choosing b/w and MD and DO

[RySerr21]

---

Members do not see this ad.

If, as a DO student, you don't run into many MD program directors, then this response is understandable -- but trust me; a lot of them are bigoted @ssholes. But are you really denying any stigma whatsoever in the medical community? Especially among older folks? I mean come on, at least contribute something, instead of just flaming -- that doesn't take any intellect.

as much as i have wanted to deny it, i now see that there really is a negative stigma against DOs. i posted this in another similar thread but in case you havent had the pleasure of reading it, i'll post it hear too. i asked an MD i did research for whether there actually was a bias against DOs when applying for ortho residency. He is the chief of sports medicne and residency director at an MD school. This was his response:

"Interesting that you ask the question about DO vs MD degree for ortho,
because just this past weekend we did our interviews for the four
resident positions at USF (we had about 500 applications). I think it
is substantially more difficult to get into an ortho residency with a DO
degree (though it is possible: we interviewed a couple of DOs).

My concern with DO training is that the last two years are inconsistent
within and between schools, compared to MD training which is much more
uniform. So residency programs don't really know what they are getting,
and therefore there's a bias against the DO graduates. DO graduates
also don't take the same board tests, which programs use as a key
metric. Without those exams, it makes things much tougher to get an
interview.

As far as the application of OMM to orthopaedic surgery care: this is
not really important at all. What you learn as a resident is far more
important that the things learned in med school or osteopath school. I
think OMM is more relevant to those who choose primary care, and if that
is your goal then I don't have any good advice to provide. I think
primary care docs would be in a better position to tell you."

that pretty much says it all right there.

 

[endocardium]

If, as a DO student, you don't run into many MD program directors, then this response is understandable -- but trust me; a lot of them are bigoted @ssholes. But are you really denying any stigma whatsoever in the medical community? Especially among older folks? I mean come on, at least contribute something, instead of just flaming -- that doesn't take any intellect.

I'm not just flaming, but also exercising word economy. This is a tired argument; there isn't much I could say that would contribute anything new that hasn't already been said.

Yes, there are bigots out there and, of course, there are uninformed people out there. However, I don't think it's as horrible as you think. I attended a hospital day not long ago where many residency programs try to recruit for their programs. There were ACGME programs there, too. In fact, I recall being pretty interested in the Cleveland clinic. The representative I talked to seemed pretty open and inviting to DO's, as were a great many from other programs. Yeah, there will be some who don't like DO's, but there are also many who do like DO's. I wouldn't be too quick to generalize. Look at each program individually, etc. Yes, you may have a hard time matching into some specific programs, but it's not like you are a ronin out in the great empty desert. If you are a competitive applicant, you should be fine. 🙄

With respect to patients and colleagues, in general, there is very little issue.

 

[Law2Doc]

and whoever said that you should put your career above love and family doesn't really know what they are talking about. this is a job we are talking about. you want to try to do something you enjoy, but it is still a job. you still have to come home at some point, and if the person you love isn't there, you aren't going to be happy.

I'm not sure anyone said that. They said she already has contemplated this when she decided to apply and interview on the other coast in the first place, and this fact, combined with the lack of ring on her finger suggests that she may not be at her final dating resting point. While I agree you ought not put your career above love and family, you might want to put it above a non-permanent relationship. Honestly if I were the OP, in a relationship where I was still willing to interview on the other coast, I wouldn't consider it that much of a dealbreaker. If it were, the application would never have gone out, and the interview sure wouldn't have happened. Res ipsa loquitor.

 

[dd128]

and whoever said that you should put your career above love and family doesn't really know what they are talking about. this is a job we are talking about. you want to try to do something you enjoy, but it is still a job. you still have to come home at some point, and if the person you love isn't there, you aren't going to be happy.

Actually it's really not. I heard it best by the president of a university I recently interviewed at. There is a difference between being a physician and being a great physician. If you want to be the latter, medicine comes above everything else in your life. And If you don't want to be a great doctor then why even become one?

 

[Frank l]

DO graduates also don't take the same board tests, which programs use as a key metric.

most osteopathic students who are planning on applying to an allopathic residency take the USMLE. i'd think if someone were applying to a competitive residency they would have done that. if not, it's not surprising if they didn't get in.

