Ok, so I have been in a osteopathic medical school for some time, and am getting ready to take the COMLEX. Many people have told me to take the USMLE to keep doors open in the future. I would really like to know the basic nitty gritty on what is the advantage of taking the USMLE.
1. If i wanted to match into a field such as ROADS, why wouldn't I just try to match it in the DO world? They are the same money, same job, same work ethic. Why does the residency program really matter that much??
2. Wouldn't it be easier to match a high speciality in the DO world compared to taking the USMLE and competing with so many other MDS and out of country students??
3. If I wanted to do IM, is it true that my fellowships are limited by going into the DO world? Does the DO world not have fellowships itself?
Honestly, I really don't understand what is the big deal in taking the USMLE, when we have been told all along that the DO world provides the same exact specalities. Granted with less spots they may be more harder to get into, but are probably still easier than applying to MD residencies with so many more applicants?
If someone could provide me as much detail as possible, it would be great to finally get this cleared up! Thanks!
1. If i wanted to match into a field such as ROADS, why wouldn't I just try to match it in the DO world? They are the same money, same job, same work ethic. Why does the residency program really matter that much??
2. Wouldn't it be easier to match a high speciality in the DO world compared to taking the USMLE and competing with so many other MDS and out of country students??
3. If I wanted to do IM, is it true that my fellowships are limited by going into the DO world? Does the DO world not have fellowships itself?
Honestly, I really don't understand what is the big deal in taking the USMLE, when we have been told all along that the DO world provides the same exact specalities. Granted with less spots they may be more harder to get into, but are probably still easier than applying to MD residencies with so many more applicants?
If someone could provide me as much detail as possible, it would be great to finally get this cleared up! Thanks!