Why Choose DO: A Game-Changer for Aspiring Osteopathic Physicians

If you’re planning to pursue a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree, one of the most significant developments in recent years is the launch of the Choose DO Explorer tool—a long-awaited counterpart to the AAMC’s MSAR (Medical School Admission Requirements) used by MD applicants. Until recently, pre-medical students interested in osteopathic programs lacked a centralized, data-driven resource to plan their applications strategically. That has changed.

The Choose DO now offers a powerful, free platform that allows prospective osteopathic medical students to explore all 35 accredited DO schools across the United States. It includes admissions criteria, academic profiles, and detailed information about each institution—helping you make more informed decisions about your medical journey.

Let’s explore why this tool is a game-changer, what osteopathic medicine really means, and how it can align with your goals—including global opportunities through programs like Go Elective’s international internships.

What Is a DO, and How Is It Different from an MD?

Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs) are fully licensed physicians trained to practice medicine, prescribe medication, and perform surgery in all 50 U.S. states. What sets them apart is their holistic approach. DOs are trained to treat the entire person, not just the symptoms, and they receive additional training in the musculoskeletal system—equipping them with hands-on techniques known as Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT).

This whole-person philosophy makes DOs uniquely suited to care for patients in a variety of settings, especially those with musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), which account for a large share of healthcare costs globally. From sports injuries to chronic pain, DOs are on the front lines of treating conditions that affect movement and function.

What Is the Choose DO Explorer Tool?

The Choose DO is the first comprehensive admissions database tailored for DO applicants. Developed by the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM), it mirrors the utility of the MSAR used by MD applicants—except it’s completely free to use. All you need is your name, email, state of residence, and expected enrollment year to unlock access.

With this tool, you can:

• Explore all U.S. DO schools and compare admissions data
• Filter by GPA, MCAT scores, location, and program features
• Access updated residency match rates and licensing exam outcomes
• Learn about dual-degree opportunities (e.g., DO/MPH, DO/MS)
• Hear directly from students through testimonials and blog posts
  
  

Dispelling Myths About Osteopathic Medicine

Despite a 150-year history, myths still persist about osteopathic medicine. Some believe DOs are “alternative” doctors or only a fallback option for students who don’t get into MD schools. These assumptions are outdated and misleading.

In reality:

• DOs undergo similar training and clinical rotations as MDs
• DOs are eligible for the same residency programs as MDs
• DOs are increasingly represented in competitive specialties such as surgery, emergency medicine, and anesthesiology
• DOs are fully licensed to practice medicine, perform surgery, and prescribe medication

In fact, DOs now represent more than 11% of all U.S. physicians, and that number continues to grow.

The Increasing Demand for DOs

With rising interest in holistic and preventive care, DOs are in high demand—especially in primary care, rural medicine, and underserved communities. Their expertise in musculoskeletal health also positions them as leaders in treating common workplace injuries and chronic pain conditions.

U.S. employers spend over $50 billion annually on musculoskeletal disorders alone. DOs are uniquely qualified to provide this care thanks to their hands-on training and patient-first mindset.

Updated Salary and Match Rate Trends 

The latest figures show that DO graduates are now earning highly competitive salaries and achieving strong residency placement rates:

• Pediatricians: $210,000+
• Internists: $225,000+
• Family Medicine: $230,000+
• Anesthesiologists: $250,000+
• OB/GYNs: $255,000+

Residency match rates for DO students have also improved dramatically. In 2025, 88% of DO applicants matched into programs aligned with their specialty preferences, closing the gap with MD students (90.3% match rate). These results reflect a growing respect for the osteopathic approach among hospitals and residency directors.

Licensing Pathways: COMLEX vs USMLE

DO students take the COMLEX-USA licensing exams, while MD students take the USMLE series. Both paths now offer equal access to residency programs across the country. Many DO students also choose to take the USMLE in addition to the COMLEX to broaden their residency options.

The updated COMLEX exams now place greater emphasis on clinical reasoning, patient-centered care, and osteopathic principles—ensuring that DOs are equipped to succeed in any medical setting.

What Choose DO Can Offer You

Whether you’re still exploring your options or ready to apply, the Choose DO Explorer can help you:

• Compare GPA and MCAT benchmarks for each school
• Learn which programs emphasize primary care or underserved communities
• Find dual-degree opportunities in public health, research, or global medicine
• Discover scholarship options and financial aid
• Explore blogs, events, and interviews with current DO students
  
  

Global Health and Osteopathic Medicine

At Go Elective, we’ve seen firsthand how DOs are making a global impact. Many osteopathic students participate in our international medical internships in Kenya and Tanzania—where holistic, culturally sensitive care is crucial in underserved communities.

These experiences allow DO students and pre-med interns to:

• Shadow licensed physicians in diverse specialties
• Gain clinical exposure in global health settings
• Provide basic health education and outreach in local communities
• Understand healthcare delivery in low-resource environments
• Apply osteopathic principles in real-world public health scenarios

We encourage aspiring DOs to integrate their training with global health experiences. Many of our past interns have gone on to pursue DO programs with a clear understanding of what compassionate, community-centered care looks like.

Final Thoughts: Should You Choose DO?

The path to becoming a physician is a deeply personal one. Whether you choose an MD or a DO route, what matters most is how well the path aligns with your values, learning style, and career goals.

If you believe in preventive care, patient-centered treatment, and hands-on healing, osteopathic medicine may be right for you. With resources like the Choose DO now available, it’s easier than ever to research schools, plan your coursework, and get a head start on your medical journey.

At Go Elective, we proudly support students pursuing both MD and DO degrees. If you’re considering osteopathic medicine and want to gain global healthcare experience, apply for our pre-med or PA internships abroad. We’ll help you build the skills, perspective, and resilience needed to thrive—whether you choose to practice medicine at home or around the world.

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Recent Articles , Pre-health, Medical Electives,

Author: Go-Elective Abroad

Date Published: May 12, 2025