Official 2015-2016: Oh no, I don't have a single Interview Invite thread!

[Thpinky]

If there was no DO bias in residency matches, I would have left this thread a while ago as I dont care about the title behind my name. But entering medical school knowing that you are already at a severe disadvantage for residency matching is just a soul crusher. Thats why I'm vying for 1 MD school, and thats why I'm still in these threads.

So you've already been accepted to DO school?

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[Gandyy]

So you've already been accepted to DO school?

Yes, I have. This is why I've been telling people to just go ahead and apply DO unless they are gunning for MD. Because if I can get into a DO school, pretty much anyone can. Its not easy, but its considerably easier than getting accepted to MD which is what is causing a lot of people to go crazy in this thread haha.

 

[SoppyElk]

If there was no DO bias in residency matches, I would have left this thread a while ago as I dont care about the title behind my name. But entering medical school knowing that you are already at a severe disadvantage for residency matching is just a soul crusher. Thats why I'm vying for 1 MD school, and thats why I'm still in these threads.

Lol let's focus on getting into school first before we start looking at residencies. I get what you're saying but I think it's better to focus on the here and now rather than looking 4 years into the future. The worse soul crusher would be not getting into school, whether it be MD or DO, in the first place. Hence why we have this thread to support each other!

 

[Theseus]

Yes, I have. This is why I've been telling people to just go ahead and apply DO unless they are gunning for MD. Because if I can get into a DO school, pretty much anyone can. Its not easy, but its considerably easier than getting accepted to MD which is what is causing a lot of people to go crazy in this thread haha.

Reapplicant here. I am the idiot who didn't apply DO last cycle. Even after improving my application, I'm stuck in a similar situation as last year with 0 MD II and 8 rejections (applied: 30). Schools that I contacted told me they didn't see any glaring red flags. 3.8 cgpa, 3.7 spa, 31 MCAT (p:10/v:10/b:11) and a few years of clinical and community service exp + research (no pub). Thank goodness that I have DO interview invites this cycle. Looks like the stars have aligned so that I become a DO. I really don't care at this point.

And yeah, people constantly asking me if I got into medical school was getting really annoying. Jesus.

 

[musicalfeet]

Lol let's focus on getting into school first before we start looking at residencies. I get what you're saying but I think it's better to focus on the here and now rather than looking 4 years into the future. The worse soul crusher would be not getting into school, whether it be MD or DO, in the first place. Hence why we have this thread to support each other!

I think @Gandyy is saying now that he's gotten into a DO school, he CAN start worrying about his residency prospects--and he'd prefer them not to be limited. I feel the same...but confusedly so. More like, I have no idea what specialty I want to go into, and am afraid as all hell that I'll fall in love with one that will then become extremely difficult to obtain via DO because of the biases that exist--not because the education is subpar.

 

[tennerd]

Reapplicant here. I am the idiot who didn't apply DO last cycle. Even after improving my application, I'm stuck in a similar situation as last year with 0 MD II and 8 rejections (applied: 30). Schools that I contacted told me they didn't see any glaring red flags. 3.8 cgpa, 3.7 spa, 31 MCAT (p:10/v:10/b:11) and a few years of clinical and community service exp + research (no pub). Thank goodness that I have DO interview invites this cycle. Looks like the stars have aligned so that I become a DO. I really don't care at this point.

And yeah, people constantly asking me if I got into medical school was getting really annoying. Jesus.

i am just like you down to the ECs, except i'm currently holding acceptances to top DO schools and have a slightly higher MCAT. i also got some DO rejections post interview . i applied last cycle to 15 MD and only got 1 II from a midtier that went into waitlist. i felt so stupid to not apply DO last cycle.

i really do believe everyone should do DO within the first cycle unless it is quite clear one will get into at least 1 med school (36+ MCAT, 3.9+, great ECs) or for some reason one is really gunning for specialty surgeries, etc.

 

[flatbear]

I wonder if we will see a huge amount of movement all of a sudden since apparently schools are all "behind" or if it will slowly continue to trickle through December/January...

isnt that what everyone said about the magical post oct 15 interviews that were supposed to come?

 

[Cotterpin]

Don't bring that negativity in here, @flatbear!

 

[flatbear]

Don't bring that negativity in here, @flatbear!

 

[Cotterpin]

*hug emoji*

 

[cafeverona]

If there was no DO bias in residency matches, I would have left this thread a while ago as I dont care about the title behind my name. But entering medical school knowing that you are already at a severe disadvantage for residency matching is just a soul crusher. Thats why I'm vying for 1 MD school, and thats why I'm still in these threads.

