Does DO pose as much of a disadvantage anymore? Will the merger be of great help?

[Alakazam123]

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I am in the process of applying, and am doing a post-bac/MA program, and am thinking of applying to DO. Yes, I'd like to become a doctor no matter what, even if it's not neurosurgery, ortho, plastics, or whatever other highly competitive specialties there are.

Will the merger however, help make those residencies more achievable than they were in the past? Is the DO still at a disadvantage?

What're your takes?

 

[Alakazam123]

And can someone explain to me the extra "legwork" that a DO may need to do? I've heard that a DO will need to take both the USMLE and COMLEX examinations to become a viable candidate for ACGME residencies. Is there anything else?

 

[puahate]

And can someone explain to me the extra "legwork" that a DO may need to do? I've heard that a DO will need to take both the USMLE and COMLEX examinations to become a viable candidate for ACGME residencies. Is there anything else?

OMM material which takes time away from doing real studying or research or literally anything else

 

[Instatewaiter]

Short answer: yes. No.

 

[Goro]

Short answer: yes. No.

/ thread

 

[Alakazam123]

So if it does pose a disadvantage, how may I overcome them? Do you know of any DO's who became dermatologists, ortho, or neurosurgeons? Or any competitive specialty for that matter?

 

[WedgeDawg]

So if it does pose a disadvantage, how may I overcome them? Do you know of any DO's who became dermatologists, ortho, or neurosurgeons? Or any competitive specialty for that matter?

Yeah but they’re few and far between. Not unheard of, but substantially lower rates than MDs.

 

[Goro]

So if it does pose a disadvantage, how may I overcome them? Do you know of any DO's who became dermatologists, ortho, or neurosurgeons? Or any competitive specialty for that matter?

Yes, I've had grads go into each of these specialties, but mostly via (former) AOA residencies. I had a bunch today get into some of the uber-residencies. I'd love to crow about it, but I don't want to out myself.

At some places, you will simply not be able to overcome the stigma.

For other places, do an away rotation and wow the attendings and residents.

Network

Get good LORs from people in the field

Target places that have taken grads from your school previously, or DOs in general.

Do REALLY well on Step I and II

Get some some research done.

Get used to the fact that the odds are 50/50 you'll end up in Primary Care (moreso if you go to the oldest DO schools).

 

[Alakazam123]

Got it, I will focus on those things. As I understand, rotation scores are also important in matching to residencies. Are the rotations in DO schools of lower quality than those of MD schools?

 

[ciestar]

Got it, I will focus on those things. As I understand, rotation scores are also important in matching to residencies. Are the rotations in DO schools of lower quality than those of MD schools?

They tend to be viewed that way. Which is not true for all of them, but the stigma still exists and people do think this way.

 

[Medic741]

So if it does pose a disadvantage, how may I overcome them? Do you know of any DO's who became dermatologists, ortho, or neurosurgeons? Or any competitive specialty for that matter?

Work harder smarter longer than your competition.

 

[Medic741]

Got it, I will focus on those things. As I understand, rotation scores are also important in matching to residencies. Are the rotations in DO schools of lower quality than those of MD schools?

Yes. Only a handful of DO schools have home institutions

 

[Isoval]

Today, we matched:
- at least two dermatologists
- at least two interventional radiologists
- at least six general surgeons
- at least one urologist
- at least one otolaryngologist

Our class size is 230.

I say “at least” because I’m going off of a Facebook match group and don’t have a full list. My sample size is likely less than half the class.

Your mileage may vary.

 

[Alakazam123]

Thank you for all the advice, will def take it into account!!