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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 arent so black in white when you look deeply into this matter. Hope I didnt confuse too much and would greatly appreciate any input! Thanks!
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 arent so black in white when you look deeply into this matter. Hope I didnt confuse too much and would greatly appreciate any input! Thanks!
