Are there any actual pitfalls of choosing a DO school over MD outside of certain residency limits?

[jtaylor91]

I have a DO school acceptance near my family, as well as a few lower-tier MD schools that would require me to relocate. The DO school is local, and the campus was much nicer than the MD schools I was accepted at. I'm very much considering accepting the DO offer and I'm wondering if I'm overlooking anything that would impact me in the future. So far my list includes:

1) Limitations to some residencies/specialties - not something too frightening for me as I have always seen myself working in some sort of primary care position, and even if that may change, I will never be a derm/plastics/ortho physician. I realize my opinions on this can and will change over the years, but I'm very confident that 'easier' residencies/specialties will always pertain to me.

2) Less prestige - couldn't care less.

3) Possible cost differences - DO school I'm looking at is slightly more expensive than the MD schools. Not sure if there are other future hidden costs like additional tests that might add up?

Outside of that, is there much else to consider? I appreciate any insights before I make a decision. Thanks

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[BurghStudent]

Ask yourself if you want to learn OMM on top of everything else.

 

[Dr. Death]

Yeah go MD, save yourself the inconvenience.

 

[Carbon090]

If I were you, I'd go MD (and I truly do love the DO school I'm currently attending).

But, go with whatever you feel you'll be the happiest. IMO, being happy where you're at has a major correlation on how well you will do.

 

[0dee]

Seems that you'd be happier around your family, even though everyone on here including myself would pick the MD acceptance. But you know yourself better, a support system is very important.

Drawbacks to picking DO would be taking USMLE + COMLEX if you wanna match ACGME. OMM. Maybe poor clinical rotations (depending on which COM you are attending).

 

[Wjldenver]

I have a DO school acceptance near my family, as well as a few lower-tier MD schools that would require me to relocate. The DO school is local, and the campus was much nicer than the MD schools I was accepted at. I'm very much considering accepting the DO offer and I'm wondering if I'm overlooking anything that would impact me in the future. So far my list includes:

1) Limitations to some residencies/specialties - not something too frightening for me as I have always seen myself working in some sort of primary care position, and even if that may change, I will never be a derm/plastics/ortho physician. I realize my opinions on this can and will change over the years, but I'm very confident that 'easier' residencies/specialties will always pertain to me.

2) Less prestige - couldn't care less.

3) Possible cost differences - DO school I'm looking at is slightly more expensive than the MD schools. Not sure if there are other future hidden costs like additional tests that might add up?

Outside of that, is there much else to consider? I appreciate any insights before I make a decision. Thanks

Even if there are gold faucets in the DO school's bathrooms, and leather chairs in the class rooms, go MD. You will have that degree the rest of your life and you do not want to limit your career options.

 

[cbrons]

State MD schools tend to be cheaper (but not necessarily better) than most DO schools.

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[Supermanwife]

I have a DO school acceptance near my family, as well as a few lower-tier MD schools that would require me to relocate. The DO school is local, and the campus was much nicer than the MD schools I was accepted at. I'm very much considering accepting the DO offer and I'm wondering if I'm overlooking anything that would impact me in the future. So far my list includes:

1) Limitations to some residencies/specialties - not something too frightening for me as I have always seen myself working in some sort of primary care position, and even if that may change, I will never be a derm/plastics/ortho physician. I realize my opinions on this can and will change over the years, but I'm very confident that 'easier' residencies/specialties will always pertain to me.

2) Less prestige - couldn't care less.

3) Possible cost differences - DO school I'm looking at is slightly more expensive than the MD schools. Not sure if there are other future hidden costs like additional tests that might add up?

Outside of that, is there much else to consider? I appreciate any insights before I make a decision. Thanks

I'm glad you made this post because I'm wondering why do most choose DO over MD...

 

[dwgrubbs1s]

If you would be happier being closer to home going to a D.O. school, then do it. Yes it will be tougher to get into a few residency programs but D.O.'s can still get into good residency programs (have to work a little harder but hard work never killed anyone). No you are not doomed to family medicine. You will be a doctor in the end either way. Do what you feel will work out best for you.

 

[ortnakas]

Being happy with staying at home, saving (a lot of money) by not relocating, and being okay with the limitations of the DO degree are all respectable reasons to go DO over MD.

General SDN wisdom says to go MD over DO, and even as a DO student I tend to agree, but in certain situations, it's a more personal and more complicated situation than that.

