The best pre med majors are typically biology, chemistry, biochemistry, or neuroscience because they include many of the prerequisites required by medical schools. However, students can major in almost any subject — including psychology, engineering, or sociology — as long as they complete required courses such as biology, chemistry, physics, and organic chemistry. Medical schools value strong academic performance and preparation more than a specific major.

MD (Doctor of Medicine) and DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) are both fully licensed physicians in the U.S. MDs practice allopathic medicine, while DOs include a whole-person and musculoskeletal-focused approach called Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT). Both complete medical school, residency, licensing exams, and can work in any specialty.