 

[RySerr21]

most osteopathic students who are planning on applying to an allopathic residency take the USMLE. i'd think if someone were applying to a competitive residency they would have done that. if not, it's not surprising if they didn't get in.

yea i called him out on that and his response was "taking USMLE and doing well is key." he didnt say the bias dissappeared though

 

[JackDanielMD]

Actually it's really not. I heard it best by the president of a university I recently interviewed at. There is a difference between being a physician and being a great physician. If you want to be the latter, medicine comes above everything else in your life. And If you don't want to be a great doctor then why even become one?

There is a difference between being a
[physician/lawyer/investment banker/police officer/firefighter/teacher/nurse/engineer/architect/fashion designer]
and being a great
[physician/lawyer/investment banker/police officer/firefighter/teacher/nurse/engineer/architect/fashion designer].
If you want to be the latter, [medicine/law/investments/police work/engineering/architecture/design] comes above everything else in your life. And If you don't want to be a great whatever then why even become one?

 

[RySerr21]

There is a difference between being a
[physician/lawyer/investment banker/police officer/firefighter/teacher/nurse/engineer/architect/fashion designer]
and being a great
[physician/lawyer/investment banker/police officer/firefighter/teacher/nurse/engineer/architect/fashion designer].
If you want to be the latter, [medicine/law/investments/police work/engineering/architecture/design] comes above everything else in your life. And If you don't want to be a great whatever then why even become one?

touche

 

[dd128]

There is a difference between being a
[physician/lawyer/investment banker/police officer/firefighter/teacher/nurse/engineer/architect/fashion designer]
and being a great
[physician/lawyer/investment banker/police officer/firefighter/teacher/nurse/engineer/architect/fashion designer].
If you want to be the latter, [medicine/law/investments/police work/engineering/architecture/design] comes above everything else in your life. And If you don't want to be a great whatever then why even become one?

Wow, you really think you can equate a physician to a fashion designer...or a lawyer?

 

[Frank l]

Actually it's really not. I heard it best by the president of a university I recently interviewed at. There is a difference between being a physician and being a great physician. If you want to be the latter, medicine comes above everything else in your life. And If you don't want to be a great doctor then why even become one?

if there were a career you could put before everything else in your life (and have that be a good thing), it would be medicine.
but for most people it isn't going to be enough. and given that the OP is planning on getting married, she's probably one of those people. if she is married and always put's medicine first, her marriage won't be all that happy, and that will affect her work...and so on. if you totally commit your life to medicine (like a Dr. monk or something) then yes, you would probably be an amazing doctor, but most people need a balance.

 

[digitlnoize]

I don't think being a great ______ means that you have to put it before all other things in your life. There are plenty of people who accomplished great things, yet still at their priorities in order.

 

[endocardium]

Wow, you really think you can equate a physician to a fashion designer...or a lawyer?

Yes, absolutely. We all have a role to play in this society. It's a wonderful profession and you get a chance to do some very good things, but it is still just a job. You'll see how glorious it actually is when you get your feet wet. It's awesome sometimes, but a lot of the time, it's like any other service oriented job.

It isn't the role itself that makes one great, but what one does with that role.

 

[JackDanielMD]

Wow, you really think you can equate a physician to a fashion designer...or a lawyer?

Absolutely not. Obviously, fashion design is much more important. If I had the talent I would much rather do that. All physicians do is take care of the sick and the dying. But fashion designers.....they make people look good. What do you think is more important.

 

[JackDanielMD]

Wow, you really think you can equate a physician to a fashion designer...or a lawyer?

Seriously, get over yourself.

 

[endocardium]

I don't think being a great ______ means that you have to put it before all other things in your life. There are plenty of people who accomplished great things, yet still at their priorities in order.

I agree. I think the whole "putting the job before all other things..." is an old and optional belief/myth.

 

[dd128]

Yes, absolutely. We all have a role to play in this society. It's a wonderful profession and you get a chance to do some very good things, but it is still just a job. You'll see how glorious it actually is when you get your feet wet. It's awesome sometimes, but a lot of the time, it's like any other service oriented job.

It isn't the role itself that makes one great, but what one does with that role.

I get that, believe me. And I have nothing but respect for our police officers, fire fighters, and all the other service people out there. Even more so for the people who can go out there and do manual labor every day of their lives (I landscaped for 3 years, and know personally how difficult it is). Even I don't think I could ultimately put medicine ahead of my family if the need arose, but how on earth could you go into medicine with the notion it's just a job With everything you have to go through to get into it, I don't see how anyone could do it just to get job?

