I have a quick question. Why is it common for people to say that DO schools have the same or even better quality of education as MD schools if the admission standards are lower for DO schools (average MCAT score, GPA, etc. are often lower at DO schools as compared with MD schools)?
Isn't it logical to assume that schools with higher admission standards naturally have higher qualities/levels of education?
I find your logic a bit skewed,
The relatively lower statistics in entering classes for DO has less to do with the standard of education received in MD and DO schools, and more to do with the number of applications the MD and DO schools receive each year.
For instance, a DO school like KCUMB may receive 3000 applications , while you see NYMC (new york medical college in Valhalla) receives 10,000 applications each year.
Now, lets assume that about 10% of applicants from each applicant pool have 39 MCAT score. THEN! there are 300 39 mcat scorers from the applicant pool of KCUMB and 1000 39 mcat scorers from applicant pool of NYMC.
Now, Hypothetically lets assume that each school takes in about 500 people each year (I know it is not a realistic number, its just an example), THEN! The NYMC takes 500 out of 1000 39 mcat scorers , and KCUMB takes 300 39 mcat scorers. So, NYMC has no space for eligible candidates who have lower mcat scores , but KCUMB has 200 extra spots left for consideration of other eligible candidates.
This way, KCUMB may have more room for not only 39 mcat scorers, but also other candidates who have exceptional qualities but have scored only 29.
Please know that I am taking KCUMB and NYMC as hypothetical examples to prove my point and the number of applications or applicants in no way reflects what may be true in reality.
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So if you understand the point I am trying to make in the above argument, you will see that standard of education given in DO and MD schools has nothing to do with the statistics of the entering classes.
The standard of education at each school is dependent upon the staff and faculty, the school's prestige and influence in professional circles. The competency of doctors graduating from a given school is dependent upon where these doctors are sent to learn their stuff practically.
The competency of a given doctor has less to do with the degree he receives (DO or MD) and has more to do with his dedication , persistence and hard work that defines his success in the field of medicine.
