway :). And every time I see something like your video, it makes me glad I did! (Nothing against MD's-they're super awesome too :)) )

[@bajodah1847]

your makeup is really gorgeous. so pretty♡

[@ValentineLissar]

Hi, osteopathic student here. I want to make a point of clarification here about unopposed programs. I think there's still a lot of value in going to an opposed program for third year because you can see how you're supposed to act in the pecking order and some of the other responsibilities that a resident learns. Also you lose out on getting the didactics that a program with residents get with morning report, noon conference, grand rounds, and m and m board or simulation labs if you go to an unopposed program. The other thing is that residents are very good teachers who may have more time to teach if your preceptors have to leave to go to other hospitals. But I will agree I didn't get the same opportunities to do as many procedures in my third year but my Med school sent me to a place where I rotated big teaching hospitals where I rotated alongside md students though our curriculums and requirements were different.

[@drjennale]

Yes. I would totally have to agree with you. I had more of this during my fourth year.

[@ValentineLissar]

I also think that the merger is its own can of worms... On paper it's great for osteopathic students but in reality it affects certain specialities negatively. If you're a osteopathic student going into primary care, it's great. But if you're going into a surgical sub specialty it's not. Not that I have personal experience with it, but I've heard stories from other students going into urology that a lot of the places that were aoa residencies that have now become acgme certified interviewing a ton of md applicants. For example he said on his interview day for the two urology positions at the previously aoa place 15 out of 17 applicants were md, and to him that was very frustrating because they were from big name schools. His perspective was that these residencies were hoping to get residents from these big me schools to increase the program's reputation but what does that mean for the rest of us osteopathic students?

[@drjennale]

My concern with the merger is that is blurs the lines too much - soon there may no longer be osteopathic recognition. In terms or residencies and sub specialties, we also have to look at the fact that many DOs are applying ACGME as well. My friends who are going into surgery, urology, OBGYN, anesthesia, FM, and IM are all applying ACGME.

[@ValentineLissar]

That being said I get that the merger allows osteopathic students to retain opportunities to specialize if they go into IM or FM. I will say I haven't encountered any discrimination on my end with doing away rotations at big institutions. But at the same time I am also picking places that have dos in the program. The only place that has given me discriminatory vibes was university program that did it very subtly. They required all residents to take the usmle step 3 in order to complete the program as an institutional policy. It's not a big deal on paper because I took usmle step 1 and 2 ( the md student licensing board exams) but in order to take the usmle step 3 I need to take the CS which again is not hard to pass but the CS is another 1200 dollars on top of the cost of the usmle step 3, which isn't required anymore at the level of resident training if you're a do. Fellowship programs don't even care if you take the usmle step 3 as a do. Anyhow my theory is that they just want to make it harder and more expensive to go to their program and so while they say they don't discriminate, they really do because all the osteopathic applicants self select themselves out of their pool. Sorry if I sound bitter but that program was an okay program ( in the lower end of the places I did sub-Is ) but it was in my hometown.

[@drjennale]

That is so frustrating. None of my friends mentioned having to take step 3! Thank you for sharing your story and frustrations. It is nice to hear from fellow DOs and their perspective.

[@Musixz4life]

Thank you Jenny! I learned something new today!

[@jimball816]

very articulate explanation. new words 4 me such as didactic and preceptors. u worry too much. u r a doc. u made it. go out have fun & help people. there are always skeptics. no big deal.

[@veronicajordan1231]

Hi Jenny! I've recently been looking up the DO profession and I love their philosophy and your videos have been very helpful. I'm from Puerto Rico and we don't have DO's here.I graduated this May and I majored in Biology and I would like to practice medicine in my country. I was wondering if there is a way an MD can get certified to practice OMT?

[@carlycuevas8882]

HELLO! I HAVE A QUESTION! I live in California and I currently attend a Junior College and I'm transferring soon. Can you tell me what you think is the best UC's to apply?

[@jeremiahhughley3141]

Thank you so much for this video!

[@goodsoul1056]

Hi Jenny, I wanted to ask you which school you had attended. I would like to go the osteopathic path (becoming a DO) but my mom thinks that being MD is better rather becoming a DO. I also thought that the osteopathic route was more holistic. I know this video was made a year ago and you're probably pass this but if you do see and can get back to me with information that would be greatly appreciated 🙏🏽

[@Dahlia_Kaitlyn]

Why did you choose d.o.? I am a current pre med student and am considering it heavily right now (mostly because of my low stats); I’m also considering doing a post bac in the case that I want to choose md over do. I feel like there’s so much stigma in the medical community towards dos so I’m really trying to pick which one I feel will suit me best... idk. I want to specialize in obstetrics and gynecology (as of right now but I’m sure that could change). How easy is it for dos to get into specialties? And which one do they most often go into? Btw I love your channel so much!!!!