 

[dd128]

Seriously, get over yourself.

Dude you have some controversial stuff going on in this thread, it's just a discussion, no big deal.

 

[endocardium]

...how on earth could you go into medicine with the notion it's just a job With everything you have to go through to get into it, I don't see how anyone could do it just to get job?

Easy. There's no other job I'd rather do. I like it and I like waking up to it. Yes, it's a long path, but it's worth it because I have the heart for it.

 

[dd128]

Easy. There's no other job I'd rather do. I like it and I like waking up to it.

You know I have no animosity towards you or anything right? I think I did something piss off JackMD, and I'm not trying to upset people, just my opinion.

 

[digitlnoize]

I agree that it is more than "just a job." Perhaps more of a "calling." Whatever term you want to use, medicine is a good gig...to me at least. And while I will be extremely happy as a doctor, I love my wife too much to put it ahead of her and my family. Nor do I think one needs to go to that extreme to excel.

Haven't you guys watched "Hook?" There's a good lesson there.

 

[endocardium]

You know I have no animosity towards you or anything right? I think I did something piss off JackMD, and I'm not trying to upset people, just my opinion.

I know. No hard feelings here, just typical SDN exchanges. 🙂

 

[JackDanielMD]

Easy. There's no other job I'd rather do. I like it and I like waking up to it. Yes, it's a long path, but it's worth it because I have the heart for it.

+1 👍

 

[dd128]

I know. No hard feelings here, just typical SDN exchanges. 🙂

Good deal (you never can tell who's going to track down your IP address and hunt you down 😛), hope everyone has a good day 🙂

 

[Frank l]

I get that, believe me. And I have nothing but respect for our police officers, fire fighters, and all the other service people out there. Even more so for the people who can go out there and do manual labor every day of their lives (I landscaped for 3 years, and know personally how difficult it is). Even I don't think I could ultimately put medicine ahead of my family if the need arose, but how on earth could you go into medicine with the notion it's just a job With everything you have to go through to get into it, I don't see how anyone could do it just to get job?

it's not just a job. it's just that it is still a job. it is not the secret to happiness or anything, though i imagine there are times when it might feel like it. of course, there are probably just as many times when it feels like it's eating your soul.

 

[Gut Shot]

Actually, DO residencies graduate about a 100 new dermatologists per year. There are four or five at my community hospital, and two at the large teaching hospital.

Actually, according to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, there are 114 dermatology positions in approved hospital-based residency programs.

The catch is that those positions are spread over 4-5 years, so they're graduating about 23-28 new dermatologists a year.

 

[JackDanielMD]

You know I have no animosity towards you or anything right? I think I did something piss off JackMD, and I'm not trying to upset people, just my opinion.

Its not you. I'm just an dingus.

 

[Gut Shot]

this isn't entirely accurate. a large percentage of osteopathic slots go unfilled every year because DO student apply to allopathic residencies.

Really? How many DO residency positions are available each year? How many go unfilled?

 

[Lokhtar]

Wow, you really think you can equate a physician to a fashion designer...or a lawyer?

LOL! Why can't you? They are all jobs. I love speaking to self-aggrandizing individuals - it's hilarious when their tower of arrogance comes crashing down approximately two weeks after they enter the real world.

 

[Daydreamer2008]

I agree. I think the whole "putting the job before all other things..." is an old and optional belief/myth.

Seriously. Love and family is especially important to me since my parents were never in love and were never truly happy (pretty much an arranged marriage). I think I'm pretty much leaning towards getting my MD with the faith that our relationship is strong enough to get through it. I also need to talk to some DO's though. I will figure it out. Thanks for your responses!

 

[medhacker]

It doesn't say it all, in what this PD said is the key to how a DO student can be seen as equal to residency directors.

Once you do those two things, there is no difference between the two degrees. It's a shame most people won't see it - his statement is the best evidence there isn't any difference between the two degrees.

as much as i have wanted to deny it, i now see that there really is a negative stigma against DOs. i posted this in another similar thread but in case you havent had the pleasure of reading it, i'll post it hear too. i asked an MD i did research for whether there actually was a bias against DOs when applying for ortho residency. He is the chief of sports medicne and residency director at an MD school. This was his response:

"Interesting that you ask the question about DO vs MD degree for ortho,
because just this past weekend we did our interviews for the four
resident positions at USF (we had about 500 applications). I think it
is substantially more difficult to get into an ortho residency with a DO
degree (though it is possible: we interviewed a couple of DOs).