Congrats on your D.O. acceptance! I think the "severe disadvantage" is not an accurate representation of D.O.s matching into residencies--it really REALLY depends on the specialty. It's relatively easy for D.O.s to match FM, EM, Physiatry/Rehab, etc. I'm in the same boat with you in that I'm hoping to get an M.D. II so that I don't have to worry about falling in love with an especially competitive specialty, but we really should be proud we have an acceptance when some people have nothing! Anyway, I get where you're coming from, but I'm just trying to be more positive about our situation.

 

[deleted642188]

If there was no DO bias in residency matches, I would have left this thread a while ago as I dont care about the title behind my name. But entering medical school knowing that you are already at a severe disadvantage for residency matching is just a soul crusher. Thats why I'm vying for 1 MD school, and thats why I'm still in these threads.

I personally understand your concern, but I would argue that there is still a chance that you can end up doing your specialty. I know many DOs who have ended up as specialists

In fact during this summer, when I was interning in San Antonio during this summer, I was conversing with an alumnus from UNECOM who did her oncology fellowship at MD Anderson while we were ordering Chipotle.

I feel that as long as you be productive during DO school and aced your board exams, then it won't be too big of a problem. Moreover if you really are unconfident about your residency prospects, the military may be your solution

 

[PugsAndHugs]

Reapplicant here. I am the idiot who didn't apply DO last cycle. Even after improving my application, I'm stuck in a similar situation as last year with 0 MD II and 8 rejections (applied: 30). Schools that I contacted told me they didn't see any glaring red flags. 3.8 cgpa, 3.7 spa, 31 MCAT (p:10/v:10/b:11) and a few years of clinical and community service exp + research (no pub). Thank goodness that I have DO interview invites this cycle. Looks like the stars have aligned so that I become a DO. I really don't care at this point.

And yeah, people constantly asking me if I got into medical school was getting really annoying. Jesus.

Wow that sucks What is your state of residence that those stats/ECs are giving you trouble?

 

[Gandyy]

I think @Gandyy is saying now that he's gotten into a DO school, he CAN start worrying about his residency prospects--and he'd prefer them not to be limited. I feel the same...but confusedly so. More like, I have no idea what specialty I want to go into, and am afraid as all hell that I'll fall in love with one that will then become extremely difficult to obtain via DO because of the biases that exist--not because the education is subpar.

Exactly.

Congrats on your D.O. acceptance! I think the "severe disadvantage" is not an accurate representation of D.O.s matching into residencies--it really REALLY depends on the specialty. It's relatively easy for D.O.s to match FM, EM, Physiatry/Rehab, etc. I'm in the same boat with you in that I'm hoping to get an M.D. II so that I don't have to worry about falling in love with an especially competitive specialty, but we really should be proud we have an acceptance when some people have nothing! Anyway, I get where you're coming from, but I'm just trying to be more positive about our situation.

thanks! Dont get me wrong guys. Getting into a DO school was still a huge accomplishment and I at least have a much more relaxed state always sitting in the back of my head.

I personally understand your concern, but I would argue that there is still a chance that you can end up doing your specialty. I know many DOs who have ended up as specialists

In fact during this summer, when I was interning in San Antonio during this summer, I was conversing with an alumnus from UNECOM who did her oncology fellowship at MD Anderson while we were ordering Chipotle.

I feel that as long as you be productive during DO school and aced your board exams, then it won't be too big of a problem. Moreover if you really are unconfident about your residency prospects, the military may be your solution

Well, my major concern is that with the merger it will become much harder for DOs to match into competitive specialties, but no one knows. Just my neurotic theory

Reapplicant here. I am the idiot who didn't apply DO last cycle. Even after improving my application, I'm stuck in a similar situation as last year with 0 MD II and 8 rejections (applied: 30). Schools that I contacted told me they didn't see any glaring red flags. 3.8 cgpa, 3.7 spa, 31 MCAT (p:10/v:10/b:11) and a few years of clinical and community service exp + research (no pub). Thank goodness that I have DO interview invites this cycle. Looks like the stars have aligned so that I become a DO. I really don't care at this point.

And yeah, people constantly asking me if I got into medical school was getting really annoying. Jesus.

Well at least you got into DO now. Man your stats are slightly better than mine too. No MD IIs. Its so hard to get into MD schools nowadays.


I stand by my original statement though. Unless you are gunning for MD, apply DO now. There is still some time left if you are unsure about your MD application cycle.

 

[terra330]

Ha! The average person has no clue.

Sad part is I get that question predominantly from doctors

 

[Gandyy]

Sad part is I get that question predominantly from doctors

The doctors from decades ago have no clue how competitive it is today. You can't blame them

 

[Thpinky]

Gandyy, would applying for DO after thanksgiving be too late?

