DO for MD residency

[desaiha1]

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Hello,
I am a second year DO student, and I thought this was the best place to post my question.
I was wondering, as to how should I start preparing for residency if I wanted to go the MD way? Is it harder for DO's to go for residencies in IM, ER or surg in the MD world. How can I get a head start for the same.
Also if this question has been previously put forth, if you can provide a link for the same.
Any input will be appreciated.
Thanks

 

[desaiha1]

Hello anyone there, to give any advice.
any input will be greatly appreciated.
thanks

 

[ckent]

Well, if you are interested in IM, you should visit my IM FAQ page in the IM forum. I have listed percentages of DO's doing residencies and IM fellowships on that site. Basically, you should do the same things that would make you competetive for DO residencies. Impress your attendings during third year, take step 1 at the end of second year and 2 during fourth year and try to get a good score, and research will help for IM, surgery and EM if you are going for a really competetive program. There are a lot of DO's in MD residencies for IM and EM, one of my residency program director's for EM at U Maryland (an MD school) is a DO. There are fewer DO's in surgery, but there are still a good number, and general surgery's not very competive right now anyways.

 

[DrQuinn]

Originally posted by ckent
Well, if you are interested in IM, you should visit my IM FAQ page in the IM forum. I have listed percentages of DO's doing residencies and IM fellowships on that site. Basically, you should do the same things that would make you competetive for DO residencies. Impress your attendings during third year, take step 1 at the end of second year and 2 during fourth year and try to get a good score, and research will help for IM, surgery and EM if you are going for a really competetive program. There are a lot of DO's in MD residencies for IM and EM, one of my residency program director's for EM at U Maryland (an MD school) is a DO. There are fewer DO's in surgery, but there are still a good number, and general surgery's not very competive right now anyways.

I agree with ckent. Does it really matter, though, how to prepare for MD residnecy versus DO? Would you try *less* if you only wanted to do a DO IM residency? You should always try your hardest, get strong LORs, do well on boards, interview well and do well on your audition rotations (probably the most important), and make contacts. DOs can match anywhere. We had a DO in my class who matched NeuroSx in CA. Nothing is impossible. Do well 2nd and 3rd year, and apply to lots of places, don't limit yourself to what you perceive as barriers, when they may not even be there.

BTW, Dr. Butler is the best.
Q, DO