My concern with DO training is that the last two years are inconsistent
within and between schools, compared to MD training which is much more
uniform. So residency programs don't really know what they are getting,
and therefore there's a bias against the DO graduates. DO graduates
also don't take the same board tests, which programs use as a key
metric. Without those exams, it makes things much tougher to get an
interview.

As far as the application of OMM to orthopaedic surgery care: this is
not really important at all. What you learn as a resident is far more
important that the things learned in med school or osteopath school. I
think OMM is more relevant to those who choose primary care, and if that
is your goal then I don't have any good advice to provide. I think
primary care docs would be in a better position to tell you."

that pretty much says it all right there.

 

[Gut Shot]

One of my friends who is an orthopedic surgeon tells me that I should absolutely get my MD degree because MD's are more respected (he flat out told me that) which I guess may be true in surgery. But another friend of mine who is a surgery resident told me that she met a DO pulmonologist and he was even more intelligent and articulate than many MD's she's met....anyways just trying to see if anyone had to make this choice...??

You need to dispense with the "but this other person told me" line of reasoning. Opinions can be used to support any conclusion you want, so they're often not inherently helpful.

What can help is data, and according to the 2007 NRMP match data:

General Surgery:
Total of positions - 1,057
Number filled - 1,055
Number filled by US allopaths - 826
Number filled by US osteopaths - 30

The weaknesses of this analysis are 1.) there are osteopathic surgery residencies, but I have had little luck obtaining numbers for them, and 2.) I cannot say how many DOs applied for allopathic surgery. Thus, 30 is difficult to completely interpret other than it looks small compared to 826.

 

[Gut Shot]

It doesn't say it all, in what this PD said is the key to how a DO student can be seen as equal to residency directors.

Once you do those two things, there is no difference between the two degrees. It's a shame most people won't see it - his statement is the best evidence there isn't any difference between the two degrees.

Huh?

 

[Frank l]

Really? How many DO residency positions are available each year? How many go unfilled?

5216 residency positions, only 2422 filled.

numbers from 2004-2005.

 

[medhacker]

Huh?

Exactly...

 

[medhacker]

5216 residency positions, only 2422 filled.

numbers from 2004-2005.

Source with online access please, thanks.

 

[Lokhtar]

Source with online access please, thanks.

Check Page 8 & 9
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&ct=r...aAlBMwHoF4JxrR5JQ&sig2=jVDTtILso7dL5YVEuTphSw

It lists them by specialty.

 

[ACBio]

I think the answer here is simple: either get accepted to an MD school in Cali or just have your boyfriend start his own film industry out east near you. There, problem solved. You're welcome.

While this poster was obviously saying the latter part in jest, I think the OP needs to seriously consider whether or not she would be willing to re-apply to medical schools in the next cycle in the hopes of getting into an MD program in California. She can strengthen her applications by addressing the weaknesses and she can use the time to further her relationship with her guy. Seems like a rational choice to me.

 

[Lokhtar]

The weaknesses of this analysis are 1.) there are osteopathic surgery residencies, but I have had little luck obtaining numbers for them, and 2.) I cannot say how many DOs applied for allopathic surgery. Thus, 30 is difficult to completely interpret other than it looks small compared to 826.

In 2004, for:

General Surgery: 319 positions, 217 filled
Vascular: 18 positions, 1 filled
Neurosurgery: 52 positions, 38 filled
Plastics: 9 positions, 8 filled
Thoracic: 13 positions, 0 filled
Urology: 37 positions, 27 filled

I can't find data for 2007, but if I do, I'll post it.

For other specialties that are "hard to get into", they were:

Dermatology: 95 positions, 56 filled
Diagnostic Radiology: 109 positions, 74 filled
Cardiology: 86 positions, 44 filled
GI: 24 positions, 15 filled
Opthalmology: 42 positions, 30 filled
ENT: 92 positions, 68 filled

 

[Amy B]

Enough. Closing

EDIT: Ok.. I will leave this open but with a warning that if it goes back to MD verses DO bashing it will be closed. Thanks all

 

[NjD00]

Go with what your heart tells you. If you have always wanted an MD, get an MD. Do NOT settle for a DO just because of a guy. If he is the right person, he will understand and you both will still be together. If you never have a career, I think you should prioritize your career first, everything else comes second; this includes family, love, etc. Because in the end, you do not want to look back and think "could've should've"...