 

[JB50]

Screw this entire board, go DO. 90% of SDN are gunners or pretend gunners.

 

[Bynumite17]

Certainly your personal reasons are important. I'd go MD if nothing else but for the freedom in your schedule from not having to deal with OMM. Additionally, you never know if you'll change your mind on a different specialty in the future, avoid taking two sets of boards exams, etc. Basically there are less hoops to jump for the 4 years past med school. You can put in 3 years at the MD school and head back near family for electives 4th year.

 

[Goro]

1) No associated hospital = rotations all over the state (or country, for some schools)
2) Related to 1, clinical rotations may be preceptorships where you basically shadow instead of doing stuff.
3) Limited research opportunities
4) Less endowments = fewer scholarships
5) COMLEX is required for graduation
6) Larger deposits required
7) Quality of OMM training can vary from school to school; some give it lip service, others take it seriously.

I have a DO school acceptance near my family, as well as a few lower-tier MD schools that would require me to relocate. The DO school is local, and the campus was much nicer than the MD schools I was accepted at. I'm very much considering accepting the DO offer and I'm wondering if I'm overlooking anything that would impact me in the future. So far my list includes:

1) Limitations to some residencies/specialties - not something too frightening for me as I have always seen myself working in some sort of primary care position, and even if that may change, I will never be a derm/plastics/ortho physician. I realize my opinions on this can and will change over the years, but I'm very confident that 'easier' residencies/specialties will always pertain to me.

2) Less prestige - couldn't care less.

3) Possible cost differences - DO school I'm looking at is slightly more expensive than the MD schools. Not sure if there are other future hidden costs like additional tests that might add up?

Outside of that, is there much else to consider? I appreciate any insights before I make a decision. Thanks

 

[DNC127]

I say go DO. Support system is something people on here don't value enough. If you are certain you don't want anything competitive then you will have NOTHING to lose (besides the difference in price).

 

[NecrotizingFasciitis]

I side with the minority! Being happy will make medical school that much less stressful for you. Being surrounded by a support group (friends, family, significant other, cat, dog, alpaca, w/e) will help you through the most stressful times you'll have in school.

As long as you are aware you'll have to take both the USMLE and COMLEX, know you will have to work harder to match a more competitive residency program, and are okay with learning OMM, I see no reason why you shouldn't go DO OP.


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[BurghStudent]

I'm posting again. Go MD.

If you change your mind, you want to have options. Rule in life: leave as many doors open as possible at any given time, within financial and emotional reason.

And also, speaking from helping DO students try to get into more competitive fields, it really does suck to have everything else be equal between you and an MD applicant, and get passed over because of these letters. Ask any DO who has tried to match into non-primary care/neurology/psychiatry/pmr/etc.

 

[SurgDoc95]

Speaking as someone who turned down a chance to go md I say go where you'll be the happiest. You're going to have a hell of a lot of stress as a med student and having a support system to lean on is very undervalued.

 

[cptnjack]

go MD fam, save yourself the probable hassle that you will encounter in the future

 

[enigmaticspacedoggoboos]

go DO fam.

 

[andybovine]

Disclaimer: I am not a medical student . But...

Based on your strong desire to pursue primary care, I think staying close to home and going DO is fine (if it's an established school). Just make sure you've considered the schools' differences in rotation setup and sites. MD school will have better research opportunities, most likely. Also realize you are making it a bit tougher to match into the more sought after primary care residencies. I think for someone in your situation it's all about priorities, and family seems to be a top priority to you. The previously mentioned thought about "having little time" for family and stuff is something I disagree with. You deserve to live in a place you are gonna be happy in, and good time management can lead to plenty of free time. I'm in a similar situation, and if I was as enthusiastic about going into primary care as you, my decision would already be made. Congrats on the acceptances!


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[JB50]

I'm posting again. Go DO! Support systems are huge!

 

[chibaddie]

Is this Midwestern? I'm sorry, I'm curious haha.

 

[AnatomyGrey12]

People do need to remember that you will only be close to family for 2 years unless you go to one of the state schools or get extremely lucky and snag a spot at a local rotation site. The vast majority of students move away for the clinical years. Something to consider OP.

go DO fam.

Welcome back boo

 

[enigmaticspacedoggoboos]

People do need to remember that you will only be close to family for 2 years unless you go to one of the state schools or get extremely lucky and snag a spot at a local rotation site. The vast majority of students move away for the clinical years. Something to consider OP.



