Caribbean Schools vs. DO Schools

[itsgottabe]

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Reality check. For me, really.

If I do not get in an MD school in the US, and I don't want to retake my MCAT for the 3rd time or wait another year to apply, I think I would consider these 2 options. However, I don't really know enough about either or the pro/con between the 2. So what are your thoughts and reasoning, if you were me? Which option would you choose? Thanks for any input =)

 

[ensuii]

There has been considerable discussion about this topic...even moreso on the SDN article written several weeks ago. From what I've read, general consensus is the US MD > US DO >>>>>>>> Carribean and you should only goto a Carribean school if you have absolutely no other options. Obviously, if you truly care about the letters of your name and you can't live with not seeing an MD, the choice is pretty straightforward.

 

[Soba]

Reality check. For me, really.

If I do not get in an MD school in the US, and I don't want to retake my MCAT for the 3rd time or wait another year to apply, I think I would consider these 2 options. However, I don't really know enough about either or the pro/con between the 2. So what are your thoughts and reasoning, if you were me? Which option would you choose? Thanks for any input =)

DO = Yes, if you feel secure/proud about your career and don't feel the need to defend yourself everytime some juvenile idiots (i.e. some SDN premeds) mention "you only got a DO degree so you are not a real doctor." 🙄

Caribbean = Yes, if you intend practice medicine in the Caribbeans. If not, then weigh the drawbacks, i.e. not all schools are accredited, limited clinical rotations, learning Spanish , need for extra strong USMLE score to compete for residencies, etc. Google is your friend.

 

[hopslam]

DO

Cheaper
Better education
Better lifestyle - although warm weather and beaches are nice, the islands often lack the basics we are accustomed to
Greater access to rotations
Greater chance at matching in whatever
DO is more respected than foreign MD - though your patients will probably never know the difference. Sometimes colleagues won't even know the letters after your name.

In conclusion . . . DO

 

[medstar21]

Like everyone said, definitely DO... They are just as qualified of doctors as MDs, and they are becoming more and more recognized as such. They actually receive slightly more training than the MD's do. They learn more about the neuro-musculature system so they can treat the patient as a whole. And they also learn the manipulative therapy. But of course, you can choose to use that stuff or not. Also, I'm not sure how common it is, but DO's can actually complete an MD residency, whereas the reverse is not true.

Most patients dont care if you are an MD or a DO. Your options are much better going to an American school do to matching issues. If you dont get into MD, definitely seriously consider DO.

Best of Luck!

 

[J ROD]

DO

Cheaper
Better education
Better lifestyle - although warm weather and beaches are nice, the islands often lack the basics we are accustomed to
Greater access to rotations
Greater chance at matching in whatever
DO is more respected than foreign MD - though your patients will probably never know the difference. Sometimes colleagues won't even know the letters after your name.

In conclusion . . . DO

Simply, DO is better in almost every way EXCEPT "MD"

If you consider Caribbean MD, SGU, Ross, AUC are the best choices in terms of respect, education, and they have Stafford loans.

Personally, I would rather have the MD and take my chances at AUC, the most developed island. Only because I know some that have done it and I would rather not have to defend my degree when I am done. You do not have to wear where you got your degree from but they see the initials.

But, I stress it is not the best choice....just my personal one and please no bashing me. I know this is a hot button item.

I have researched it for years now on here and other sites. ValueMD tells about the Caribbean schools.

No matter what just get there if you want it.