Am I basically throwing away $200,000 if I don't apply to DO schools in my first cycle?

[baratheonfire]

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I know DO is a perfectly viable option, but ever since I was a little kid I've dreamed about having the initials MD behind my name (and the merger scares me).

What I want to do is apply only MD in my first cycle, and MD+DO in my second cycle if I didn't get in.

But by postponing a DO application for a year, won't I basically be throwing away a year's worth of an Attending Physician's earnings (around or over 200k)?

 

[DrMikeP]

I know DO is a perfectly viable option, but ever since I was a little kid I've dreamed about having the initials MD behind my name (and the merger scares me).

What I want to do is apply only MD in my first cycle, and MD+DO in my second cycle if I didn't get in.

But by postponing a DO application for a year, won't I basically be throwing away a year's worth of an Attending Physician's earnings (around or over 200k)?

You could be in financial terms throwing away money, but a dream is more than just about money. So you figure out the value of your dream.

Edit: sometimes we get interrupted when replying.

 

[baratheonfire]

You could be but a dream is more than just about money. So you figure out the value.

uhh

 

[Wjldenver]

I know DO is a perfectly viable option, but ever since I was a little kid I've dreamed about having the initials MD behind my name (and the merger scares me).

What I want to do is apply only MD in my first cycle, and MD+DO in my second cycle if I didn't get in.

But by postponing a DO application for a year, won't I basically be throwing away a year's worth of an Attending Physician's earnings (around or over 200k)?

Well the best solution would be to apply to both MD and DO schools concurrently then you would not have to worry about any opportunity costs.

 

[kamakazi5]

uhh

He's saying it is up to you to figure out what you value more, money or the initials. Nobody can answer for you.

 

[radian313]

Im sorry but going to be a bit blunt, but if the difference you see between being a DO and MD are just initials and how you thought of those initials as a child, you have a lot to learn about in terms of the differences, and similarities between what these two "initials" offer. If monitory gain or loss is what you see, again, take a deep breathe and figure out what it is you wish to accomplish in this profession. I don't mean to curb down your credentials, I take it you are smart and worthy of matriculation into a medical school but based on your questions, there are some hidden questions that need to be answered from your end.

 

[baratheonfire]

Well the best solution would be to apply to both MD and DO schools concurrently then you would not have to worry about any opportunity costs.

The problem is that I don't want to immediately commit myself to DO without giving myself another chance at an MD. I'm pretty sure I'd get accepted if I applied DO.

Im sorry but going to be a bit blunt, but if the difference you see between being a DO and MD are just initials and how you thought of those initials as a child, you have a lot to learn about in terms of the differences, and similarities between what these two "initials" offer. If monitory gain or loss is what you see, again, take a deep breathe and figure out what it is you wish to accomplish in this profession. I don't mean to curb down your credentials, I take it you are smart and worthy of matriculation into a medical school but based on your questions, there are some hidden questions that need to be answered from your end.

From what I've read on this site and elsewhere, DO's and MD's are identical except that DO's learn OMM for a semester. I've also read that DO's are mainly relegated to primary care, which somewhat frightens me. But I'd much rather be a primary care physician than not even be a physician.

 

[radian313]

The problem is that I don't want to immediately commit myself to DO without giving myself another chance at an MD. I'm pretty sure I'd get accepted if I applied DO.


From what I've read on this site and elsewhere, DO's and MD's are identical except that DO's learn OMM for a semester. I've also read that DO's are mainly relegated to primary care, which somewhat frightens me. But I'd much rather be a primary care physician than not even be a physician.

Hopefully you have been exposed to DOs in different specialities. Don't get me wrong, but I just sort of cringe when folks delineate DO and MD based simply on initials. I think the fast fix to your dilemma is just to apply with the best possible app to both MD and DO schools.

 

[DrMikeP]

Hopefully you have been exposed to DOs in different specialities. Don't get me wrong, but I just sort of cringe when folks delineate DO and MD based simply on initials. I think the fast fix to your dilemma is just to apply with the best possible app to both MD and DO schools.

Agreed, apply to both and be happy with what you get. If you apply to both and get accepted you can always turn the DO down and take the MD. worse case you lose a $1K-$2K deposit.

But if you wouldn't be happy as a DO then don't apply to DO and let someone else have that spot who would love it.

Often I see those who are the most concerned over this ending up with no MD acceptance and sometimes not good enough for DO either.

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[MADD!!!]

