DO vs Carribean

[anomorato]

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Hey everyone. I need as much help and advice as I could receive. I have my Bs in Radiation Oncology with tons of clinical ratation experience as well as employment at 3 diff facilities, community involvment etc. I was supposed to take my MCAT this past August but I missed out on it due to some personal crisis. I have an overall 3.1 and science of 3.2 gpa, but I don't know how competitive this is going to be for my DO application. Iam kinda giving up on applying to DO schools for 07, cuz I missed the MCAT and dont know if they'll accept it if I take it in January??? Meanwhile, I applied and got accepted into a caribbean school (SMU), cuz I dont want to waste any more time, iam already 26, so it is kinda hard for me to wait any longer.
What would you do if you were in my shoe.

Thanks all

 

[Taus]

though I know its not your intention...this topic usually turns into a heated debate everytime it comes up....

anyway....remember that this is a DO forum and you more then likely going to get all pro-DO advice

I don't think 1 year makes a huge difference in the grand scheme of things so don't base your decision on that...look into the other factors in selecting a school....there is a good list in the FAQ sticky thread

Personally...the only reason in my mind to go to a carib school is if you "couldn't live w/ yourself" if you didn't get an MD next to your name.

 

[anomorato]

But what if I take my MCAT in Jan 07, you think it'd be too late for the 08 class?

 

[erleichda]

But what if I take my MCAT in Jan 07, you think it'd be too late for the 08 class?

if you take your mcat in january you will be able to apply for 2008. people who just took mcat this august are applying for 2007, so you should be fine.

 

[anomorato]

NO NO sorry, I meant I want to apply for 07! You think Jan 07 MCAT would be acceptable???

 

[Hoberto]

FAQ Please Read First!!

 

[erleichda]

NO NO sorry, I meant I want to apply for 07! You think Jan 07 MCAT would be acceptable???

i would say no. but you can make sure by calling the schools that you wish to apply to.

 

[anomorato]

I might have another barrier. Iam a Canadian citizen. Which of the schools accept non US resident ?

 

[erleichda]

I might have another barrier. Iam a Canadian citizen. Which of the schools accept non US resident ?

you really need to do some research. go to the aacom website. go to the school websites. call/e-mail schools. search the forums. i guarantee that you will get these answers faster and they will be more acurate. good luck.

 

[anomorato]

Thanks alot
WHat do you guys think about kirgsville of Pikeville ?

 

[FutureNavyDOc]

I might have another barrier. Iam a Canadian citizen. Which of the schools accept non US resident ?

There is a canadian citizen in my class as well as several students of other non US citizenship.

As far as when you need the MCAT for which year, to apply to enter the DMU class that will start in Fall 2007, you must take the MCAT by August 2006.

As others have said, contact the schools personally to make sure you get the right information.

 

[dr.z]

I might have another barrier. Iam a Canadian citizen. Which of the schools accept non US resident ?

OSU, OU, UMDNJ, and TUCOM didn't accept non-citizens last time I checked.

 

[Jack Daniel]

I'm confused. What's all this talk about taking the MCAT in January. I thought the test was offered in April and August. Or are you talking about registering to take the exam?

 

[Oculus Sinistra]

I'm confused. What's all this talk about taking the MCAT in January. I thought the test was offered in April and August. Or are you talking about registering to take the exam?

The next MCAT available to take is the new CBT version in January 2007.

 

[ZAZA67401]

What about going to Ireland? www.atlanticbridge.com

 

[dr.kicia]

Hey everyone. I need as much help and advice as I could receive. I have my Bs in Radiation Oncology with tons of clinical ratation experience as well as employment at 3 diff facilities, community involvment etc. I was supposed to take my MCAT this past August but I missed out on it due to some personal crisis. I have an overall 3.1 and science of 3.2 gpa, but I don't know how competitive this is going to be for my DO application. Iam kinda giving up on applying to DO schools for 07, cuz I missed the MCAT and dont know if they'll accept it if I take it in January??? Meanwhile, I applied and got accepted into a caribbean school (SMU), cuz I dont want to waste any more time, iam already 26, so it is kinda hard for me to wait any longer.
What would you do if you were in my shoe.