[@TiaDonita]

So once you complete medical school, MD and DO will be able to apply to the same residency programs? I’m looking into DO, and I noticed there weren’t very many programs for DO versus MD, so I was concerned it would be the same for when it comes time to apply to residencies.

[@605elizabeth]

Hello Jenny, I'm so glad you did this video because know I have a better understanding on DO's. I am recently doing my prerequisites towards a bachelor's degree in nursing because I want to have a plan B in case I don't get into med school right away. I know I'm taking a long path and it scares me a lot but I hope one day to become a great physician. Thank you for being a great inspiration. I would like to know more about shadowing a doctor, your experience as a pre med student and the challenges of becoming a doctor.

[@drjennale]

I will keep this in mind when planning my videos. Thank you for your input!

[@porschicagriffith3989]

Hello, I am currently in graduate school receiving my MPH with hopes of attending medical school. Over the course of my studies I have become intrigued in learning more about become a DO instead of an MD. I believe it's an amazing profession to look into. Thank you for the tips and information.

[@gabriellebrwn92]

You motivate me! Love you girl!

[@torigoold8695]

Thank you! And thank you for what you do!

[@limitlesslife7536]

I met this girl who is graduating from med school in 2-3 months and is DO. We enjoy and have a great time with each other when together. She is planning to go for residency for 4 years starting june. Your videos are helping me understand what challenges can potentially come up we we end up getting into a relation and also help me understand her challenges. Thankyou.

[@laurelwartenberg5723]

Hi, I was just curious how you find out what schools have unopposed auditions? And if you don't mind, what school do you go to? Thanks so much! :)

[@USAkitten]

I had never heard osteopathic medicine and philosophy explained like you have here; I think I may consider more options for my post-graduate programs. Thank you for opening a new window!!

[@drjennale]

That's awesome! Thank you so much for watching.

[@emilym2675]

Did you get to do any intubations during your ER rotation? Thanks!

[@tutukanizungu1616]

I am so glad you highlighted Russia, as a Russian Medical Student...You answered my question before I even asked for clarity loll...Thanks, Great vid 'as always'!

[@helpsaveanimalsdude]

Hi Jenny, I can understand your frustration. I'm going to naturopathic medical school, I'm not sure if you know about them, but there is a huge discrimination against ND's as well. I considered doing DO since they are more accepted but I'm really passionate about a truly holistic mind body and preventative approach to medicine so I chose to go the ND route. Idk if NDs will ever be as accepted as DOs but like you said the training in sciences is very similar it's just a different philosophy with some different approaches and treatment methods for healing.

[@iluvbluify]

I don't mean to sound ignorant (I'm from the UK and medical training is very different here - an osteopath wouldn't go to medical school as osteopathy is considered an alternative medicine), but if DOs and MDs are trained the same then what's the point in the existence of two different qualifications? Thanks!

[@drjennale]

We have different philosophies on medicine plus osteopaths are trained in OMM. As an osteopath we taught to treat the patient rather than the symptom or disease.

[@iluvbluify]

Okay thank you - but could that not be incorporated into one degree? I'm just interested in how the professionalisms differ across the world

[@drjennale]

We are somewhat moving in that direction with the residency merger - I left links to site where you can get more information if you are interested.

[@vanhoot2234]

In Canada it is similar to the UK they are not equivalent. US are ahead with this respect.

[@Dr.Topher]

An osteopath of the UK is not the same as an osteopath in the US. In the US a DO is an equivalent degree to an MD with the addition of OMM training. In the UK, from my understanding, you are correct that is it alternative med in that they do not always use science based medicine.

[@MrsARosenberg]

Thank you! I'm a clinical dietitian and we have a few DOs in my hospital and I was wondering what the difference between MDs and DOs.

[@ashleyp3006]

This was a great video! Looking to apply to med school for September 2018, and I am in Canada. Great to hear the difference and know that in canada DOs aren't able to do the same things that MDs do. Surgery is where I would love to end up so the clarification is so helpful! I really wish it was different and that this would be an option to pursue. I do like more holistic approaches to medicine. Question for you. From what I understand a DO is different than an ND, naturopathic doctor. Is this a correct understanding?