My opinion on this is that it all comes down to which specialty you see yourself going into, as well as what your potential is. Although I absolutely LOVE the DO profession, I still say if you could go MD, go MD. If you can't go MD, go DO. My personal reason for saying this is that MD is the status quo, and if I were to become an MD physician I would incorporate the DO philosophy of holistically approaching the patient in healthcare. Also, if I were to use OMM then I would learn it through a DO residency that offers it.

My answer: If you can get into MD, go MD. If you can't get into MD, go DO. If you want to do a very tough specialty (ex. Plastic surgery, ENT, Radiation oncology, etc.) Then apply MD first, then if you don't get in do MD + DO your second year.

Again, this is MY OPINION based on all the information I've gathered. Not trying to start flame wars here.

 

[IslandStyle808]

I know DO is a perfectly viable option, but ever since I was a little kid I've dreamed about having the initials MD behind my name (and the merger scares me).

What I want to do is apply only MD in my first cycle, and MD+DO in my second cycle if I didn't get in.

But by postponing a DO application for a year, won't I basically be throwing away a year's worth of an Attending Physician's earnings (around or over 200k)?

One of the thing you have to realize is that you are going into the field where it isn't about the money (i.e. it isn't one of your highest priorities). If there are fields that you like and are far easier to get into from an MD schools, then go for it. If you want an academic career, then going to an MD school is would be worth it.

If you think of it from the point of view of people who are trying to avoid the caribbean by getting into a DO school, then they would be losing a year or even more of salary to get into a DO school. Not really worth the stress of multiple cycles if all you can think of is your paycheck at the end. Don't pursue medicine if this is your top concern.

You have to think of what you want to accomplish in your future with your medical degree. If you want to be a primary care physician, then both pathways will do the job. If you want something ultra competitive whether it be a residency or certain academic programs, then the MD will make this road a lot easier. If there is any doubt in your mind about going the DO route, then I suggest you try MD first and then MD/DO second. The choice, in the end, is yours.

 

[AsianPersuasion]

why does the merger scare you?.....because you potentially may train with a fellow resident who's a DO and see them as second class citizens
or you're afraid it might somehow hinder your chance at your choice of residency?.....

 

[PossibleDOC?]

OP I am going to be brutally honest.....don't apply DO..........You clearly don't want it, you want the MD which is fine but it will limit you depending on your MCAT and GPA. I can guarantee you that you won't be happy as a DO. Anyone who is after the initials should not take the decision to attend a DO school lightly. Most people going into DO schools don't care about the initials, their mission is to do great work and treat patients. I am assuming this is your goal too and a DO will get you there but I fear that the initials at the end of your last name as you said in your post will cause more problems for you than a code in a hospital at 1am on 2 hrs of sleep.

Let someone who just wants to be a doctor and who doesn't care about the initials have the spot. If you overcome this problem and decide the initials don't matter then consider a MD+DO cycle together as it will hopefully guarantee you a seat in med school. But again think long and hard, sometimes we overestimate our abilities and its a tough fall down.

Good luck to you

 

[lnguyen1412]

Why initials that important? Aren't we in the end get to become a doctor?

I don't really care much about that.

And OP, remember you choose to do this because you love this. I don't think doctor have a high chance of becoming rich due to debts. There are many other jobs that make better money than being a doctor without being in debts. Just remember why you start medical route in the first place.

 

[MADD!!!]

To possibledoc and inguyen1412, there is a stigma that exists. Regardless of its inaccuracy, it's still rampant in the MD community and it does place hesitation for pre-meds for whether they should choose the DO route or not.

When you have a crowd of MD's all looking down on your decision to pursue DO school as opposed to MD, it makes you question why DO's are so looked down upon by them and should you even consider it? You want to be a doctor, but you also want the respect of your MD peers as seeing you equal, and not lesser, to them.

I say this because I've been through it, and I attribute it mostly due to many current MD's not educating themselves (nor caring to) about what the osteopathic route really entails. Many MD's don't even know that DO's have their own residencies, let alone specialties such as Derm and Ortho Surgery.

 

[PossibleDOC?]

To possibledoc and inguyen1412, there is a stigma that exists. Regardless of its inaccuracy, it's still rampant in the MD community and it does place hesitation for pre-meds for whether they should choose the DO route or not.

When you have a crowd of MD's all looking down on your decision to pursue DO school as opposed to MD, it makes you question why DO's are so looked down upon by them and should you even consider it? You want to be a doctor, but you also want the respect of your MD peers as seeing you equal, and not lesser, to them.

I say this because I've been through it, and I attribute it mostly due to many current MD's not educating themselves (nor caring to) about what the osteopathic route really entails. Many MD's don't even know that DO's have their own residencies, let alone specialties such as Derm and Ortho Surgery.

