Arr you happy in D.O. School?

[Hines302]

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Hey All,

I am a senior who is currently applying to optometry school but recently been having second thoughts. I am really considering not going to optometry school and applying to D.O. school in 2007. I am just having feelings that being an Optometrist I am not helping people as much as I could if I was a Medical Doctor.

I was just wondering if you guys could give me some feedback rather of not your happy in D.O. school thus far or happy with the profession that you choose? Also, I know its a lot of work.... but do you all get a chance to have a little fun in school? Thanks for the feedback!

 

[OSUdoc08]

Hey All,

I am a senior who is currently applying to optometry school but recently been having second thoughts. I am really considering not going to optometry school and applying to D.O. school in 2007. I am just having feelings that being an Optometrist I am not helping people as much as I could if I was a Medical Doctor.

I was just wondering if you guys could give me some feedback rather of not your happy in D.O. school thus far or happy with the profession that you choose? Also, I know its a lot of work.... but do you all get a chance to have a little fun in school? Thanks for the feedback!

Yes, I'm very happy that I decided to attend my current school.

 

[CCEMTP2DOC]

Yes, I'm very happy that I decided to attend my current school.

I cannot wait to go to D.O. school. MSUCOM is my first choice, but OSUCOM is also very high on my list. I am still 2 years away from med school, but
I fell that i will be a very competitive applicant. 15 years in EMS,13 as a paramedic,~3.7 GPA, 200+ hours shadowing, etc. Just need to to conquer the MCAT and I should be good to go. Why do people think D.O. is such a bed way to go? Oh well, they will still call me Dr. Rob.


Rob

 

[OSUdoc08]

I cannot wait to go to D.O. school. MSUCOM is my first choice, but OSUCOM is also very high on my list. I am still 2 years away from med school, but
I fell that i will be a very competitive applicant. 15 years in EMS,13 as a paramedic,~3.7 GPA, 200+ hours shadowing, etc. Just need to to conquer the MCAT and I should be good to go. Why do people think D.O. is such a bed way to go? Oh well, they will still call me Dr. Rob.


Rob

Rob, I'm sure things are similar in Michigan, but all 3 EM residencies in the state are AOA, meaning that we don't have to compete with OU, the allopathic school.

 

[CCEMTP2DOC]

Rob, I'm sure things are similar in Michigan, but all 3 EM residencies in the state are AOA, meaning that we don't have to compete with OU, the allopathic school.

Sounds good to me. As an out of stater, would my numbers be competitive with say a 27ish(will go on the low end, should be higher) on MCAT? I know they only interview a few from out of state according to U.S News and World Report

 

[OSUdoc08]

Sounds good to me. As an out of stater, would my numbers be competitive with say a 27ish(will go on the low end, should be higher) on MCAT? I know they only interview a few from out of state according to U.S News and World Report

I'm from out of state --> 28 MCAT.

They take 10-15 from out of state, but my EMS experience brought me a LONG way. They also accept many more than actually matriculate.

 

[cfdavid]

I cannot wait to go to D.O. school. MSUCOM is my first choice, but OSUCOM is also very high on my list. I am still 2 years away from med school, but
I fell that i will be a very competitive applicant. 15 years in EMS,13 as a paramedic,~3.7 GPA, 200+ hours shadowing, etc. Just need to to conquer the MCAT and I should be good to go. Why do people think D.O. is such a bed way to go? Oh well, they will still call me Dr. Rob.


Rob

Rob,
Most pre-meds are still on college. All some know how to do is compete. If, all the sudden podiatry school was the most competitive, and hardest to get into from a numbers stand point, many would think it was the place to be. (not that it isn't. i have pod friends that love it and make lots of cash) You get the picture.

Both of us being from Michigan, I think we both know a lot of DO's. I voluneer in the ER, and know at least a handful of DO docs that would alpha male their MD counterparts so fast their heads would spin. Not to be inflammatory.