Thanks all

wait a year and go to DO school, especially if you want to have a smooth path to residency and licencing in all 50 states. As far as i know SMU is not accredited in all 50. If you absolutely cannot wait a year i'd suggest to apply asap to AUC, SABA, SGU or Ross. Those are only Caribbean schools accredited by all 50 states.

 

[anomorato]

Well I would wait another year, but I don't know if it will work towards my advantage. You think a 3.1 overall, and 3.2 science and perhaps a 20-24 would get me in a DO school. Lets be straight out now. And if there are those that had similar stats, pls share it with me. This would be the only way I would feel a sense of hope.

 

[dr.kicia]

Well I would wait another year, but I don't know if it will work towards my advantage. You think a 3.1 overall, and 3.2 science and perhaps a 20-24 would get me in a DO school. Lets be straight out now. And if there are those that had similar stats, pls share it with me. This would be the only way I would feel a sense of hope.

do a search on the forums. The "what are my chances" threads with similiar to your stats came up here many times.
As far as will you get in with those stats: i do not know. I am not an ADCOM. THe only way to find out is to APPLY.

 

[jrf331]

Another thing you need to worry about is where you want to practice when you are done.

I don't know what provinces accept DO's as fully liscened physicians equal to MD's. Do some research on that. THat is one reason a Canadian friend went MD only.

Check it out before you make the choice to go DO.

 

[anomorato]

What do you guys know about Kirgsville and Pikeville DO schools?

 

[cee]

if u know u want to go into primary care, i wouldnt worry about it. the only issue i have with carribean is the whole livin in a 3rd world country. and the terrible matriculation rate.

anyways, i have friends from college in the carribean and the pics they have online make it look like a lot of fun. a work hard/play hard mentality. it looks a lot like MTV's Real World / Road Rules Challenges down on an island. but instead of doing physical challenges, you do mental challenges

 

[jason3278]

What do you guys know about Kirgsville and Pikeville DO schools?

The name is Kirksville my dear friend.

 

[NewNick]

What do you guys know about Kirgsville and Pikeville DO schools?

Kirksville has decent reputation. It's the first DO school.

 

[Krazykritter]

The average MCAT for most DO schools is 25 w/ avg. cumulative GPA @ 3.4-3.5.

With a 3.1 GPA you are going to need to do better than the averages for different schools on the MCAT to offset your low GPA. Basically you are going to have to have a stellar rest of your application to be competitive. Personal statement, MCAT, EC's...all are going to be more important to someone w/ a low GPA.

 

[theraball]

Hey everyone. I need as much help and advice as I could receive. I have my Bs in Radiation Oncology with tons of clinical ratation experience as well as employment at 3 diff facilities, community involvment etc. I was supposed to take my MCAT this past August but I missed out on it due to some personal crisis. I have an overall 3.1 and science of 3.2 gpa, but I don't know how competitive this is going to be for my DO application. Iam kinda giving up on applying to DO schools for 07, cuz I missed the MCAT and dont know if they'll accept it if I take it in January??? Meanwhile, I applied and got accepted into a caribbean school (SMU), cuz I dont want to waste any more time, iam already 26, so it is kinda hard for me to wait any longer.
What would you do if you were in my shoe.

Thanks all

Anomorato,

Let me tell you something; I respect that you are impatient to get started, and you are feeling old because lotsa folks went to medical school at 22, but consider this idea: 26 is not old! 27-30 is the new sweet spot for many U.S.
medical schools; candidates at this age have been out in the world for a few years, have matured, and know better what they want to do with their medical training. Medical schools love people in their late 20s. Don't compromise your medical career by rushing in just because you believe you need to graduate by 30--you don't.

Also, medical schools respect people who are patient and willing to forego this year's application cycle in order to make themselves a stronger candidate. Show them that you are taking control of your career and not letting your age/life situation control you.

Therefore, I would sit back, take a deep breath, and think about re-taking a few science courses to bring up that GPA, and plan on applying in '07 or '08 depending on how things go.

Believe me--you have plenty of time. There are people going into medicine in their 30s and 40s and even 50s these days and at 27 or 28 you will still be one of the young'uns in your class and you'll have many years ahead of you when you graduate.

