DO-Neurosurgery-Part 1

[bunnybear]

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I'm currently a second year med student, with a lot of interest in Neurosurg. I know that AMA Neurosurg programs are very hard to match for DOs. I just wanted to ask you guys what did you think about the DO Neurosurg programs.
We have a new program at Arrowhead in California, and it is part of COMP, have you heard anything about that? What are some of the things that you think I should do at this point to be a good applicant?
Also, as a AOA-Neurosurg graduate, do you have more problems getting fellowships, and is there a lot of bias against DO Neurosurgs.
Someone told me that the amount that 5th year DO-Neurosurg Resident knows, is equal to a 3rd year AMA-Neurosurg resident. To be honest, I could not believe that, but what do you guys think?
Any information that you can provide me would be great.

 

[Toohotinvegas33]

We have a new program at Arrowhead in California, and it is part of COMP, have you heard anything about that? .

Arrowhead is not new.

Someone told me that the amount that 5th year DO-Neurosurg Resident knows, is equal to a 3rd year AMA-Neurosurg resident. QUOTE]

I am curious as to how they quantified this?

 

[bunnybear]

I know, Arrowhead is not that new anymore, but do you guys know anything about the program, have you heard anything about, I met Dr. Mulli (I think that's the correct spelling) and he told me all these amazing stuff about the program, but then again, he runs it, so ....
Anyhow as far as class rank and COMLEX go for Arrowhead, any ideas? Any inputs?

 

[doboy]

Who told you that a 5th year DO Neurosurgery resident knew as much as an allopathic pgy3?? That's simply not true. As a 4th year having rotated through several of the top osteopathic neurosurgery programs I can assure you that you have nothing to be worried about. I'm always a fan of evidence. Here is one of many examples...The chief from North Shore Manhasset several years back completed a fellowship at the Barrow Institute which is considered to be the mecca of Spine Surgery, a very coveted fellowship. There are many great fellowships being obtained by graduates of DO neurosurgery programs. Obviously, the more solid the program the better the fellowships obtained. At this point in your medical career I would suggest just working hard to learn as much as possible about medicine so that you can excel on your boards and on your 3rd year rotations. If you have free time try learning neuroanatomy and neuro physical exam. As far as Arrowhead goes, I can't offer any advice since I didn't rotate there but from what I've heard it's a good program that does alot of trauma. Hope this helps.

 

[bunnybear]

Thank you so much, that does help a lot. Can you tell me a little more about how much research I should do before applying, and what kind of research (Clinical or basic Science)?

 

[HarveyCushing]

Someone told me that the amount that 5th year DO-Neurosurg Resident knows, is equal to a 3rd year AMA-Neurosurg resident. To be honest, I could not believe that, but what do you guys think?

That person obviously doesn't know what they are talking about. Talk to residents at the top DO programs and they will tell you that isn't true. Better yet do an elective rotation your 4th year. A DO PGY-2/3 gets more operating experience than most PGY-4's at many allopathic programs. Most of the "prestigious" and top ranked MD programs tend not to let their residents operate on their own until their PGY5/6 year. A program that is notorious for this is Columbia.

In regards to Arrowhead in CA, do some research on it. I personally wouldn't get near that program. Not only is the program malignant, the chairman spoken poorly of, but the program is setup as a pyramid system. I believe for PGY-1 they take 4-5 residents, but only offer 2-3 PGY-2 spots. As a result you have to fight with your fellow residents for those spots. Not the type of program or atmosphere that I would like to be in. Do your research about the programs. Who knows, maybe Arrowhead is the kind of program you want.