An important question regarding DOs going to MD residencies

[BooBooFixer]

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After having talked to many practicing DOs, there is something I am interested in getting cleared up. Hopefully you all can help.

The DOs I spoke to told me that if I went to a DO school, I should work my ass off to get into an MD residency. They basically told me (and I don't mean to offend anyone so my apologies beforehand) that DO residency match should only be used as last resort because supposedly the training in DO programs is not as great and puts a lot of limitations as to where you can practice and the amount of money you would make, etc. AKA...only use DO match if you want something like primary care which DO is amazing at...or if you are going for hella competitive specialties in which case at least you have that minute chance to become an NS bc DOs have their own NS residencies. Aside from these two scenarios, apparently you should always try to get an MD residency.

Now if this is the case (and I'd appreciate input to validate this claim), would that not mean that as a DO, you would need to do really well on the USMLEs to make yourself stand out in comparison to the MDs applying for the same residency spot because you are a DO?

To extend this question further...if you are a DO with a same USMLE score as an IMG (specifically SGU grad)...and both are going for an MD residency, would the DO be picked because he/she is a US grad?

The DOs I spoke to said that YES you would need to kill the USMLEs and that NO, you would not get picked over an IMG just bc you are a US grad (for an MD residency). It would depend on your USMLE scores AND your extra-curiculars that would distinguish the two. When they put it that way, it made me think that the whole equation USMD>USDO>IMG for residencies is actually USMD> USDO=IMG with the deciding factors being USMLE scores and other credentials for MD residencies.

Keep in mind, I am only talking about comparing DOs to IMGs when they are applying to MD residencies because:
US DO - Has to make up for the fact that he/she is a DO
Caribbean MD - Has to make up for the fact that he/she is an IMG.
US MD - Has BOTH and thus will have preference before anyone else.
The reason I am seeking clarification is because I realize that things aren’t so black in white when you look deeply into this matter. Hope I didn’t confuse too much and would greatly appreciate any input! Thanks!

 

[Daedra22]

There are many threads on this subject... the general consensus is that as a DO you can do what you want. You just need to take the USMLE, do well on your clinical rotations, and show that you are competitive just like everyone else. Perhaps in the past DO's had a tougher road ahead of them, but almost everyone that I've heard from has said that during clinical rotations, residencies, etc., being a DO has not affected them negatively at all.

Of course, I don't start med school until next year, and I only speak as someone who has read a looooot of literature (and posts) on being an osteopathic physician.

 

[Laryngophed]

OP - There are countless threads on this very topic. It has been debated ad nauseum on these boards and elsewhere. Give the search function a workout and then come back with more questions. Ultimately, what you do is up to you and you alone. The opinions of (mostly) pre-meds here are just that, opinions of people who have not been through the match and don't know. There are some older OMS' who post here along with interns, residents, fellows and attendings who have posted their experiences in those other threads. Start there.

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

i dont think its that hard for DO's getting into MD residencies..
they are above IMG's by far..

 

[Powdermonkey]

After having talked to many practicing DOs, there is something I am interested in getting cleared up. Hopefully you all can help.

The DOs I spoke to told me that if I went to a DO school, I should work my ass off to get into an MD residency. They basically told me (and I don't mean to offend anyone so my apologies beforehand) that DO residency match should only be used as last resort because supposedly the training in DO programs is not as great and puts a lot of limitations as to where you can practice and the amount of money you would make, etc. AKA...only use DO match if you want something like primary care which DO is amazing at...or if you are going for hella competitive specialties in which case at least you have that minute chance to become an NS bc DOs have their own NS residencies. Aside from these two scenarios, apparently you should always try to get an MD residency.

Now if this is the case (and I'd appreciate input to validate this claim), would that not mean that as a DO, you would need to do really well on the USMLEs to make yourself stand out in comparison to the MDs applying for the same residency spot because you are a DO?

To extend this question further...if you are a DO with a same USMLE score as an IMG (specifically SGU grad)...and both are going for an MD residency, would the DO be picked because he/she is a US grad?