Welcome back boo

huh?

 

[Peach Newport]

In a nutshell, everyone on SDN says "always go MD," with no exceptions.

I've seen so many threads that go something like this:

OP: "I got into a great DO school near my home, with in-house residencies, great rotations, dirt cheap tuition, and a strong record of excellent USMLE scores and residency placement. The students are happy, and I relate to them a lot. I really want to be near my family. I've known since I was 6 that I want to be a rural family medicine doctor, and I want to learn OMM. But I also got into an MD school across the country that I hate and costs $110k per year."

SDN: "dat MD tho"

When pushed as to WHY this is such an absolute, they'll always give the same answer: "What if you decide you really, really want to be a dermatologist?"

 

[Blessthefall]

Go DO so long as you're committed to the cause and not afraid of extra work. Yes, on average DOs face more of an uphill battle but the end result can still be the same with application.


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[dwgrubbs1s]

In a nutshell, everyone on SDN says "always go MD," with no exceptions.

I've seen so many threads that go something like this:

OP: "I got into a great DO school near my home, with in-house residencies, great rotations, dirt cheap tuition, and a strong record of excellent USMLE scores and residency placement. The students are happy, and I relate to them a lot. I really want to be near my family. I've known since I was 6 that I want to be a rural family medicine doctor, and I want to learn OMM. But I also got into an MD school across the country that I hate and costs $110k per year."

SDN: "dat MD tho"

When pushed as to WHY this is such an absolute, they'll always give the same answer: "What if you decide you really, really want to be a dermatologist?"

Derm?? Never thought about being one of those. Recanting my D.O. acceptance and shooting for M.D. next cycle now! Just in case.

 

[5words]

1) No associated hospital = rotations all over the state (or country, for some schools)
2) Related to 1, clinical rotations may be preceptorships where you basically shadow instead of doing stuff.
3) Limited research opportunities
4) Less endowments = fewer scholarships
5) COMLEX is required for graduation
6) Larger deposits required
7) Quality of OMM training can vary from school to school; some give it lip service, others take it seriously.

What do you mean by larger deposit required?

 

[IslandStyle808]

What do you mean by larger deposit required?

Deposit for MD school = $100 (which can be refunded)

Deposit for DO school = $500-$3000 (which CANNOT be refunded, few exceptions)

 

[Blessthefall]

Deposit for MD school = $100 (which can be refunded)

Deposit for DO school = $500-$3000 (which CANNOT be refunded, few exceptions)

#realtalk


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[5words]

Deposit for MD school = $100 (which can be refunded)

Deposit for DO school = $500-$3000 (which CANNOT be refunded, few exceptions)

That's post acceptance or pre*?

 

[IslandStyle808]

That's post acceptance or pre*?

There's no pre-acceptance deposit, only post.

 

[5words]

There's no pre-acceptance deposit, only post.

ok, you scared me .. because i cant even afford a haircut atm.. ok that'll work.

 

[IslandStyle808]

ok, you scared me .. because i cant even afford a haircut atm.. ok that'll work.

Just apply early and the deposit thing isn't as much of an issue, since you will have till December to put down for a school. You can celebrate with a haircut!

 

[Veggie_Girl]

Derm?? Never thought about being one of those. Recanting my D.O. acceptance and shooting for M.D. next cycle now! Just in case.

American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, just saying

 

[Cranjis McBasketball]

There's no pre-acceptance deposit, only post.

I bet pre meds would still pay it if it were a "pre acceptance deposit" lollzzz

 

[dwgrubbs1s]

American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, just saying

But they can't do any minor surgical procedures on the skin. Only M.D. derms can do that. What if they wanted to be able to remove moles? Warts? Safe to just do M.D......just in case...

 

[Veggie_Girl]

But they can't do any minor surgical procedures on the skin. Only M.D. derms can do that. What if they wanted to be able to remove moles? Warts? Safe to just do M.D......just in case...

I'm sure they would be allowed to handle a cryo gun, but if we're talking some serious cyst removals then ya better go MD! And what's derm without cyst removals!

 

[samsamani]

+

 

[Bynumite17]

Sometimes I'm sitting there in OMM lab and gazing into the abyss that is OS, wishing that I could turn back the clock and have had the balls to re-apply for MD.

When you're ten feet deep in anatomy and lecture material but have to go drop it all to go memorize minutiae on OMM, then you'll come back to this thread and be like wow, what could have been.

