This is a continuation of out first blog post Your Reddit Questions about BA/BS/MD – Answered. Part 1.
Now let’s talk about the MD versus DO anxiety, because Reddit is full of it.
In the United States, MDs and DOs are both fully licensed physicians. The American Medical Association states that MDs and DOs have equivalent training and practice rights. (American Medical Association) The AAMC also includes physicians with either an MD or a DO degree in its definition of active physicians in workforce data. (AAMC). My personal experience? DO = MD. There is no difference anymore. Yes, Dos can get into competitive specialties. Yes, they can thrive in successful practices. Yes, they make excellent doctors.
So, if you are applying from high school, do not shrink your list prematurely because you are trying to “guess” which label will matter more. If your actual goal is becoming a doctor efficiently, cast a wide net. Apply to MD programs with early assurance and combined pathways, and also apply to strong DO early acceptance programs if they offer you real structural acceleration.
LECOM’s Early Acceptance Program is a good example of a structured option people ask about a lot. LECOM’s own EAP page lays out eligibility and track specific testing requirements, and it makes clear that testing expectations can vary by track and partner arrangement. (Lecom) The point is not that every EAP is perfect for every student. The point is that programs like this exist, they can be meaningful accelerators, and they are often easier to access earlier than people assume.
Don’t sleep on a BS/DO program, or worse, decline an admission to a BS/DO program, for a “chance” at MD later. That’s how you waste years, time, and resources.
Now the last piece, and this is the part I want you to internalize if you remember nothing else.
Do not pick a school because it impresses strangers. Pick a school because it gives you options.
If you are choosing between two places, ask yourself which one gives you more than one way to win. A direct BS MD or BA MD seat is one way. An internal second year application pathway is a second way. Credit policies that allow you to graduate early are a third way. A major structure that turns research into degree progress is a fourth way. Summer and winter course availability can be a fifth way. You want multiple levers, because life happens and because smart planning means you do not collapse if one lever breaks.
That is the methodology. Look past the glitz. Choose substance. Do not corner yourself. Keep doors open.
If you want to make this practical, go pull up the official program pages for any pathway you are considering and read three things only: what keeps you in the program, whether the MCAT is required and when, and whether you can apply again after matriculating if you miss the first chance. Those three details will tell you more about your real timeline than any ranking list ever will.
Finally, I will leave you with this: I compiled a list of programs that you should know about.
Inspired by your questions on Reddit: here's my can't miss undergrad schools to apply for from high school. The way to understand this list: these are schools that have other points of entry into BA/BS/MD after matriculating to undergrad. Basically, they are second chance at early assurance or even accelerated paths to medical school. What does this mean for you as a high school student? Don't leave these schools out when you're applying to undergrad. Cast a wide net, obviously, apply to all the BA/BS/MD programs you can, but also include these schools. Because if you don't land BA/BS/MD from high school, you'll want a second chance.
Here’s the link!
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