[@drjennale]

Yes you are correct, DOs are different than naturopathic doctors. In the US, naturopaths are not allow to prescribe western medications and I do not think they follow all medical guidelines (I may be wrong because I have not been exposed much naturopaths).

[@jenniekim1294]

hi! did you choose to be an OD? like do you get the choice to pick what "type" or "label" sry idk what to call it but you know what i mean!

[@treepjet]

I know this is a bit personal and you want your anonymity but can you give us a sense or clue to what school you went ? I've applied to bunch of DO schools and have upcoming interviews and I need to decide what the best one is. Thanks.

[@LifeofDeVonsha]

OMG!!! Thanks for this video!! 😊😊

[@destinysanni8003]

i love your videos you are so smart and inspiring, especially to young girls. I am an aspiring Doctor and i feel blessed to have found your channel for motivation. xoxoxoxo ~ hugs and kisses to you and your family

[@hailsnelson4858]

I know that the first two years you spend in a classroom and i was wondering do you just study in medical school or do you have other kind of homework like papers

[@TheBodyScientist81]

Thanks so much for this video!

[@luckystarz412]

I've always been confused what the differences between MD and DO were. Thank you so much for breaking it down in such a clear way. This video was extremely helpful. Because DOs get extra training on the muscoskeletal system and education in OMT in school, can this at times create moments in which patients have to seek specific treatment from a DO instead of an MD?

[@laurenromero5503]

Hello, I want to be a DO because I would love to do alternative medicine and have a more holistic approach to medicine. I would like to go to the Medical School of South Carolina, but can I go to MUSC for a DO degree?

[@insaneabe]

I start in a DO program this coming fall. I'm a nurse and I like the DO philosophy. I'll be 26 years old when I start. Will I be an old man when I start compared to other students? Love your videos Jen! Keep it up

[@drjennale]

+eeebrahim Congratulations!! And not at all. I started med school at 24

[@andrewcao6135]

+Jenny Le asian ppl look young so we shouldn't be worried about that

[@ValentineLissar]

Also, great video! Agree with your points and keep fighting the good fight.

[@drjennale]

Thank you! Good luck with match!! It is so close.

[@barborakackova4577]

I come from Europe (Slovakia) and we do not have MD. or DO., but MUDr. We go to med school right after high school based on how well we write entrance exams from biology and chemistry. No undergrad studies, however our medical school takes 6 years to finish and then you have something similar to internship, when you can earn your own "acreditation", or a specific specialty. Level above that is either having your own practice or becoming the head of the department. I find it so interesting how schools in USA work, also because I can't seem to understand why you have to go to undergraduate studies (as a big part of what you cover in those 3-4 years, we already cover in high school). Have you ever thought about whether it is good to have undergraduate studies rather than a little bit more time in med school? :) Thank you for your answers!

[@carolinar4973]

Jenny, I'm studying to get into Med School in Brazil, and I've never heard of Osteopathic medicine before! It seems really interesting, I'd love to watch more videos about this topic! And as about the haters, there's always gonna be someone who lacks both knowledge and respect trying to pull you down, don't listen to this kind of people! They're not worth your attention ;) Thanks for explaining it to us, loved the video!! :D

[@drjennale]

Words of wisdom! I have been getting better at ignoring all the negativity.

[@thedrasc1465]

Hi Jenny, thank you so much for this informative video. I was just wondering, how do you tell if a program is un-opposed or opposed? Would that be listed on the school's website?

[@drjennale]

This will take a little bit of research. Each medical schools have associations with specific hospitals. You have to check the hospital website to see which residency programs are at that specific hospital. Or you can just ask during your interview with the med school!

[@HoneyAura]

Hey Jenny! I've been speaking to my cousin about medical school and she was the one who told me about DOs. I'm very into self-healing (self-love and self-care as well!) and am thinking of going this route. Do you know of any post-bacc premed programs that focus on becoming a DO? or does it not matter when applying to med school? Thank you!

[@drjennale]

+Ashley Robinson There are specific post-bac programs that transition you into their specific DO program but you should have to do some research to see which DO schools provide that.

[@somethingsmatter]

Hi Jenny! I love your videos! I live in Austria, and here Osteopaths are really popular, especailly to treat babies after birth for example if they have tight muscles due to positions in utero or during labor. (Many moms recommend taking fussy babies to osteopaths for that reason). Have you been able to use any of your osteopath training on Wyatt?