I have been married for six years but we have only been living together for 1 1/2 to 2 years, accumulatively because of our careers/jobs. This works great for us since we understand our career comes first, especially when we are young (relatively speaking, of course). No regrets in the future. Additionally, we have many years to come to build a future together.

If you are with the right person, it should come easy and natural. Good luck.

This doesn't make as much sense to me...The way I think of it, go where your HEART tells you to go. That is, in love. First of all, going DO is not "settling". DOs and MDs are equal, and most premeds will eventually learn that the hard way during rotations and residency.

Secondly, I don't think you should prioritize your career. You are talking about your LIFE here. When I think of truly living, I think about fun, family, friends, and love. Career is what you do, your passion for a JOB. Personally, I don't think you want to look back and think "could've, should've" about this guy you are with. This guy you are with is a single person in the whole world, and possibly the person you can be with for your whole life. As far as a career goes, you will be a physician whether you are DO or MD, and your opportunities depend on how much work you put in to it, not the initials after your name.

I was sort of in your position, and was madly in love with a girl. I chose the school closest to her - end of story. We have been apart for over a semester now, but now we are engaged and she is transferring down here to be with me (3 hours). I can't imagine being apart from her for another 1-2 years. Everyone always says that "if the person is right for you then it will work". Easier said than done-we are perfect for each other and it has been extremely hard to be apart. Sure it WOULD work out and we would be together, but why waste years together for a different set of initials? Someone who puts a JOB before LOVE and life would say that. For me, my fiance comes first and being a physician, and a damn good one, will work itself out no matter what because I work hard.

The person I am responding to obviously puts a career (a job) ahead of her friends, family, and husband, and it works well for her. Personally, I would never want to be in a relationship where careers come first. To me, "settling" for a PERSON is a much harder thing to do then supposedly "settling" for being a different sort but equal physician.

Good luck with your decision, and feel free to PM me.

 

[DiverDoc]

Thought this link might help. Opportunities for a DO degree holder. Plenty of specialty options.

http://www.opportunities.osteopathic.org/search/search.cfm

 

[medhacker]

Lokhtar

Approved positions does not equal funded positions. A program could have a given number of "approved positions" that it could turn into funded, however the number that matters is the funded positions number - which is not provided on that PDF link you posted. So the numbers of unfilled positions is smaller due to that difference only.

 

[Lokhtar]

Lokhtar

Approved positions does not equal funded positions. A program could have a given number of "approved positions" that it could turn into funded, however the number that matters is the funded positions number - which is not provided on that PDF link you posted. So the numbers of unfilled positions is smaller due to that difference only.

You are obviously correct. I posted to give an idea of # of positions. In terms of funded/unfunded, you can check this website, I think. But I don't have any aggregate data on it.


EDIT: Is the table on page 2 on the PDF sort of what you're looking for?

 

[medhacker]

A number of DO funded residency spots go unfilled every year - however, caution has to be exercised in interpreting that fact. The type of spots that go unfilled are generally analogous to the MD residency spots that go unfilled every year. That is, they go unfilled not because they are DO spots but for other varied reasons.

 

[Lokhtar]

A number of DO funded residency spots go unfilled every year - however, caution has to be exercised in interpreting that fact. The type of spots that go unfilled are generally analogous to the MD residency spots that go unfilled every year. That is, they go unfilled not because they are DO spots but for other varied reasons.

Of course, and for the same reasons as MD spots, I bet. They could be seen as subpar for training and/or they could be in unattractive areas of the country.

 

[medhacker]

You are obviously correct. I posted to give an idea of # of positions. In terms of funded/unfunded, you can check this website, I think. But I don't have any aggregate data on it.


EDIT: Is the table on page 2 on the PDF sort of what you're looking for?

I am not really looking for it, I was pointing out in an attempt to clarify what seemed like a whole number of hyper-competitive DO spots going unfilled. Believe me, they don't!!

