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DO vs MD
Started by Raheel Zahir
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My take: MD or DO won't matter for psychiatry because it's not a particularly competitive specialty. Nevertheless, psychiatry is what I'm interested in right now too, and I do think that the DO perspective is nice because of that reason. But just remember that you might change your mind in a few years!
"The DO perspective."
Yes. If you want top tier psych, you will have a better shot with MD.
The most impressive match I have seen was Touro-CA students matching into UCSFs psychiatry program. They were the only DOs I know who matching to residencies of that caliber. Mid-tier academic residencies is definitely more doable for DOs though, but you got to be at the upper end of the spectrum amongst DO applicants.
To hit the mid-tier range I would say around 240 step I. To hit the top, I would guess > 250 combined with research and stellar LORs (even with this DOs will face bias). However, take what I say as conjecture based on matches I've seen on SDN (better to hear it from a psychiatry resident).
Usually with a better residency you have a better chance at a fellowship. Since a lot of psychiatry fellowships are not extremely competitive, as long as your in an academic residency, you should be fine for all them.
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AnatomyGrey12
When it comes to residency MD wins every time, in every specialty. Anyone who says otherwise is either lying to you or is completely uninformed.
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Going to UCSF is actually a school i would love to go to. I pray I get in but even if I don't it won't be the end of the world. Where can I find good info on UCSFs psych program? Good info that is.
You can either look at their site or you can ask the residents on the psychiatry sub forum (you can even find their interview experience if you search former threads). Hope this helps.
Thank you much!
Stop spreading uninformed lies
'Twas sarcasm, lighten up.
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AnatomyGrey12
No, there are people who only practice OMM or do something like a 50/50 FM to OMM split
OMM is it's own specialty
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Speaking of matching into competitive Psych residencies, KCUMB reports that they have had students accepted to the Mayo program within the past year. Impressive.
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AnatomyGrey12
I'm sure, some of it definitely strains the back and arms
Osteopathic medicine's holistic approach and emphasis on preventative care are huge assets to have when practicing psychiatry.
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What do you think about UQ-oschners MD degree? do you think that is still better than a DO program?
I believe the UQ-Oschners MD degree is still consider IMG. I would go to a US medical school over that any day.
Also speaking of impressive matches - last year we had a match into the UC Davis psych program.
Less competitive residency spots for DOs
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Can you elaborate?
If DO and MD come to a complete uniformed residency program, wouldn't a DO fight for the same spot as the MD? If so, it would be more difficult for the DO to secure residency over their MD couterparts.
Well DOs could always apply for MD residencies. They also had their own residencies. Not all of those residencies are gonna survive, while the rest are going to become open to MD applicants.
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AnatomyGrey12
Do a search. There is also a sticky at the top of the DO med student page.
Are we asking who would win in a fight? Because I don't even want to start to get into what I thought about Batman v Superman movie.
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AnatomyGrey12
Neither of those are conundrums. MD wins every time and Batman is the superior character.
But what about in spiderweb residencies?
That depends, did your batman train in the Caribbeans?
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AnatomyGrey12
Batman received his degree from a university that is a part of the League of Shadows. It is even more prestigious than any university associated with the Ivy League.
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League of Shadows has poor residency opportunities. Batman essentially won the lotto with his position after going there. A typical graduate position would be similar to aqualad's spot.
The real question: is it worse to be an international medical graduate (batman) or an interstellar medical graduate (superman)...?
Neither, it's worse to be a DO student
And like 70-80% is in those specialties I mentioned.
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814965
You're definitely not...
I mean...the chances are high. If you're a super duper hardworking intelligent student (which all students think they are before they start med school), you wouldn't even be in DO schools in the first place. For the average DO students, you're more likely to be limited to those fields I mentioned. MAYBE general surg, anesthesiology if you improve your study habits a little.
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AnatomyGrey12
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AnatomyGrey12
It’s always better to be Batman.
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