DO/MD interview question

[Faze2]

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So my friend just interviewed at PCOM, which is one of his top choices if not THE top choice for him. He applied early and broadly, just like everyone told him. To go a little further into it, he applied and has been interviewed at both MD and DO schools. Though he is leaning towards DO schools, especially PCOM because he seems to really like their program, the MD schools at which he interviewed were good schools, that he did not want to turn down without looking first hand at the school and their program. However, he said that at PCOM in particular, they really looked down on the fact that he applied to both DO and MD schools. As if to say, "if you really like the DO philosophy, why would apply to allopathic schools as well?" My friend was honest with his answer, but assured them that PCOM was in fact his top choice. Long story short, he got a "deferred decision" from PCOM and he is kind of upset about it. He thinks it is directly related to that question and that very fact that he has interviewed at allopathic schools as well.

Has anyone else come across this question/problem in interviews, and if so, how did they handle it? I ask because I will applying to schools this summer, and plan on applying to both DO and MD schools. I know it is a fair question for schools to ask, so I am just wondering how other people have handled that question if it came up in their interview.

 

[Pemberley]

Sounds to me like your friend had a bitter interviewer! Here's my first idea, but you should bear in mind that I didn't apply DO at all, so I can't tell you that this works:

This is a hard question to answer without stepping in something. Tell the truth, obviously, but phrasing is key. I would emphasize the limitations of a pre-med's experience -- that you couldn't tell by glossy brochures and your equally-unauthoritative friends' opinions which would really be the best fit for you -- so you wanted to keep all your options open and see both types of schools firsthand before making big decisions.

Then be ready to talk enthusiastically about how his school is making you fall in love with the DO philosophy. 🙄

The interviewer will still suspect you of using the DO option as a safety net, but there's really nothing that you can do about that.

 

[ShyRem]

I was asked that question, and I honestly replied that I applied to schools that appeared to meet my needs AND my family's needs. Of course the DO/MD thing came up, and I also honestly stated that while I had 15 years of experience in the medical field, I had met bad MDs and bad DOs, and great MDs and DOs. The letters behind the name didn't really matter -- I was looking for an education that suited my entire situation. Other questions in the interview disclosed I was open to non-MD therapies (heck, my physician was an MD and he did acupuncture). And yes, I'm currently a DO student.

Bottom line: be honest. Be yourself. And don't try to tell them what you think they want to hear.

 

[Faze2]

Good stuff. Thanks guys. 👍

If anyone else wants to put their two cents in please do.

 

[medhacker]

Did he have a recommendation letter from a DO?

 

[ShyRem]

medhacker, I didn't have a DO LOR. That's not the killer.

 

[medhacker]

medhacker, I didn't have a DO LOR. That's not the killer.

Of course not.

Nothing is THE killer in medschool admissions. Every single thing is a plus or a minus that hopefully will give an endresult = admitted

It's easy to talk the talk ("I like the do philosophy") but it is harder to walk the talk (what in one's application confirms you are not using DO as a backup). In that regards, a DO letter is a definite plus.

 

[Beau Geste]

I was asked that at CCOM and got in.

My answer was that I applied to schools in a 5-hour radius, MD and DO. I explained that since I'm a non-trad, I can't afford to be as picky as maybe a traditional student, but I made it clear that CCOM was my #1 choice and outlined why.

I actually have co-#1 choices (CCOM and SIU), but at this point I'm only in at CCOM. I won't worry about having to choose until I get in to SIU.

 

[PT2MD]

I was asked that at CCOM and got in.

My answer was that I applied to schools in a 5-hour radius, MD and DO. I explained that since I'm a non-trad, I can't afford to be as picky as maybe a traditional student, but I made it clear that CCOM was my #1 choice and outlined why.

I actually have co-#1 choices (CCOM and SIU), but at this point I'm only in at CCOM. I won't worry about having to choose until I get in to SIU.

I didn't get that question at TCOM because I think many Texas students apply there. I was prepared for it and my answer would have been the exact same as megboo. I am applying to most Texas schools and I understand I'm not in a position to be picky. Now once I get an acceptance to more than one school, THEN I'll get to be a little picky. 👍

 

[Faze2]

Did he have a recommendation letter from a DO?

Yes. It was from one of the DOs he shadowed. His grandmother is also a DO but I don't think he got a letter from her, even though I'm sure it would have been full of hugs and kisses from grammy. 😍

 

[cfdavid]

I interviewed at both MD and DO schools as well. One of the DO schools was interested in my level of interest in osteopathic medicine, for which I had some good answers and a great DO LOR. The other that I interviewed at did not ask about this. However, if you apply DO, usually they strongly recommend a LOR from a DO, as well as have a question or two in their essay requirement regarding DO philosophy. So, perhaps answering these is sufficient for those that don't bring it up in an interview.

IMO, having a strong DO LOR is very valuable. I shadowed a DO buddy of mine (from high school) and it went a long way.

I'm actually in an MD program right now. I think it's fair to suggest, in a DO interview, that family needs must be factored in etc. But, IMO if you apply DO, it's a very good idea to do some research on DO philosophy, OMT, and even history. It will go a long way, should this stuff come up. Maybe some of the older DO institutions are more interested in this though.