Medicine (MD/DO/DPM)

Medical School

Medical School

There are three main paths to becoming a doctor in the United States. Let’s break down these paths in more detail to give you a clearer understanding.

  • 1. Allopathic Medicine (MD)
    What is it?: Allopathic medicine refers to the conventional medical practice that focuses on diagnosing and treating diseases with medications, surgery, and other interventions. An MD is trained to focus on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
    Training: After completing a bachelor's degree, you attend medical school for four years, followed by a residency program (typically 3-7 years depending on the specialty).
    Philosophy: The approach is based on the understanding of disease and treatment through scientific research and evidence-based practices.
    Rights and Privileges: MDs are fully licensed to practice medicine in all specialties and can prescribe medications, perform surgery, and conduct research.
  • 2. Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
    What is it?: Osteopathic medicine is similar to allopathic medicine but with an added emphasis on the body's musculoskeletal system and how it affects overall health. DOs receive additional training in osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), a hands-on approach to diagnosing, treating, and preventing conditions through physical manipulation of the body.
    Training: Like MDs, DOs complete a four-year medical school program followed by residency training. The difference lies in the additional training in OMT.
    Philosophy: Osteopathic medicine follows a holistic approach to patient care, considering the body as a whole, with an emphasis on prevention and the self-healing capacity of the body.
    Rights and Privileges: DOs are fully licensed to practice medicine in the U.S. They can prescribe medication, perform surgery, and choose any specialty they wish, just like MDs.
  • 3. Podiatric Medicine (DPM)
    What is it?: A Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions related to the feet, ankles, and lower extremities. This can include surgery, rehabilitation, and management of diseases that affect the foot and lower leg.
    Training: DPMs attend podiatric medical schools, which typically require a bachelor's degree with a focus on sciences. The DPM program lasts four years, followed by a residency program that usually spans 2-4 years. The training is highly specialized in foot and ankle care.
    Philosophy: Podiatry is more focused on the mechanics, anatomy, and pathology of the lower extremities. Podiatrists are skilled in a range of techniques, from surgical interventions to conservative treatments like orthotics and physical therapy.
    Rights and Privileges: DPMs have the qualifications to perform foot and ankle surgeries, prescribe medications, and provide both conservative and surgical treatments for lower limb conditions. While they cannot practice as general physicians, their specialty is specifically focused on podiatric care.

Allopathic Medicine (MD)

Deciding on a Career in Medicine
AAMC: Timeline for Application and Admission to Medical School
The Premed Competencies for Entering Medical Students
Aspiring Docs Fact Sheets Library
Subscribe to the Premed Navigator Newsletter


Osteopathic Medicine (DO)

AACOM: Premed Timeline for Undergrads
About Osteopathic Medicine
DO Education and Training
 

What Kind of Doctor Do You Want to Be?

Podiatric Medicine

Why Podiatry?
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Podiatry is a branch of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of conditions related to the feet, ankles, and lower extremities. Podiatrists are medical professionals trained to handle a wide range of foot and ankle issues, from common problems like bunions and plantar fasciitis to more complex conditions such as fractures, diabetic foot care, and even surgical procedures.

Podiatry includes several subspecialties, such as:

  • Sports Medicine: Focusing on injuries and conditions related to athletic activities.
  • Surgery: Involving operations to treat severe foot and ankle conditions.
  • Diabetic Foot Care: Managing foot complications that arise from diabetes, which can lead to infections and ulcers.
  • Pediatric Podiatry: Addressing foot and ankle issues in children, including flat feet and growth-related conditions.
  • Geriatric Podiatry: Focusing on foot care for older adults, who may have issues related to aging, like arthritis or poor circulation.

Texas Health Education Service

Learn about Medicine
Inside Health Education
What You Should Do To Prepare as a First-Year or Sophomore
First-Gen Medical Student Seminar Hosted by JAMP and TMDSAS