The DOs I spoke to said that YES you would need to kill the USMLEs and that NO, you would not get picked over an IMG just bc you are a US grad (for an MD residency). It would depend on your USMLE scores AND your extra-curiculars that would distinguish the two. When they put it that way, it made me think that the whole equation USMD>USDO>IMG for residencies is actually USMD> USDO=IMG with the deciding factors being USMLE scores and other credentials for MD residencies.

Keep in mind, I am only talking about comparing DOs to IMGs when they are applying to MD residencies because:
US DO - Has to make up for the fact that he/she is a DO
Caribbean MD - Has to make up for the fact that he/she is an IMG.
US MD - Has BOTH and thus will have preference before anyone else.
The reason I am seeking clarification is because I realize that things aren’t so black in white when you look deeply into this matter. Hope I didn’t confuse too much and would greatly appreciate any input! Thanks!

Where in the hell are you getting your information so I know where to stay away from? That is the most ridiculous thing I think I've ever heard. Your docs that you're talking to are the reason these stigmas and prejudices still exist. Search on here and read lots.

 

[sonofva]

Where in the hell are you getting your information so I know where to stay away from? That is the most ridiculous thing I think I've ever heard. Your docs that you're talking to are the reason these stigmas and prejudices still exist. Search on here and read lots.

thank you.

 

[BooBooFixer]

Yikes! Didn't mean to perpetuate any falsehood! Good thing you guys are setting the record straight before it got out of control so thank you for that!

As for the topic, believe it or not, I actually have been trying to read a lot - online and specifically on these forums to get my answers. Unfortunately, either I'm not searching the right terms here or the threads that I end up reading are ones that start off with good intentions, but end up becoming a means for people to defend their decision and not so much about the reality. I'm assuming the DOs or SGU/AUC/Ross grads I have spoken to fall into that unfortunate category as well.

As someone already pointed out, these are forums and basically a means for people to give their opinion. Thus everything needs to be taken with a grain of salt. Unfortunately, while these forums ARE set up to help people, there is a huge disclaimer not to believe everything that is written here, which in a sense nullifies the purpose of these forums. Ironically, when I google search in order to validate the claims I read here, many of the links bring me right back to SDN! Haha! To add to the confusion, I can't tell which posters are honest (even though they might be harsh in their means) and which are trolls (even though their approach may ne nice). I think the moderators do a great job of weeding the crazies out, but they can only do much.

Anyway, anyone willing to tell me what words I should use in the search function to find the appropriate threads for my concerns? Trust me, I'm not being lazy, just a little frustrated.

Thanks once again for all the advice and input tho!

 

[Daedra22]

If you do a search in the pre-DO and DO forums for "residency," you will find all kinds of threads.

 

[Powdermonkey]

Yikes! Didn't mean to perpetuate any falsehood! Good thing you guys are setting the record straight before it got out of control so thank you for that!

As for the topic, believe it or not, I actually have been trying to read a lot - online and specifically on these forums to get my answers. Unfortunately, either I'm not searching the right terms here or the threads that I end up reading are ones that start off with good intentions, but end up becoming a means for people to defend their decision and not so much about the reality. I'm assuming the DOs or SGU/AUC/Ross grads I have spoken to fall into that unfortunate category as well.

As someone already pointed out, these are forums and basically a means for people to give their opinion. Thus everything needs to be taken with a grain of salt. Unfortunately, while these forums ARE set up to help people, there is a huge disclaimer not to believe everything that is written here, which in a sense nullifies the purpose of these forums. Ironically, when I google search in order to validate the claims I read here, many of the links bring me right back to SDN! Haha! To add to the confusion, I can't tell which posters are honest (even though they might be harsh in their means) and which are trolls (even though their approach may ne nice). I think the moderators do a great job of weeding the crazies out, but they can only do much.

Anyway, anyone willing to tell me what words I should use in the search function to find the appropriate threads for my concerns? Trust me, I'm not being lazy, just a little frustrated.

Thanks once again for all the advice and input tho!

If you have any specific questions, feel free to PM me and I'll answer what I can.