 

[Gandyy]

Gandyy, would applying for DO after thanksgiving be too late?

I think it actually is getting to be on the later side, but, I think that you are still in the good if you apply ASAP. Mostly because the DO cycle is much longer than the MD cycle is.

From what I'm told January is too late to apply to DO though so do it quickly in early December.

 

[tennerd]

Sad part is I get that question predominantly from doctors

also, decades ago it used to be easy to get in as a PCP as an FMG, now it's not because residencies would rather flood them out with the more MD and ever more DO AMGs.

 

[Gandyy]

also, decades ago it used to be easy to get in as a PCP as an FMG, now it's not because residencies would rather flood them out with the more MD and ever more DO AMGs.

Oh hell, not even just PCP. There are sooooo many FMGs who graduated from random medical schools across the world who are cardiologists, surgeons, nephrologists, etc. That is NOT going to be a thing very soon.

 

[sacholiver]

oo

 

[Gandyy]

DO>MD. same training, but DO's have an extra tool. Seems like a disservice to be MD. Unless you're in it for the prestige. Like most pre-meds are.

Idk about all that. People who want to do academic medicine will have almost no luck going the DO route, and if you want to do something like Orthopedic surgery, dermatology or plastics etc, you are better off going MD if you can. Some people are in it for the prestige which is sad, but it is what it is.

Anyways, lets not turn this into a DO vs MD thread. This is the last thread that needs to be turned into one of those. Seriously.

 

[XxThaDoggxX]

isnt that what everyone said about the magical post oct 15 interviews that were supposed to come?

Yeah at this point I just dont even check my inbox daily anymore...If they come they come, if not then to hell with them.

 

[bmy]

Reapplicant here. I am the idiot who didn't apply DO last cycle. Even after improving my application, I'm stuck in a similar situation as last year with 0 MD II and 8 rejections (applied: 30). Schools that I contacted told me they didn't see any glaring red flags. 3.8 cgpa, 3.7 spa, 31 MCAT (p:10/v:10/b:11) and a few years of clinical and community service exp + research (no pub). Thank goodness that I have DO interview invites this cycle. Looks like the stars have aligned so that I become a DO. I really don't care at this point.

And yeah, people constantly asking me if I got into medical school was getting really annoying. Jesus.

I am in the same boat as you except like lower GPA and similar MCAT. Ya I definitely regretted not applying to DO the first round, dumb mistake. Now I just feel it doesn't really matter b/c it provides a gateway for me to practice as a doc as well as the MD school. The other day I was telling a friend from college who knows nothing about DOs about what DO does. She said, well do you practice as a physician afterwards? I just told her of course, just more likely to be in primary care. Then she went, well, then you just end up doing the same thing anyways. I guess I have always known what she said to be true, but I was worried about the residency. But hey, if we don't get in ANY school, then definitely no residency lol. So I hope DO works out for me.

People who are not applying don't understand how it got some competitive and even I don't...but I guess just too many applying.

 

[CowboyNiceguy]

37/3.9 with 4 MD IIs but no acceptances yet, I think I am being reasonable to only resort to DO if I need to reapply next cycle? I feel like I'd rather have a second shot at MD anyway, and then take a DO acceptance next year if I have to.

Do DO schools have any weird requirements, like non-science LORS, LORs from a DO, DO shadowing, etc.? Anything that I wouldn't have from going through the MD process already.

 

[iDOliveinMD]

37/3.9 with 4 MD IIs but no acceptances yet, I think I am being reasonable to only resort to DO if I need to reapply next cycle? I feel like I'd rather have a second shot at MD anyway, and then take a DO acceptance next year if I have to.

Do DO schools have any weird requirements, like non-science LORS, LORs from a DO, DO shadowing, etc.? Anything that I wouldn't have from going through the MD process already.

Stats are way, way too good not to get into an MD school. If you applied broadly you will get at least one acceptance, I'm sure that one of the four schools you interviewed at will accept you.

 

[flatbear]

37/3.9 with 4 MD IIs but no acceptances yet, I think I am being reasonable to only resort to DO if I need to reapply next cycle? I feel like I'd rather have a second shot at MD anyway, and then take a DO acceptance next year if I have to.

Do DO schools have any weird requirements, like non-science LORS, LORs from a DO, DO shadowing, etc.? Anything that I wouldn't have from going through the MD process already.

a lot of them want a do shadow letter

 

[SoppyElk]

Idk about all that. People who want to do academic medicine will have almost no luck going the DO route, and if you want to do something like Orthopedic surgery, dermatology or plastics etc, you are better off going MD if you can. Some people are in it for the prestige which is sad, but it is what it is.