I'm guessing you are in/graduated from a DO school? Im asking out of pure curiosity

 

[AnatomyGrey12]

To possibledoc and inguyen1412, there is a stigma that exists. Regardless of its inaccuracy, it's still rampant in the MD community and it does place hesitation for pre-meds for whether they should choose the DO route or not.

This. Gotta love the naivety expressed here and I say this as someone applying exclusively to DO schools.. There are consequences to going DO over MD. The initials do matter, not in actual practice, but in the path to getting there. You should always go MD if you can. Medicine is a job and just because someone wants to go for MD before applying DO doesn't mean they "don't want to be a doctor." It means they want to take a shot at the path that will afford them the greatest opportunities. OP clearly has done his homework and isn't wondering about the DO path, he is wondering if it would be worth it to pursue an MD acceptance before applying to DO schools. The short answer is yes.

OP, IMHO it all depends on your stats. If you are a 3.6/30 type applicant (or higher) then I would say use the first cycle for a broad, MD only app. If you are lower then that then you are a longshot for MD, and I would apply to both MD and DO. In that situation you know that you probably aren't going to secure an MD acceptance and so it is best to mitigate risk and be realistic, while still taking a chance at the dream.

 

[cabinbuilder]

The problem is that I don't want to immediately commit myself to DO without giving myself another chance at an MD. I'm pretty sure I'd get accepted if I applied DO.


From what I've read on this site and elsewhere, DO's and MD's are identical except that DO's learn OMM for a semester. I've also read that DO's are mainly relegated to primary care, which somewhat frightens me. But I'd much rather be a primary care physician than not even be a physician.

OMM is 4 semesters

Nobody forces a DO to go into primary care. That is an individual choice and determined by what residency you apply for.

The merger doesn't affect the initials behind your name.

 

[Tortelloni]

I know DO is a perfectly viable option, but ever since I was a little kid I've dreamed about having the initials MD behind my name (and the merger scares me).

What I want to do is apply only MD in my first cycle, and MD+DO in my second cycle if I didn't get in.

But by postponing a DO application for a year, won't I basically be throwing away a year's worth of an Attending Physician's earnings (around or over 200k)?

Apply both first cycle then you are not "throwing away a year" regardless of outcome. Don't limit your options..

 

[GypsyHummus]

Go DDS. DMD learn a special kind of tooth manipulation that apparently drains the abscesses formed from cracked teeth. The schools are like easier to get into, as people won't hire DMDs but will hire DDSs. DMDs can only do primary care dentistry and fill cavities. No extractions for them.

Plus, DDS is more prestigious and will make your parents prouderer. What people think of you is very important, especially since you are no doubt an adult that can make your own choices in life. How else will you rationalize your existence?

But make sure you have the completely original keywords of "passion" and "dream" in your personal statement that nobody has ever thought up of, otherwise schools won't take you seriously. No student ever has used such terms. Also, for bonus originality points, make sure you mention that you want to help people, as there is no other profession in the world that can.

 

[Mad Jack]

He's saying it is up to you to figure out what you value more, money or the initials. Nobody can answer for you.

There's also the great number of doors that are entirely closed or difficult to open as a DO.

Hell, if you want to get into a high paying specialty, going DO could cost you money by landing you in a lower paying field.

 

[cabinbuilder]

Go DDS. DMD learn a special kind of tooth manipulation that apparently drains the abscesses formed from cracked teeth. The schools are like easier to get into, as people won't hire DMDs but will hire DDSs. DMDs can only do primary care dentistry and fill cavities. No extractions for them.

Plus, DDS is more prestigious and will make your parents prouderer. What people think of you is very important, especially since you are no doubt an adult that can make your own choices in life. How else will you rationalize your existence?

But make sure you have the completely original keywords of "passion" and "dream" in your personal statement that nobody has ever thought up of, otherwise schools won't take you seriously. No student ever has used such terms. Also, for bonus originality points, make sure you mention that you want to help people, as there is no other profession in the world that can.

Now that's funny.

 

[Scrubs101]

OP I think you've already answered your question based on your responses.

Take some time to think about the actual real difference being a DO will make compared to MD, and not some ridiculous pre-med stigma. Like actually take into account the genuine facts. Reflect on it for a bit(assuming you haven't already), and if you still think within the slightest doubt that you'd feel bad taking a DO acceptance without giving MD another shot then you'll have your answer.

Best of luck OP!


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[Goro]

So apply to both MD and DO in the first cycle. This is a no-brainer.

