Since I was the person who posted the post that was referenced to in the first post, I thought I might comment a little on this as well.
From what I hear, the osteopathic hospitals in the Southwest seem quite unstable if not already closed. Three osteopathic hospitals in the north Texas area (where I am originally from) have closed during my lifetime. Now with Osteopathic Medical Center of Texas closed, I believe there are no more DO hospitals in Texas. Now I am in OKC, and I do believe that there are no more DO hospitals open here either. With the notable exception of Tulsa Regional Medical Center, with a nice choice of residency specialties to choose from. Although, past students of OSU-DO school say they talk about the hospital closing everyday, for whatever that is worth.
You know, anybody who went to DO school or decides to go will seemingly still encounter occasional difficulty in the process just being a DO-in addition to the rest of the challenges and stressfull aspects of graduating medical school, mulling over the periodic statement from student loans, obtaining a residency, surviving the residency, etc. Even if you say, hey "I am going into primary care-no problems here!" Good for you, but you still have to explain to some people why the hell you aren't an MD. Whatever, this may not bother you at all.
I am ok with it. In fact, I am honored with the title,"Doctor" at my program, with the reliable salary, benefits of being a resident. I also am in a now solid state university program, and anticipate a lifetime of hard work, learning, and even excellent future earnings. Being a American DO Anesthesiologist will do more for my quality of life than thousands of Americans or millions of people all over the world have or ever will have. Quality of life being doing something that I love, something that keeps my interest, helps people, providing an incredible income, career stablity, etc.
I say that no matter what school you get your MD or DO from, what residency you finish or where you do it, the key things are to graduate from school, complete a residency, and begin your life. Realize that this all means to an end, there are things more important such as the quality of your personal relationships, personal satisfaction from what you do, etc.
I completely agree with some of the previous posts. It is your responsibility and no one elses to obtain a solid residency. Now, more than ever, the MD community opens its arms to us, so take advantage of it! Now I hear people openly state they prefer American DOs to many FMGs/IMGs. When you look at a residency, yeah you may have geographical preferences, yes you may like the PD or senior residents a lot. I would say the first question to ask yourself, "Is this program viable and am I willing to bet that it will be around for me?" If you aren't convinced, get as far away as possible from it!
Some people take positions for many reasons, and some are fooled unknowingly. I have seen it at OMCT myself'--"hey, you want to come here? Yeah, we can get you in here.." Tempting, I must say, but it almost smacks of slippery and shady dealings to me. And now seeing my good friends go through sheer hell, makes me very grateful for my strong program. On your interviews, trust your gut feelings!! If you feel uneasy about the hospital, and/or if you see attendings and residents leaving in droves, take the hint!
In defense of osteopathic programs, the programs in the north, eg michigan, ohio, illinois, sound like strong viable programs. Sometimes it seems the bigger the hospital, the more stable residency seems. Most hospitals that seem to close are these small community hospitals. With something as important as your residency, you want something you can have more faith in. My two cents!