Anyways, lets not turn this into a DO vs MD thread. This is the last thread that needs to be turned into one of those. Seriously.

The prestige people don't get it, and quite frankly never will. But I think for most students, and even me to an extent, the reason why we all want to go MD the first time around is that we put so much work into our undergrad years and beyond(blood, sweat and tears sitting through some of those pre-reqs) that we want to shoot for it and make our hard work worthwhile. It's natural and completely understandable. Mad respect to the DO folks though. You guys earned it and are gonna be great doctors.

Getting this thread back on topic let's all hope for some good news the next couple of days before Thanksgiving. That Hofstra rejection did not sit the best with me over the weekend haha

 

[KatniP]

IT'S A NEW WEEK

 

[deleted642188]

IT'S A NEW WEEK

More like two days...

 

[KatniP]

Does anyone have a good way to articulate why MD vs. DO? I'm having trouble finding the words :/

 

[waytogo1]

ahhhh I don't care MD vs DO.... I just want an interview...

 

[KatniP]

More like two days...

Somebody mentioned they got an interview on Thanksgiving last year, so not to stress you out or get your hopes up, but I guess it could happen...?

 

[deleted642188]

well.... 10 minutes ago.... Oakland just rejected me... oh well it took them 3.5 months... so I guess I appreciate that they considered me of interest for 3.5 months....

--> -->

 

[Theseus]

Wow that sucks What is your state of residence that those stats/ECs are giving you trouble?

I am a NYC resident. You would think that living about 10 mins from a SUNY school would at least land you some love, but nope. Not rejected yet, but I was last year without any interview. I was thus far placed on pre-II hold at one SUNY school so far, heard nothing from the other 3.

No, my ECs are relatively strong. 4 years of direct clinical experience (job + volunteering) and demonstrated commitment to community service (4 years, leadership position). 1 year of meaningful basic research but without publication.

 

[Theseus]

Idk about all that. People who want to do academic medicine will have almost no luck going the DO route, and if you want to do something like Orthopedic surgery, dermatology or plastics etc, you are better off going MD if you can. Some people are in it for the prestige which is sad, but it is what it is.

Anyways, lets not turn this into a DO vs MD thread. This is the last thread that needs to be turned into one of those. Seriously.

I shadowed an AMG MD (Gastro) this summer and they told me that I should go DO if MD doesn't work out. They said I might have trouble with super competitive specialties but then if you look at the application of those who gun for those specialties they are usually top of their class in their medical school + tons of research.

Not saying we are dumb as a box of rocks but putting things in perspective.

 

[jaymac25]

37/3.9 with 4 MD IIs but no acceptances yet, I think I am being reasonable to only resort to DO if I need to reapply next cycle? I feel like I'd rather have a second shot at MD anyway, and then take a DO acceptance next year if I have to.

Do DO schools have any weird requirements, like non-science LORS, LORs from a DO, DO shadowing, etc.? Anything that I wouldn't have from going through the MD process already.

Don't assume that you will automatically get into a DO school. Your stats will get you the interview, but many, if not all DO schools, will want to know why osteopathy? You better have a good reason, and be able to communicate this.

 

[Gandyy]

I shadowed an AMG MD (Gastro) this summer and they told me that I should go DO if MD doesn't work out. They said I might have trouble with super competitive specialties but then if you look at the application of those who gun for those specialties they are usually top of their class in their medical school + tons of research.

Not saying we are dumb as a box of rocks but putting things in perspective.

Yea thats true. No its fine, the MCAT has already made me feel dumb as a box of rocks. Not much more damage can be done on that front.

 

[catie_jane]

I'm starting to get a feeling that this thread is getting filled up with negativity...

On a lighter/happier note, what is everyone doing for thanksgiving?

I'm headed down to CT for dinner at my aunts and then get to finally put my snow tires on (can't wait for another zillion pounds of snow this winter)

 

[Xenith]

37/3.9 with 4 MD IIs but no acceptances yet, I think I am being reasonable to only resort to DO if I need to reapply next cycle? I feel like I'd rather have a second shot at MD anyway, and then take a DO acceptance next year if I have to.

Do DO schools have any weird requirements, like non-science LORS, LORs from a DO, DO shadowing, etc.? Anything that I wouldn't have from going through the MD process already.

With those stats do you think you have red flags or no research and clinical experience? If so, then DO will be pretty hard has well. I would try to figure out what you did wrong or didn't do enough of. Maybe not enough clinical, bad essays, late app, Etc. then correct it. I actually think it is unreasonable to go DO only.