[@drjennale]

+somethingsmatter Yes I have!! You can also use it for babies with poor latch. And I believe my treatments help his head become so round 😂

[@tiffanyhercules1870]

Thank you so much for this!

[@maazamin1759]

To go into general surgery or Emergency Medicine did you have to take the USMLE along with the COMLEX?

[@drjennale]

General surgery- you should take both. Emergency medicine no.

[@Jamaicanzeta08]

Jenny I am c/o 2018 DO and I noticed you mentioned the Match...are they merging it for my year or the year after that?

[@drjennale]

I just got an emailing saying that "47% of AOA programs have been accredited, or have pre-accreditation status, only 18 months into the five-year transition to the single accreditation system (SAS)" You can check if the school has been accredited or filed for accreditation by going to the AOA opportunities website. I believe all programs will merge by 2020.

[@vanhoot2234]

I have a question. How do you think the merger will affect IMGs

[@drjennale]

I fell like it would be even harder for IMGs to secure residency spots in the US just because the class sizes in medical schools are expanding while residency spots are not. In some sub specialties like ophthalmology, residency spots are actually declining.

[@lauracabrera8257]

I think he spoke from the bottom of your heart. I understand what you mean feeling as an "asian" or "girl" in a negative way. Some people would never be able to understand this bc they don't live it daily. I have a big admiration for you!

[@Conquered.lifeFl]

Hi Jenny! Thanks for explaining your craft with conviction. As a personal trainer, I am surprised I haven't heard more about your title. I am looking forward to learning more. the D.O. motto, "treating the patient, not the disease is definitely what I think the world needs more of- Blessings to you!

[@christopherwwoo]

will you be trying to match for both allopathic (NRMP) and osteopathic (NMS/AOA) residency programs?

[@drjennale]

The programs that are already duel accredited are participating in the NRMP match. Though I interviewed at both, my top program choices are doing the NMS match. Rank list closed yesterday!

[@ValentineLissar]

Jenny Le ooo good luck!!!! Hope you get your top choice!

[@robertcastro9217]

It sounds like DO's are required to have a little more education, the OMM training, than MD's are required. Is this true and is this were the schooling differs?

[@KH-dg8or]

Hi Jenny, I don't know why is MD schools have higher average MCAT score than DO schools?

[@tomare6479]

As a proud black soon to be doctor of MD, I just wanted to give my opinion on this. I think DO's are just as legit as MD. If you can get through this material and do your best, you deserve rewards for dedication and sacrifice.

[@drjennale]

Thank you! We will all be colleges one day - might as well get along and respect each other.

[@chloeedwards8946]

Hi Jenny, two questions for you :) 1. I have been under the assumption that there are far more allopathic medical schools in the country than there are osteopathic schools. Is this correct? If so, I'm wondering if you applied to any allopathic medical schools (as back-ups) in addition to osteopathic schools, given that there are fewer to choose from. 2. Could you give an example of a situation in which you or your preceptor successfully used OMM to treat a patient's condition? Thank you!

[@drjennale]

1. Yes there are more allopathic medical school but I believe osteopathic schools have been increasing in class size while allopathic has not. I only applied to osteopathic school because I knew I wanted to learn OMT. 2. OMM is used on a daily basis to treat any sort of pain - back pain, shoulder pain, knee pain, etc. I've used it to help patient increase their range of motion. I have used it during my OBGYN rotation to help pregnant ladies with their nausea, to help them take deeper breaths, and ease the process of vaginal deliveries. I have used OMT to relieve head aches and facilitate bowel movements. These are just a few things that basic OMT can do to help a patient - relieve pain, decrease the use of medications, and increase quality of life.

[@lookingforsure]

can i ask how old you are ? you are so mature, you're becoming my inspiration !

[@drjennale]

I will be turning 28 in February!

[@lookingforsure]

thank you for answering :D

[@kattymalan1995]

I agree with lookingforsure your becoming my inspiration and motivation. I've always wanted to be a physician but still haven't decided on MD or DOs

[@clare2316]

I need some advice, I already have a B.S. in Business...I have 4 classes of prerequisite to complete before applying for a accelerated nursing school where I will get prelicensure for RN, and then get my masters. nursing is something I always wanted to do, but in reality I wanted to be a doctor, I am going to be 32 this year and I feel maybe is should just stick to nursing, would it be easier to instead go to medical school?

[@jonsopher6766]

Hi Clare, not sure what you chose, but there Nursing is a long and expensive program to pursue. MD is even more demanding. The DO program is easier to get into but also a multi year discipline. Don't go into it for the money.