 

[DOCTORSAIB]

Couldn't have asked for a better med school...🙂

 

[CCEMTP2DOC]

Rob,
Most pre-meds are still on college. All some know how to do is compete. If, all the sudden podiatry school was the most competitive, and hardest to get into from a numbers stand point, many would think it was the place to be. (not that it isn't. i have pod friends that love it and make lots of cash) You get the picture.

Both of us being from Michigan, I think we both know a lot of DO's. I voluneer in the ER, and know at least a handful of DO docs that would alpha male their MD counterparts so fast their heads would spin. Not to be inflammatory.

I agree. That is one of the reasons i like the D.O. approach. Allopathic schools seem to be almost all numbers, whereas osteopathic look at everything. My numbers are good, experience is excellent, so I know that i will be an awsome doctor. I know a lot of D.O.'s , and most are excellent doctors. I have ran into some new residents, honestly mostly M.D.'s, who thinks their $h*t don't stink. Yes, they are ungodly smart, but there patient interaction sucks. I feel you need 4 things to be a good doctor:

1. Knowledge-you must know what to look for and what the s/s could indicate and what apprioate test to run.

2. Skills- after figuring out what is going on, you need to be able to perform a test or procedure to help correct the situation.

3. Compassion-this, I feel, speaks for itself. But, unfortunately, is missing in a lot of doctor's.

4. Empathy- once again self explainatory. Many people that do empatize have a hard time being objective. This is sometimes a very fine line. Bottom line, you must show empathy toward your pt's.


I would list a fifth one, but i believe even people with limited pt exposure can learn this, is you have to have that "it", that gut instinct as to either something is very wrong with person,when obvious s/s don't present, or an instinct as to what is going on. Believe me, this is not always an easy thing to develop. Having many years and 35,000+ hours of patient contact, I have learned to go with my gut.


Rob

 

[(nicedream)]

I am just having feelings that being an Optometrist I am not helping people as much as I could if I was a Medical Doctor.

C'mon now...
If your goal is to help people as much as you can, join the Peace Corps or Red Cross or something.

 

[Shodddy18]

could not be more happy

 

[PublicHealth]

could not be more happy

Funny how the statement above is juxtaposed to "It seems like i live in the library..."

 

[BoneCruncherDO]

Funny how the statement above is juxtaposed to "It seems like i live in the library..."

But isn't studying what gets us nerdy medical students off...?

 

[PublicHealth]

But isn't studying what gets us nerdy medical students off...?

I leave that to the librarian 😉 She's hot! 😍

 

[Nate]

yes

 

[jwilson.md]

My sister's in a DO school (OSU-COM), and she 😍 loves 😍 it! I say go for it!

 

[Karina]

Sometimes I get annoyed at our schedule...but I am happy I'm here 🙂

Karina

 

[Shodddy18]

Funny how the statement above is juxtaposed to "It seems like i live in the library..."

Yeah but I knew I would spend most of my life studying durring med school... that does not mean I am not happy. Amazing wife, good friends, fantastic location... everything I need to get through this stressful part of my life.

 

[SuperFemDoc22]

I just started MS1 2 weeks ago and couldn't be happier. I know there are people would kill to be in my seat right now which makes me appreciate being in school so much more. Yeah, there are long study sessions which encompasses 85% of my day, but I wouln't want to be anywhere else 🙂 .

 

[peppy]

I am a student at MSUCOM and loving it. Before med school started, I had serious doubts and almost thought about going to dental school instead. It turns out I am a lot happier here than I ever expected I would be! All of my fears and concerns about med school evaporated once I actually started and found out it was nothing like I feared it would be. Yes, there is a lot of work, but still time to have fun too.
If you are truly serious about wanting to help people and truly interested in medicine, I think you'll do fine!

 

[jwilson.md]

Before med school started, I had serious doubts and almost thought about going to dental school instead.