Sorry for being blunt but seriously don't think short term. You will build a medical school support system anyway with friends like you've never had before in school. Take the option that provides you the greatest opportunities. In about 3 years you can start venturing to any part of the country you'd like, especially if you've got that MD to boast.

 

[JB50]

Sometimes I'm sitting there in OMM lab and gazing into the abyss that is OS, wishing that I could turn back the clock and have had the balls to re-apply for MD.

When you're ten feet deep in anatomy and lecture material but have to go drop it all to go memorize minutiae on OMM, then you'll come back to this thread and be like wow, what could have been.

Sorry for being blunt but seriously don't think short term. You will build a medical school support system anyway with friends like you've never had before in school. Take the option that provides you the greatest opportunities. In about 3 years you can start venturing to any part of the country you'd like, especially if you've got that MD to boast.

And then you get out of school, become a doc, and realize in hindsight you have a year of pay at six figures one year earlier than if you wanted an ego stroke + not learning omm, more money in retirement, and have this amazing mind-opening experience that your DO education was barely different than an MD and yet you still do the same damn job as an MD and are most likely in the same f**king specialty as you would be post-allopathic education.

I apologize for being blunt.

 

[JB50]

People do need to remember that you will only be close to family for 2 years unless you go to one of the state schools or get extremely lucky and snag a spot at a local rotation site. The vast majority of students move away for the clinical years. Something to consider OP.



Welcome back boo

Please refrain from randomly mentioning/quoting people in threads. It's a form of harassment and won't be tolerated.

huh?

 

[monchienestbeau]

OP don't forget to consider the merging of residencies AND the fact that AACOMAS GPA calculation is now the same as AAMC, makings candidates applying to both very similar.
in 10 years, the prestige of DO will be equal to MD. don't forget to consider your happiness! money is disposable.

 

[Nietzsche's Barber]

OP don't forget to consider the merging of residencies AND the fact that AACOMAS GPA calculation is now the same as AAMC, makings candidates applying to both very similar.
in 10 years, the prestige of DO will be equal to MD. don't forget to consider your happiness! money is disposable.

.

 

[JB50]

OP don't forget to consider the merging of residencies AND the fact that AACOMAS GPA calculation is now the same as AAMC, makings candidates applying to both very similar.
in 10 years, the prestige of DO will be equal to MD. don't forget to consider your happiness! money is disposable.

This will never be true, but it will only matter to those that would be proud of such a petty thing.

 

[GypsyHummus]

Screw it all and go to Dental School. U be happy there cuz $$$$$$. Also only 4 years. Pretend the debt doesn't exist.

 

[dwgrubbs1s]

And then you get out of school, become a doc, and realize in hindsight you have a year of pay at six figures one year earlier than if you wanted an ego stroke + not learning omm, more money in retirement, and have this amazing mind-opening experience that your DO education was barely different than an MD and yet you still do the same damn job as an MD and are most likely in the same f**king specialty as you would be post-allopathic education.

I apologize for being blunt.

If it counts for anything, people in the area I am from consider LPN school medical school, think nurse practitioners are physicians, and think doctors and big pharma are simply out to keep people sick so they can make money. Prestige is out the window.

 

[3member]

Sorry for piggybacking on this thread, but I wanted to ask a linger question I've had for a while...

I was wondering why there were so many new DO schools opening up vs. new MD schools..? Could anyone elaborate on the process/accreditation for doing so?

 

[WedgeDawg]

I bet pre meds would still pay it if it were a "pre acceptance deposit" lollzzz

That's called an application fee and is usually around $100 per school

Please refrain from randomly mentioning/quoting people in threads. It's a form of harassment and won't be tolerated.

The quote function is there for a purpose. If you're responding to someone else's post, it's generally a good idea to use it. The tag feature (@) is another way of doing this. Quoting someone who responded to a thread so you can respond to them is not harassment.

OP, if I were in your situation, I would go MD.

 

[JB50]

If it counts for anything, people in the area I am from consider LPN school medical school, think nurse practitioners are physicians, and think doctors and big pharma are simply out to keep people sick so they can make money. Prestige is out the window.

As it should be.

That's called an application fee and is usually around $100 per school



The quote function is there for a purpose. If you're responding to someone else's post, it's generally a good idea to use it. The tag feature (@) is another way of doing this. Quoting someone who responded to a thread so you can respond to them is not harassment.

OP, if I were in your situation, I would go MD.

Lol