[@ValentineLissar]

Hi! Thanks for your lovely responses to my comments. I guess though you misunderstand me about my perspective on the merger. As osteopathic students we already have access to acgme residencies regardless of the merger. I'm going only acgme for my IM residency and all my friends who want to do anesthesiology and Ob/Gyn and peds and pmr are going acgme. Heck, more than half my class goes acgme every year. But it's the traditional sub specialties that were protected for Osteopathic students that are going to hurt and are getting encroached upon by md applicants. Who's to say this will be the last few classes where you see osteopathic ortho, Derm, urology, ophthalmology, plastic, ent, and path doctors or will those fields now become dominated by mds? I get that most osteopathic schools want it's graduates going to primary care but my school is one of the few where they don't care what you want to do. They try to help you get it and a tiny fraction of our school ends up in those sub specialties they're at aoa and some fantastic places. I think there might be a loss of osteopathic distinction in some specialties but honestly outside of FM, the other aoa subspecialties don't really use omt. One of the hospitals I rotated at for my third year was a large osteopathic teaching hospital and the DO surgeons and Ob/ Gyn residents never used omt in their day to day practice.

[@drjennale]

I see what you're saying - many physicians had this same concern with the merger. Not something we can control now but I just make it a point to be as competitive as my MD colleges. I would hope after the merger osteopathic sub specialties will give DOs some sort of bias based on our osteopathic philosophy. As for OMT, only about 5% of DOs end up using it regularly after residency and I find that very unfortunate. Especially in specialities like OBGYN.

[@Shawnee11759]

Hi Jenny. I love your videos. I am looking forward to becoming a DO. I am in a oriental medicine program right now. When I graduate I will have a Bachelor/Master degree in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (acupuncture and herbal medicine combined.) Both programs are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM). I plan to also take the exam to become a license herbalist, because I heard that some states require the license to practice. After I plan to attend the Touro School of osteopathic medicine in Middleton NY. Do you have any tips on applying to a osteopathic school. Thank you for your videos. They keep me inspired and motivated.

[@drjennale]

I'm not part of the administration process, so I am not sure how they decide who gets an acceptance offer. But I believe that knowing yourself and knowing why you want to pursue medical school (specifically osteopathic medical school) will help a lot during this application process.

[@tintisor]

I'm a med student in Romania. We have a similar problem here, there are multiple public med schools in the country, but only one private med school. After med school there is only one residency program which means the exam to get in is the same, but there is this stigma that if you attended the private school you are less qualifaied even if your exam results are higher than those of someone who attended a public school. What is the best way you know to deal with people that try and put you down, just beacuse of their preconceived ideas?

[@drjennale]

+tintisor People with these preconceptions will not hear you. Just let your actions - your scores, your work ethic, your attitude speak for itself. Best of luck !

[@krissy4265]

Does your school have clinical check offs? Like you have a list of procedures to complete before you can graduate? My RT clinicals have so many procedures we have to complete to graduate, i.e: breathing treatments(MDI/HHN/SVN), intubate/extubate, ABGs, and other procedures and if we are not signed off as 'clinically competent', you have to repeat your clinical rotations.

[@drjennale]

Yes! We also have to document every patient we see - we call them case logs.

[@krissy4265]

Oh okay, makes sense but I wasn't sure. We don't do patient reports on every patient but I believe we pick one from each rotation, to do a report on. Our first semester of clinicals is one day a week, for six weeks at one hospital and six weeks at another, then it goes to two days a week for six weeks each except for a few rotations.

[@krissy4265]

+Krissy Bomkamp While we do only have clinicals 1-2 days a week, we still have classes 2-3 days a week.

[@carlantharoberts2721]

Great video. Instead of OMM, what is the teaching focus for those who choose the MD route? Do MD's learn how to treat patient's using a "whole person" type model as well?

[@drjennale]

DOs put in the extra hours to learn OMM. The MD curriculum just doesn't have this. I don't like to generalize, but there is a saying "MDs treat the disease/symptom while a DO will treat the patient."

[@gonzalopizarro3341]

What medical school do you go to???

