DO or Overseas?

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wannabedoc34

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Just wondering, I would like to do international medicine atleast part of my life. What route to take is the question? I am interested in becoming a doctor but I still have the question of WHAT kind of college would be the best route. If I had aced all my classes, then I wouldnt be in this situation - but I didnt. DO? MD (dont think I'll get in) and there's always the option of overseas? Please weigh in.
 
wannabedoc34 said:
Just wondering, I would like to do international medicine atleast part of my life. What route to take is the question? I am interested in becoming a doctor but I still have the question of WHAT kind of college would be the best route. If I had aced all my classes, then I wouldnt be in this situation - but I didnt. DO? MD (dont think I'll get in) and there's always the option of overseas? Please weigh in.

For the overseas question, go here
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=107627

and here
http://do-online.osteotech.org/index.cfm?PageID=lcl_interntnl

E-
 
An American DO school beats an overseas MD school any day of the week IMO.
 
wannabedoc34 said:
Just wondering, I would like to do international medicine atleast part of my life. What route to take is the question? I am interested in becoming a doctor but I still have the question of WHAT kind of college would be the best route. If I had aced all my classes, then I wouldnt be in this situation - but I didnt. DO? MD (dont think I'll get in) and there's always the option of overseas? Please weigh in.

Based my on my understanding, a DO degree is not recognized as a medical degree in some countries because other countries have DO degrees that are NOT equivalent to what we have in the U.S.

If you plan on being a paid DO internationally, then this would be an issue if you wanted to work in countries that do not recognize the DO degree. There is a link to that list of countries somewhere. For me, I wanted to provide free medical care internationally only, not be a paid practitioner internationally, so it won't matter. Who would decline free medical services to the needy?

Overall, there will be restrictions to practice internationally as a DO compared to an MD, at least for now. I'm sure the day will come when U.S. trained DOs will be recognized internationally on an equivalent plane with MDs.
 
Peace&Health said:
There is a link to that list of countries somewhere.

I'm sure the day will come when U.S. trained DOs will be recognized internationally on an equivalent plane with MDs.

Excellent post...

1. Does anybody know where I could find that link that lists the countries where DO's are recognized as physicians? I have dual citizenship in the US and Mexico... I want to leave my options open in case I ever decide to move there... not in the forseeable future, but it's important to me to keep that option open.

2. Does anybody know if there is a movement to push for DO recognition? Some kind of coalition somewhere that I could join or at least stay in touch with to stay updated on this subject?

Thanks all!
 
MsEvolution said:
Excellent post...

1. Does anybody know where I could find that link that lists the countries where DO's are recognized as physicians? I have dual citizenship in the US and Mexico... I want to leave my options open in case I ever decide to move there... not in the forseeable future, but it's important to me to keep that option open.

2. Does anybody know if there is a movement to push for DO recognition? Some kind of coalition somewhere that I could join or at least stay in touch with to stay updated on this subject?

Thanks all!

For first question look at the previous posts in this thread. Links are provided.

I think AOA is working with WHO to get more recognition outside of US to expand practice rights of American trained DOs internationally. You maybe able to find this on the link provided above as well.
 
MsEvolution said:
Excellent post...

1. Does anybody know where I could find that link that lists the countries where DO's are recognized as physicians? I have dual citizenship in the US and Mexico... I want to leave my options open in case I ever decide to move there... not in the forseeable future, but it's important to me to keep that option open.

2. Does anybody know if there is a movement to push for DO recognition? Some kind of coalition somewhere that I could join or at least stay in touch with to stay updated on this subject?

Thanks all!

Mexico is a hard place for a US trained doc to pratice, MD or DO. To pratice in Mexico for money takes a 5 year residency in Mexico regardless of what you have done in the US. To work without pay, ie aid type work, all you need is proof of your MD or DO degree. I have heard of people who got out of the 5 year residency by "knowing people". PM me if you want to know more than that. Good luck.

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