But next year I damn well do NOT want to see a post from you next year entitled "Accepted to DO but on wait list for MD; should I reapply?"

I know DO is a perfectly viable option, but ever since I was a little kid I've dreamed about having the initials MD behind my name (and the merger scares me).

What I want to do is apply only MD in my first cycle, and MD+DO in my second cycle if I didn't get in.

But by postponing a DO application for a year, won't I basically be throwing away a year's worth of an Attending Physician's earnings (around or over 200k)?

 

[baratheonfire]

So apply to both MD and DO in the first cycle. This is a no-brainer.

But next year I damn well do NOT want to see a post from you next year entitled "Accepted to DO but on wait list for MD; should I reapply?"

Yeah, that's the scenario I fear. I know that if I reapply after being accepted to DO I'm done for.

 

[Goro]

Then you go into this process eyes open and don't look back.

Yeah, that's the scenario I fear. I know that if I reapply after being accepted to DO I'm done for.

 

[cabinbuilder]

Yeah, that's the scenario I fear. I know that if I reapply after being accepted to DO I'm done for.

Can I just slap you now????

 

[GypsyHummus]

Can I just slap you now????

Plot twist, OP get rejected by all schools he applies to, MD and DO alike, decides he would make an excellent podiatrist.

Or my favorite

"Yeah, I'm a First year at Saba".

 

[baratheonfire]

Plot twist, OP get rejected by all schools he applies to, MD and DO alike, decides he would make an excellent podiatrist.

Or my favorite

"Yeah, I'm a First year at Saba".

No way I'd go to a caribbean school. If I didn't get into MD or DO I'd just be sad and seriously contemplate suicide.
Nice to know you guys are cheering for me to do well! I love it when people want me to succeed.

 

[Espressso]

I mean, I have yet to apply... but I think the wisest decision would be to apply to both MD and DO.... But hey, I don't know

 

[Lawpy]

No way I'd go to a caribbean school. If I didn't get into MD or DO I'd just be sad and seriously contemplate suicide

No. If you don't get into MD or DO, you should pursue an alternative career. Whether in healthcare or otherwise.

 

[Scrubs101]

No way I'd go to a caribbean school. If I didn't get into MD or DO I'd just be sad and seriously contemplate suicide.
Nice to know you guys are cheering for me to do well! I love it when people want me to succeed.

OP, if you're genuinely serious please seek help. From the bottom of my heart regardless of how well off an applicant is that shouldn't be your reaction. Always have a back up plan, and that most definitely should NOT be suicide.

I believe the comment you quoted was a joke, I'll apologize for them but this is the Internet ignore the comments as such. Plenty of people on here gave you genuine advice with good direction, may or may my have been lacking warmth but it's still all in good interest.

And if you were joking about the suicide part, that's horrible. Don't joke about that.


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[Promethean]

No way I'd go to a caribbean school. If I didn't get into MD or DO I'd just be sad and seriously contemplate suicide.
Nice to know you guys are cheering for me to do well! I love it when people want me to succeed.

If you are that close to considering suicide now, get help before you even step foot on the path to becoming a physician. Seriously. It doesn't get any easier once you get a seat, and this is a career that drives many people to self-harm/self-destructive activities. If you even think that you could entertain such thoughts, you need to have a support system in place and spend a little time with a therapist before you get anywhere near a med school.

If you are just casually throwing that around to stress how really very much you would hate not being able to get into medical school, just don't. Yes, it is a big, bright, beautiful dream, but it isn't the only thing that could ever make life worth living.

 

[DrMikeP]

So apply to both MD and DO in the first cycle. This is a no-brainer.

But next year I damn well do NOT want to see a post from you next year entitled "Accepted to DO but on wait list for MD; should I reapply?"

AMEN!!!

I think it should be a rule if you turn down either a DO or MD acceptance you can never again apply to the one you turned down. I know my university frowns heavily on those who have turned down DO in the past. I can't recall anyone being accepted who did.

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[DrMikeP]

No way I'd go to a caribbean school. If I didn't get into MD or DO I'd just be sad and seriously contemplate suicide.
Nice to know you guys are cheering for me to do well! I love it when people want me to succeed.

You sound like a high schooler. If not you need more help than we can give so speak with a therapist. I'm out.

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[baratheonfire]

You sound like a high schooler. If not you need more help than we can give so speak with a therapist. I'm out.

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Nope, college junior. Because the topic apparently discomforts you guys so much, I'll say that it was mainly hyperbole.

Since this thread has devolved into ad hominems rather than advice, I think I'll leave as well.