Can I learn OMM as an MD?

[yarrooow7184]

I have applied and been accepted to several DO schools and one MD school this cycle (I still have a couple more MD interviews). Conventional SDN wisdom is that, when given the option, choose MD over DO. One of the things that attracted me to DO was the opportunity to learn OMM. Would it be possible to pursue formalized training in OMM as an MD? Does anyone know of any residency programs or otherwise that offer this?

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[ChymeofPassion]

😕

 

[Ms Procrastinator]

I have applied and been accepted to several DO schools and one MD school this cycle (I still have a couple more MD interviews). Conventional SDN wisdom is that, when given the option, choose MD over DO. One of the things that attracted me to DO was the opportunity to learn OMM. Would it be possible to pursue formalized training in OMM as an MD? Does anyone know of any residency programs or otherwise that offer this?

I'm not exactly sure but I heard somewhere that you could choose OMM as an elective in Med school. I could be wrong but I think so. I don't think residencies offer OMM. That's something you learn at DO schools.

 

[puahate]

Why?

 

[Mad Jack]

MDs can do a fellowship in OMM at UNE

 

[themightyquinn]

I don't think it's a ridiculous question, and while I'd prefer not to learn OMM as I don't think it'll be part of my practice, I think it has its place and being interested in it isn't eyeroll worthy.

That being said, most of the flack that DO gets is that it's limiting in what specialties you can match and increases chances of getting passed over if your competing for an MD residency. Granted, with the merger things will be different, but it seems likely that most of the current DO residencies will at worst still maintain a strong DO preference. OMM seems like a very primary care practice, and DO degrees are well suited to matching in primary care, so if you're interested in OMM you seem like the kind of candidate DO schools actually want and who should actively chose DO school.

DO is only potentially limiting if you could see yourself going for a very competitive specialty, otherwise many people actually do pass over MD to go DO because that's the education and educational philosophy that resonates with them. I have a friend who had the GPA and MCAT to go MD, but wanted DO. She's a hospitalist now and makes enough on the side with an OMM/accupuncture gig that she's paid off all her loans 2 years out of residency.

Do what you want to do, but don't let the (increasingly shrinking) stigma or generalized advice on the internet keep you from pursuing the career and practice you want.

 

[Angus Avagadro]

I'm not sure if I should comment here, as my knowledge is incomplete. It is my understanding that some DO residencies under the merger, will be required to have curriculum for teaching MDs OMM. The residency I am thinking about is a DO FM residency nearby. I believe my school is also developing criteria for teaching MD residents in programs we offer should we accept MD applicants.. If anyone could add some clarity here i would certainly appreciate it.

 

[Tenk]

You could learn everything about OMM off YouTube as a homeless drug seeker if you really wanted to. That kind of thing just requires self motivation.

 

[rusty1998]

Isn't OMM the thing that Larry Nassar did to those gymnasts? that's how i first heard of it -- is there more to it? (pardon my ignorance... ive only been aware of the MD track until recently)

 

[MacBee]

Isn't OMM the thing that Larry Nassar did to those gymnasts? that's how i first heard of it -- is there more to it? (pardon my ignorance... ive only been aware of the MD track until recently)

TROLLLLLL

 

[rusty1998]

TROLLLLLL

You're the troll! You quoted my thread asking for serious advice and said my situation was funny to you like my life is a joke

 

[OneTwoThreeFour]

I have applied and been accepted to several DO schools and one MD school this cycle (I still have a couple more MD interviews). Conventional SDN wisdom is that, when given the option, choose MD over DO. One of the things that attracted me to DO was the opportunity to learn OMM. Would it be possible to pursue formalized training in OMM as an MD? Does anyone know of any residency programs or otherwise that offer this?

What attracts you to OMM? You should check the data supporting its practice and reevaluate how you feel.

 

[Isoval]

What attracts you to OMM? You should check the data supporting its practice and reevaluate how you feel.

A lot of OMM has a place in modern medicine.

A lot of OMM does not.

But applying a blanket “OMM is bullsh**” isn’t really helping anyone answer this question.

 

[AnatomyGrey12]

Would it be possible to pursue formalized training in OMM as an MD? Does anyone know of any residency programs or otherwise that offer this?

Yes. MDs can get training in OMM, particularly if you go to a former AOA FM residency, and even a number of true ACGME residencies in FM have applied for, and received, osteopathic recognition.

I'm not sure if I should comment here, as my knowledge is incomplete. It is my understanding that some DO residencies under the merger, will be required to have curriculum for teaching MDs OMM. The residency I am thinking about is a DO FM residency nearby. I believe my school is also developing criteria for teaching MD residents in programs we offer should we accept MD applicants.. If anyone could add some clarity here i would certainly appreciate it.

From what I've seen with our residency programs yes this would be correct.

I don't think residencies offer OMM. That's something you learn at DO schools.

You can learn OMM is residency. It's actually decently common to do so in some fields (I.e. FM), meaning it isn't some super rare event.

 

[OneTwoThreeFour]

A lot of OMM has a place in modern medicine.

A lot of OMM does not.

But applying a blanket “OMM is bullsh**” isn’t really helping anyone answer this question.

I said “look into the evidence” I didn’t say “OMM is bullsh**”. If you’re going to make a life altering decision based on one course you should make sure it is what you think it is.

 

[Ms Procrastinator]

Yes. MDs can get training in OMM, particularly if you go to a former AOA FM residency, and even a number of true ACGME residencies in FM have applied for, and received, osteopathic recognition.



From what I've seen with our residency programs yes this would be correct.



You can learn OMM is residency. It's actually decently common to do so in some fields (I.e. FM), meaning it isn't some super rare event.

Thanks for the correction!

 

[RNthenDoc]

I spoke w/ an ACGME residency and they have an OMM track for their DOs that incorporates a lot. The track is open for MDs also. I’ve been told on SDN that it is possible to do an OMM elective during allopathic medical school.

If, like me, you are an allo student who may want to do a sports medicine fellowship or possibly PM&R I don’t think it’s so crazy to want to learn some OMM.

I would love to know some more skills for use on family. 🙂

 

[bahdahboom]

I think you can do a fellowship but why would you? DOs dont even use OMM lol.