Sounds exactly like my sister. She thought there would be a huge stigma against her for going to a DO school. Totally untrue though. I told her I wouldn't join a big MD practice after her residency (because we give the one DO in our practice a bunch of crap for going to DO school), but as long as she stays in an osteopath-friendly group she should be happy.

 

[Shodddy18]

Sounds exactly like my sister. She thought there would be a huge stigma against her for going to a DO school. Totally untrue though. I told her I wouldn't join a big MD practice after her residency (because we give the one DO in our practice a bunch of crap for going to DO school), but as long as she stays in an osteopath-friendly group she should be happy.

So why do you feel the need to give the DO crap?

 

[jwilson.md]

So why do you feel the need to give the DO crap?

It's not so much a "need." It's more like something fun to kill time. Sort of like watching old Seinfeld episodes. Once you start, you just can't stop. Can't wait until my sister graduates! You should try it -- loads of fun (watching Seinfeld reruns, of course; not making fun of osteopaths -- that's just plain wrong 😉 and yet it feels sooo right....).

 

[DOCTORSAIB]

It's not so much a "need." It's more like something fun to kill time. Sort of like watching old Seinfeld episodes. Once you start, you just can't stop. Can't wait until my sister graduates! You should try it -- loads of fun (watching Seinfeld reruns, of course; not making fun of osteopaths -- that's just plain wrong 😉 and yet it feels sooo right....).

This DO is one of two things:

1) Too nice
2) Too stupid

I'll be damned if anyone tries that crap with me.

 

[(nicedream)]

Sounds exactly like my sister. She thought there would be a huge stigma against her for going to a DO school. Totally untrue though. I told her I wouldn't join a big MD practice after her residency (because we give the one DO in our practice a bunch of crap for going to DO school), but as long as she stays in an osteopath-friendly group she should be happy.

He wasn't worried because he was going to DO school - he was worried about medschool. Pull your head out of your ass.
By the way, the term "osteopath" is antique - which you no doubt are as well.

 

[J1515]

This DO is one of two things:

1) Too nice
2) Too stupid

I'll be damned if anyone tries that crap with me.

Are you for real? If you're that defensive about being a DO that you'd get offended at *friendly* joking about it you need to find another field of work. When I complain about something at my school, my MD friends say "well you're the one who wanted to learn how to touch people" and I tell them "well at least I'm not going to just throw medication at my patients and not listen to them." It's all in good fun dude, get a sense of humour.

 

[(nicedream)]

Are you for real? If you're that defensive about being a DO that you'd get offended at *friendly* joking about it you need to find another field of work. When I complain about something at my school, my MD friends say "well you're the one who wanted to learn how to touch people" and I tell them "well at least I'm not going to just throw medication at my patients and not listen to them." It's all in good fun dude, get a sense of humour.

There's a big difference between your friends and fellow students messing with you, and your fellow professionals that you work with "giving you crap all the time." It's called evolution, something which apparently never occurred in jwilson and her colleagues. Obviously jwilson doesn't think it's not a big deal either since she suggested to her sister that she not work in a group with a lot of MD's, and that as long as she joined an "osteopath friendly" group she should be okay. Long live segregation.

 

[jwilson.md]

Okay, now I fully understand why denial is not just a river in Egypt.

 

[cfdavid]

Okay, now I fully understand why denial is not just a river in Egypt.

Man, you need to grow up.

 

[(nicedream)]

Okay, now I fully understand why denial is not just a river in Egypt.

Ban this troll.

 

[DOCTORSAIB]

Are you for real? If you're that defensive about being a DO that you'd get offended at *friendly* joking about it you need to find another field of work. When I complain about something at my school, my MD friends say "well you're the one who wanted to learn how to touch people" and I tell them "well at least I'm not going to just throw medication at my patients and not listen to them." It's all in good fun dude, get a sense of humour.

I think you're jumping the gun here, slim. I have absolutely NO problem joking about the whole "MD vs. DO thing" with my allopathic friends. I am very happy where I am at and have no doubts that I ended up at the best med school (for me, at least).