And as others have said many times before in this forum, in this day and age, osteopathic is preferable to Caribbean schools unless you are doing some kind of international health work where only the M.D. is recognized. For example, a friend of mine from Sri Lanka went to the Caribbean because D.O. is not yet recognized in her home country. You have to think through what your career goals are, then make an informed decision.

Best of luck,

Therapy ball

 

[jrf331]

Anomorato,

Let me tell you something; I respect that you are impatient to get started, and you are feeling old because lotsa folks went to medical school at 22, but consider this idea: 26 is not old! 27-30 is the new sweet spot for many U.S.
medical schools; candidates at this age have been out in the world for a few years, have matured, and know better what they want to do with their medical training. Medical schools love people in their late 20s. Don't compromise your medical career by rushing in just because you believe you need to graduate by 30--you don't.

Also, medical schools respect people who are patient and willing to forego this year's application cycle in order to make themselves a stronger candidate. Show them that you are taking control of your career and not letting your age/life situation control you.

Therefore, I would sit back, take a deep breath, and think about re-taking a few science courses to bring up that GPA, and plan on applying in '07 or '08 depending on how things go.

Believe me--you have plenty of time. There are people going into medicine in their 30s and 40s and even 50s these days and at 27 or 28 you will still be one of the young'uns in your class and you'll have many years ahead of you when you graduate.

And as others have said many times before in this forum, in this day and age, osteopathic is preferable to Caribbean schools unless you are doing some kind of international health work where only the M.D. is recognized. For example, a friend of mine from Sri Lanka went to the Caribbean because D.O. is not yet recognized in her home country. You have to think through what your career goals are, then make an informed decision.

Best of luck,

Therapy ball


"You hit it the nail on the head" Good post

 

[DOctorJay]

26 is NOT OLD. get into a US med school ESPECIALLY if you have any desire to be involved in rad onc in the future.

-J

 

[anomorato]

Thanks a lot for these wonderfull posts guys. Your info and advice really helps.
Couple more questions:

Is the cirriculum for DO the same as MD, last 2 yrs are clinicals?
Is there assigned facilities or hospitals where you do your clinicals? IF so, can you request to do clinicals in a diff state?

Are you only eligible to apply for residency spots offered by that particular DO school or can you apply for residency spots out of state as well??

Thanks Again

 

[Oculus Sinistra]

Thanks a lot for these wonderfull posts guys. Your info and advice really helps.
Couple more questions:

Is the cirriculum for DO the same as MD, last 2 yrs are clinicals?
Is there assigned facilities or hospitals where you do your clinicals? IF so, can you request to do clinicals in a diff state?

Are you only eligible to apply for residency spots offered by that particular DO school or can you apply for residency spots out of state as well??

Thanks Again

I think the DO FAQ on the top of the pre-DO forum covers this but I'll say it anyway:

DO schools are not different worlds than MD schools. If you are familiar with the MD school system, you already know the DO system minus OMM/OPP classes.

So yes, the curriculum for the last 2 years is the same in terms of having clinical rotations and then applying for a match (with the extra bonus of being able to apply to the DO match). You are eligible to apply for residency spots (MD/DO) just as you would as a 4th year MD student. In fact, the majority of the time, DO students match into MD residencies (in-state, out-of-state, whatever).

The second part of your question varies by school. Look into the schools you're interested in and find out about their clinical process. Some schools have specific support systems, but sometimes in lieu of that they guide you in setting up your rotations. This is to your advantage if you want to do clinical rotations in another state, a.k.a. "away rotations."

 

[snowkhat]

I certainly think you need to beef up your stats a bit. Study like mad for the January MCAT. Don't settle for 24 or below. Hit a 30 or above and show the admissions committee that you are capable. Your other option is to complete a post-bac. program or graduate program (bring up the ol' GPA).

You should do some heavy research on DO, MD, and Caribbean programs. There are numerous reasons to re-consider the Caribbean route. I have known a couple Caribbean students that are HEAVILY in debt (250K-500K) and were not well prepared for board exams & residency. Caribbean schools also have large class sizes (some in excess of 350+) where DO schools tend to have smaller class sizes. These are just a few thoughts....but I really would advise you to do some more research before making any definitive decision.