Page 2, however, is only for internships, which, to make matters more complex even, have a new way of being accounted for, since now for a good number of residencies, the internship counts as PGY1 for the residency so it would not appear on that table.

 

[Geekchick921]

This decision needs to come from a long, thoughtful conversation with your boyfriend, not with a bunch of pre-meds who think the world revolves around how highly ranked your future school is.

QFT.

If you don't mind my asking, where is the east coast school? Granted, the biggest animation industry is in California, but that doesn't mean your boyfriend can't find a good job in certain East coast cities. For some examples, the company that makes some of the shows on Adult Swim on Cartoon Network is in Atlanta, Georgia, and Blue Sky, which is a studio that produced Ice Age and Robots is in White Plains, NY, near NYC.

I speak from experience here, though it's almost the other way around. Fiance has a bachelors in Media Arts and Animation and wants to get a masters in something more geared towards game design. Most game design companies are in California, but there are some in Texas, some in Canada and at least one in the Mid-Atlantic (Bethesda in MD, mainly). I'd love to settle in California because of the low malpractice, and it'd be great for him because of all the job opportunities, but we're really torn (him more than me) on moving so far away from our hometown, families and friends.

 

[Gut Shot]

In 2004, for:

General Surgery: 319 positions, 217 filled
Vascular: 18 positions, 1 filled
Neurosurgery: 52 positions, 38 filled
Plastics: 9 positions, 8 filled
Thoracic: 13 positions, 0 filled
Urology: 37 positions, 27 filled

I can't find data for 2007, but if I do, I'll post it.

For other specialties that are "hard to get into", they were:

Dermatology: 95 positions, 56 filled
Diagnostic Radiology: 109 positions, 74 filled
Cardiology: 86 positions, 44 filled
GI: 24 positions, 15 filled
Opthalmology: 42 positions, 30 filled
ENT: 92 positions, 68 filled

Thanks for the link, it's very good. In addition to the approved vs. funded question, I believe these numbers must also be divided by the number of training years to get a feel for how many spots are open each season. Surgery, for instance, is a five year residency, so there will be approximately 63-64 spots/year. If I am mistaken, someone please correct me.

 

[lex]

QFT.

If you don't mind my asking, where is the east coast school? Granted, the biggest animation industry is in California, but that doesn't mean your boyfriend can't find a good job in certain East coast cities. For some examples, the company that makes some of the shows on Adult Swim on Cartoon Network is in Atlanta, Georgia, and Blue Sky, which is a studio that produced Ice Age and Robots is in White Plains, NY, near NYC.

I speak from experience here, though it's almost the other way around. Fiance has a bachelors in Media Arts and Animation and wants to get a masters in something more geared towards game design. Most game design companies are in California, but there are some in Texas, some in Canada and at least one in the Mid-Atlantic (Bethesda in MD, mainly). I'd love to settle in California because of the low malpractice, and it'd be great for him because of all the job opportunities, but we're really torn (him more than me) on moving so far away from our hometown, families and friends.

I have always told my brother to go where the money goes. It is not easy to find a job; a job that is not just a contract job but a job with full-time permanent position with benefits. My brother is in New Media (Computer Animation and more) and he had problems finding a job in California, especially where we live, Northern California. All he could get was contract jobs, even though he landed great gigs with big companies. It sucks to find a new job every 3 months, 6 months, and so forth. Not to mention they like to give the axe out of no where and you can be jobless the very next day. Honestly, you can't build a career if you have to change jobs frequently. But it was not until he moved to NYC he landed a permanent job, with benefits. And he said, it was easier for him to get a job there because there is more demand for his skillset.

So my point is: Computer Animation is very small segment of the computer industry. There are not many companies to choose from. As a result, you are most likely to go with the big companies. Unfortunately, as my brother said, most of the jobs in these top companies are filled through referrals. For example, if you know someone at Pixar, you are in luck. And USC has a VERY VERY good alumni network. And USC is VERY rich. So stay where the demand is high, especially for Computer Animation.

 

[Lokhtar]

Thanks for the link, it's very good. In addition to the approved vs. funded question, I believe these numbers must also be divided by the number of training years to get a feel for how many spots are open each season. Surgery, for instance, is a five year residency, so there will be approximately 63-64 spots/year. If I am mistaken, someone please correct me.

Yes, that sounds about accurate.