 

[NonTrad16]

I'm starting to get a feeling that this thread is getting filled up with negativity...

On a lighter/happier note, what is everyone doing for thanksgiving?

I'm headed down to CT for dinner at my aunts and then get to finally put my snow tires on (can't wait for another zillion pounds of snow this winter)

Taking my first vacation (definition: more than a 2 day weekend) in about a year. So excited. Gonna get my food and drink on, read, and ignore my phone and email for a bit. Should be a good time.

 

[iDOliveinMD]

With those stats do you think you have red flags or no research and clinical experience? If so, then DO will be pretty hard has well. I would try to figure out what you did wrong or didn't do enough of. Maybe not enough clinical, bad essays, late app, Etc. then correct it. I actually think it is unreasonable to go DO only.

If he or she had any major red flags I don't think he or she would not have gotten an interview in the first place. If I read correctly, the poster never said that they had been rejected anywhere yet just that they had interviewed at 4 places. I'd bet within a few weeks they'll be posting about how they have multiple acceptances. I'm not worried about people in the 99% in terms of metrics, more about average people like myself. The 99% will get in somewhere.

I'm starting to get a feeling that this thread is getting filled up with negativity...

You are arguably the most optimistic person in this thread, never change lol. I noticed that you completed an update letter the other week, could you give me any details on roughly how many words it was and if you included a paragraph reiterating why you love _____ school?

 

[catie_jane]

Taking my first vacation (definition: more than a 2 day weekend) in about a year. So excited. Gonna get my food and drink on, read, and ignore my phone and email for a bit. Should be a good time.

Where are you going? That all sounds incredibly relaxing!

 

[catie_jane]

You are arguably the most optimistic person in this thread, never change lol. I noticed that you completed an update letter the other week, could you give me any details on roughly how many words it was and if you included a paragraph reiterating why you love _____ school?

Well I just want to make sure this is the one thread that people can come to and feel like there is only positivity and hope because you are all wonderful people who don't need to spend all their time worrying!

I just did a brief intro paragraph, and then a small paragraph for each activity I was updating. Then a small concluding paragraph saying I was excited for the opportunity to meet them in person and just one or two things that I was excited about regarding the school (commitment to service, location/close proximity to my support system, research heavy, etc.)

I can PM you an example later when I have access to my computer if you'd like!

 

[whatsupdr]

Stonybrook rejections on their thread. I hope its not another slaughter.

 

[NonTrad16]

Stonybrook rejections on their thread. I hope its not another slaughter.

Consider something in finance if you decide your eagle eye isn't appreciated at these schools

Where are you going? That all sounds incredibly relaxing!

(Non-Portland) Oregon. Good minus the travel time. But that allows me to start my plan early! (The food, reading, and even drinking if I choose!)

 

[iDOliveinMD]

Well I just want to make sure this is the one thread that people can come to and feel like there is only positivity and hope because you are all wonderful people who don't need to spend all their time worrying!

I just did a brief intro paragraph, and then a small paragraph for each activity I was updating. Then a small concluding paragraph saying I was excited for the opportunity to meet them in person and just one or two things that I was excited about regarding the school (commitment to service, location/close proximity to my support system, research heavy, etc.)

I can PM you an example later when I have access to my computer if you'd like!

I agree, it's not March yet, no reason to be all doom and gloom. Exactly, positivity and humor are what this thread needs! I looked at your MD App profile, you will get in somewhere I'd be really shocked if you didn't. That'd be great, send me whatever you feel comfortable with!

 

[Gandyy]

I agree, it's not March yet, no reason to be all doom and gloom. Exactly, positivity and humor are what this thread needs! I looked at your MD App profile, you will get in somewhere I'd be really shocked if you didn't. That'd be great, send me whatever you feel comfortable with!

Well if humor is what we need, someone is going to have to add to my Hogwarts jokes.

 

[CowboyNiceguy]

With those stats do you think you have red flags or no research and clinical experience? If so, then DO will be pretty hard has well. I would try to figure out what you did wrong or didn't do enough of. Maybe not enough clinical, bad essays, late app, Etc. then correct it. I actually think it is unreasonable to go DO only.

It's probably too early for me to start worrying (two of the schools haven't accepted anyone yet), but I don't think I have any big red flags. Just slightly below average ECs. 50-100hrs clinical volunteering, 50 hours shadowing, 2yrs research. Little other volunteering and leadership experiences though.

Also I may have applied to too many highly ranked schools? But I was led to believe I should with these numbers.

 

[iDOliveinMD]

Well if humor is what we need, someone is going to have to add to my Hogwarts jokes.

Invites more than humor of course, lets not kid ourselves. But lets call humor a close second!