I do have a problem if someone tries to make me the butt of all jokes b/c I'm a DO. Theres a difference. Realize it.

 

[J1515]

I do have a problem if someone tries to make me the butt of all jokes b/c I'm a DO. Theres a difference. Realize it.

Who said that? Jwilson said

"(because we give the one DO in our practice a bunch of crap for going to DO school)"

So what's the big deal? That doesn't mean anyone is being malicious. She's not the butt of all jokes. That means they joke around with her. And furthermore, you know if there was seriously a problem in that DO's eyes they wouldn't still be with the practice. I don't understand why everyone is jumping on jwilson as being a troll just because he/she has a sense of humour (and so does the DO in his/her practice). I would LOVE to be in a workplace where people joke like that. It makes the day go by so much faster.

 

[(nicedream)]

Who said that? Jwilson said

"(because we give the one DO in our practice a bunch of crap for going to DO school)"

So what's the big deal? That doesn't mean anyone is being malicious. She's not the butt of all jokes. That means they joke around with her. And furthermore, you know if there was seriously a problem in that DO's eyes they wouldn't still be with the practice. I don't understand why everyone is jumping on jwilson as being a troll just because he/she has a sense of humour (and so does the DO in his/her practice). I would LOVE to be in a workplace where people joke like that. It makes the day go by so much faster.

She said herself that she would not suggest her sister work in a primarily MD group. Obviously she doesn't think it's fun for the DO.

 

[djnels01]

This is a really pointless thread.

P.S. People need to learn how to spell.

 

[DOCTORSAIB]

She said herself that she would not suggest her sister work in a primarily MD group. Obviously she doesn't think it's fun for the DO.

Exactly my point. Do I tease someone who goes to an allopathic school? Of course not. Why should it be any different for me as a DO? Just my personal opinion, that's all.

And yes, this thread is pretty pointless. I'm hitting the books.

 

[Kevbot]

yes

Nate, your still posting on SDN?! You have block exams to study for my friend. Histology is going to be tough, I'm waiting to see what clever mnemonics you come up with this time.

Hey All,

I am a senior who is currently applying to optometry school but recently been having second thoughts. I am really considering not going to optometry school and applying to D.O. school in 2007. I am just having feelings that being an Optometrist I am not helping people as much as I could if I was a Medical Doctor.

I was just wondering if you guys could give me some feedback rather of not your happy in D.O. school thus far or happy with the profession that you choose? Also, I know its a lot of work.... but do you all get a chance to have a little fun in school? Thanks for the feedback!

To the OP, med school is so much fun. There is a group of us who go out to philly and bars in our area etc.. all the time despite whatever work we have or whether exams are approaching. The key is to know what YOU need to do, to do well academically. This might change as we get into harder modules like cardio and renal, but I'd like to think that whatever challenges lay ahead, we won't lose our sense of camaraderie that has become very important to many of us.

As far as happy with choosing medicine over another profession; I think that's obvious.. If there is doubt in your mind as to what you want to do, then you need to shadow in order to clear that up. You won't get into med school if you are on the fence about your motivation to be a doctor. It will come out in your personal statement and in your interview. If you are undecided about your future, don't be afraid to take a year off, enjoy life, and answer this question before jumping into a lifelong profession. Remember, once you choose, there is no turning back thanks to student loans.

 

[docbill]

well said Kevbot... Can I come for beer too.. please!!

 

[bkpa2med]

Why do people think D.O. is such a bed way to go? Oh well, they will still call me Dr. Rob.

Rob

Honestly, people are ignorant. I get really upset when I hear people giving "props" to the carribean rather than DO. By people I mean stupid people at school. DO is definately the way to go. At least they stand out in a positive way in my opinion.

 

[medhacker]

Do I tease someone who goes to an allopathic school? Of course not.

I tease them...

 

[NYCDawg81]

NYCOM is hard...but i love it 👍