[@vernonjenkins8]

Thanks this video was very helpful

[@GiuAChannel]

Hi Jenny! I'm an Italian 4th year med student (our undergrad med school lasts for 6 years). I'm so glad you made a video about this topic as it's been a while since I started wondering what a DO is, because we do not recognise this profession in Italy. If I am going right, a DO goes through the same path as an MD but he also learns how to manipulate a body in order to heal it. In Italy we have a healthcare professional called physiotherapist who graduates from a 3 year school. he works in team with nurses and MD. a physiotherapist performs deep massages but he cannot diagnose or prescribe drugs (normally he works with orthopedics). can we say that a DO is an MD+a sort of physiotherapist? I'm sorry for my poor English but I'm really interested in better understanding this healthcare field! however, I do not understand why DOs are discriminated... It's crazy! you attend the same med school as MDs!

[@drjennale]

Yes, I that is a easy way to understand it "MD + a sort of physiotherapist." I did not know much about how other osteopaths were recognized in other countries either before I started doing research for this video. And I met an osteopath from Poland - he also said the same things you stated.

[@GiuAChannel]

So, if we want to be accurate, a DO is more than a MD... Don't be frustrated!!!! 😘 and thanks a lot for your videos, they're really helpful!!

[@clarice21johnson]

JENNY LE ......xoxo your freaking awesome ....!!! Im Cheering for you , all the way from ...(USA) Lancaster, PA.

[@locsnthoughtz]

New subscriber! Love your channel

[@14my0urd3st3n3]

Hello, I am a freshman premed that is inspired and determined to become a NDD or a developmental pediatrician. Recently I've been doing research on the differences because my state college has an agreement with LECOM. I have no idea how many DO's work as a NDD because there are only about 10 schools that have this program. At the moment, I'm preparing myself to feel my father fight with his battle with cancer. Therefore, the idea of staying at my state college as opposed to transferring of to a university is becoming more appealing. It doesn't matter to me if I'm a MD or a DO. I just want to become educated in medicine and serve a population that is not served here in my town.

[@drjennale]

I am sorry to hear about your father. Your strength doesn't go unnoticed. After four years of medical school, whether you become an MD or DO, you have to apply for residency. Residency is where you get specialized training in your field of interest say developmental pediatrics. As long as your board scores are high, you will be just as competitive as an MD student. I hope that answers your question.

[@krissy0628]

I work in a level 1 trauma center at an MD hospital and the head of radiology and the director of the entire emergency room mostly MD's is a DO . He is so respected intelligent and awesome as well To be around. I have met some awesome MD's but somehow I have yet to meet a DO that wasn't down to earth .

[@mymodernrenaissance]

I’m in Canada so I had no idea about DOs. We just have like MDs and MD PhDs as far as I know. I’m still in undergrad though so I’m not overly educated on my options if I decide to get a medical degree in Canada.

[@meaganmoore4489]

awesome Jenny, thank you! do you think you can make a video about the difference between a DO and an N.D (naturopathic medical doctor)? thanks!

[@annarosecarson7401]

that would be an AWESOME video

[@mkshn111]

naturopathic doctor = oxymoron , no evidence based Medicine, no residency training, etc.

[@meaganmoore4489]

actually, it is and there is. just like allopathic and osteopathic medicine.

[@PaigeJohnsonGingerDocDO]

I know minimal about NMDs, but what I do know is that their training is very scientific based, but they focus a lot more on nutrition than the MD or DO training. DOs are taught about nutrition about as much as the MDs...which isn't a ton. I think (I'd have to double check) that NMDs can only be primary care providers and may have some limitations in prescription.DOs are taught manipulations, something MDs and NMDs are not. But i definitely support people looking into different types of care! Just make sure you do some research beforehand :)

[@peaceout1127]

Where can we find the list of opposed MD or DO schools?

[@drjennale]

+Kristy Lee You should have to research the programs individually.

[@kristenlowder2435]

Hi Jenny, my name is Kristen I'm currently 2 years into a 6 year enlistment with the Air Force as a medical lab technician in South Dakota and I think I want to become a pathologist for the Air Force (or maybe another kind of doctor) I was just wondering if you know anyone who is doing that at your medical school. (for any branch of service) also do you think 26 is too old to start medical school? any advice would be appreciated. You have been such an inspiration to me! :)

[@drjennale]

Some of my classmates are enlisted with the Air Force but I am not sure how that exactly works - I know they have their own match for residency. 26 is not too late to start medical school. There are several people in my class where medical school is their second profession. We have nurses, PAs, lawyers. It is never too late!!

[@treepjet]

Kristen Lowder if you really want this, go for it. I'm starting medical school at 29.

[@kristenlowder2435]

Thanks guys! I am going for it :) need to find out more info about the Air Force path first!