DO after PhD

[KD1655]

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Given the large prevalence of DO physicians as primary care doctors (and not physician scientists) as well as the lack of prevalence of DO/PhD combined programs, will I have a problem getting interview at osteopathic schools after completing a PhD? I am currently about halfway done with my PhD in Materials Science and Engineering and have my eyes to medical school. I know that you say what the hell does Materials Science and Engineering have to do with medicine but I am taking biological tissues and treating them as materials, which they rightfully are, and using traditional materials characterization techniques to examine the physiological processes that occur in the tissue. I will most likely have 2-3 first author publications in good journals as well as several more as 2nd or 3rd authors, an above average MCAT (+30's), a 3.65 overall GPA and 3.5 science GPA when applying. I have also worked clinically as an EMT for the past 7 years (probably close to 10 years by the time I apply) and have done everything from volunteering in my small hometown to getting paid in my state's largest (and most dangerous) city so I have pretty much seen and done it all when it comes to pre-hospital care. Given my credentials and the fact that I will have a PhD, I think that I may have a decent shot at getting an interview at an allopathic school but I'm not sure I like allopathic medicine as much as osteopathic medicine. I plan to practice emergency medicine (big suprise given my past) and I have SO much more respect and admiration for the osteopathic EM doctors that I meet compared to the allopathic ones. Therefore, based on past experiences, I am as interested in applying to DO schools as I am MD schools. While the latter may look preferentially at a PhD, will the former look negatively at it given the primary care focus of osteopaths?

 

[cbrons]

No, they will not look negatively at you at all. You should definitely apply. The DO so-called commitment to primary care doesn't mean they are seeking students to pursue primary care only. The gastroenterologist in my area is a DO/PhD (same with the emergency medicine department head). DOs must contribute more to research vis-a-vis the development of physician scientists and you would be a perfect candidate.

 

[PeachyPhd]

I am doing the PhD to DO route. Be prepared to answer "Why medicine?" and "why physician?" very well. It's also important to agrees this in your personal statement.

PM if you have any questions or want specifics.


Good luck!!!

 

[NurWollen]

I'd say you have a great shot at DO and MD schools, assuming you do get a good MCAT score (given your background, I'd say you're in good shape.) Don't discount MD schools; just because some of the MD's you have met are pretentious jerks doesn't mean you have to be. Don't be afraid to go DO either, you could probably contribute a lot to DO research, etc. Good luck.

 

[taylormade2006]

OP, in reality it all comes down to the individual. There is no law or clinical standard that says MD's can not practice in a holistic manner or that they have to be pretentious. That is all up to the individual and ultimately you can choose to practice in any manner.