DO-Neurosurgery

[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 pretty much out of question 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.

 

[J1515]

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

Someone told me that on new years eve 1999, at the stroke of midnight the world would end.

 

[bunnybear]

Thanks for the input. That someone was a DO Neurosurg resident. Anyother inputs???

 

[DrMidlife]

Boy, in your shoes I'd be trolling for a mentor who can answer from the other side. Try to find 5-10 year old match lists and see who went NS. Look at NS board member lists, look through the DO-online mentor lists.

In particular, I'd be looking for a DO who did an AOA residency prior to any NS fellowship, working in a well-known hospital. I have a collection of DOs who did this in the specialties I'm interested in, and it doesn't take that long to find one. For example, a DO peds uro who did AOA residency and is now faculty at Chicago. It's easier to find DOs who did ACGME and are now at academic programs, but it's not impossible to find DOs who did AOA->fellowship.

Also think about whether you even care about being at an academic center. If you'd be just as happy working in a community hospital, then what difference does it make?

Best of luck to you.

 

[SimianCrease]

OP- I might be misinterpreting you, but are you saying that it is impossible for a DO to match into an allopathic neurosurgery residency? If that is what you mean, I just wanted to point out that in 2007 CCOM matched two students into allopathic neurosurgery, according to their matchlist, so I would not exactly say it is impossible, although I'm sure that it is very difficult. Sorry if 'AMA residency' means something other than how I'm interpreting it. 🙂

 

[bunnybear]

No, you are right, by AMA, I do mean MD-Residency. Also, you are right, you can go to MD-Neurosurg Residency as a DO, but it is very difficult. But, let's forget about that part. I want to know about the quality of DO Neurosurg programs.

 

[countthestars]

NYCOM's Neurosurgey program is at North Shore University Hospital: LIJ Hop. Its a stellar top notch program. NYCOM, NYU, and Albert Einstein share the hopsital.

 

[JaggerPlate]

No, you are right, by AMA, I do mean MD-Residency. Also, you are right, you can go to MD-Neurosurg Residency as a DO, but it is very difficult. But, let's forget about that part. I want to know about the quality of DO Neurosurg programs.

Post in the neurosurgery boards or do a search there ... you'll find way more answers than in the med student forums.

 

[bunnybear]

I have, anyother inputs, ideas?
I have heard about the NYCOM one, but what about the one in Cali??!

 

[JaggerPlate]

18 threads with keyword 'Osteopathic' in Neurosurg boards. Not sure how relevant they all are, but the first one I clicked on dealt with your question:

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/search.php?searchid=8469638

 

[scpod]

I'm currently a second year med student, with a lot of interest in Neurosurg. I know that AMA Neurosurg programs are pretty much out of question for DOs....

Not true. Look up the list of neurosurgery residents at LSU:

http://www.universityneurosurgery.c...src=directory&view=staff_q&category=Residents

Now, remember that he graduated first in his class from LECOM in 2007 and scored in the 99% percentile on USMLE step one in 2005. If you really want an allopathic neurosurgery spot it is entirely possible-- but you have to work your ass off for it.

 

[danzman]

I checked the CV's of everyone else. Bad news. They were all top of their class, tons of research, tons of EC's, and huge USMLE's. Everyone in NS is top of the bell curve, no matter if your DO or MD. Once again, the MD vs DO thing is just silly and pointless.

 

[psy]

I wouldn't say that is bad news. That's pretty GOOD news to me. Having really smart docs as your neurosurgeon is more comforting, no?

 

[danzman]

I wouldn't say that is bad news. That's pretty GOOD news to me. Having really smart docs as your neurosurgeon is more comforting, no?

Your right, I just meant that everyone in NS is on top of their game, not just DOs. The MD's dont have it any easier.

 

[Amy B]

One of my classmates is in a neursurgery residency. He was quite smart, worked hard, did very well on boards both comlex and usmle. You can do it but you have to work VERY VERY hard.

Nothing is out of reach for a DO student. But YOU have to work hard and be the best which is what you should do even if you are headed to a FP residency. Med school is to help you learn to be a doctor. be the best you can be no matter what residency you are looking to do.