Types of Medical Schools

Two types of medical schools offer degrees that qualify holders to carry a licence to practice general medicine in the United States.  Traditional schools of medicine confer the M.D. (Medical Doctor) degree to their graduates.  Schools of osteopathic medicine confer the D.O. (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) degree.

Medical Doctors and Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine practice general medicine in very much the same way, and medical practices often include physicians of both types.  Both MDs and DOs are licensed to practice the full scope of medicine in all 50 states. They practice in all types of environments, including the military, and in all types of specialties, from family medicine to obstetrics, surgery, and aerospace medicine.

The major difference in the two types of medicine is in philosophy.  Osteopathic medicine emphasizes helping each person achieve a high level of wellness by focusing on health promotion and disease prevention.  Doctors of Osteopathic medicine are trained in a holistic approach to patient care and are trained to provide treatment through a system of therapy known as osteopathic manipulative medicine.  To learn more about osteopathic medicine, click here.

There are over 130 accredited M.D.-granting medical schools in the U.S. and 17 in Canada, all of which are represented by an umbrella organization called the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC).  To learn more about schools that offer MD degrees, one should visit the AAMC website.  For a list of the AAMC represented schools, click here.

There are currently 26 colleges of osteopathic medicine, offering instruction at 34 locations in 25 states, that offer the doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO) degree.  These schools are represented by an umbrella organization called the American Association of Colleges of Ostepathic Medicine (AACOM).   For a list of ostepathic schools in the U.S., click here.

Here is a list of links to Virginia schools of osteopathic medicine, offering programs that lead to a D.O. degree.