DO's and specialties

[Lys726]

I have applied to both DO and MD schools and prefer to go DO because I like the emphasis on wellness, etc. and because of the extra amount of education DO's get in OMM, etc. However, I know that DO's tend to practice primary care specialties and was wondering if DO's can specialize in such fields as neonatology or pediatric pulmonology....I have had some people say that it is impossible to obtain residencies and/or fellowships in specialties or at high ranked academic schools (Yale, Harvard, etc) and others say that a DO can do everything an MD can without any additional obstacles....Can you guys give me some insight? Thanks!!

 

[deleted9493]

In terms of academic positions, I think D.O.'s are at a disadvantage. Furthermore, while some allopathic residencies will discriminate against the D.O. degree, it sounds as though a majority will discriminate based on actual qualifications (boards, grades, letters).
The emphasis of osteopathic schools is on primary care and as such, they have a greater proportion going off into it's sublet fields. It is certainly not impossible to obtain residencies/fellowships in high-ranked programs as a D.O. The grades and board scores had just better be "there"...so to speak.
Caveat: I have yet to even start medical school...I've offered these ideas from past posts on this site and little else.

 

[Docgeorge]

you can so anything you want. the caveat is if you want to do someting thing like Derm or Neurosurg you better have the grades, the board scores, and the research. But this would be true if you were in an MD school as well.

 

[NDESTRUKT]

only in very few instances will places discriminate against the DO degree. i don't think you'd be crazy for wanting to do those specialties as a DO.

however keep in mind you WILL have to do really good - as in score high in USMLE and have good rec letters and do well in school and stuff.

Good luck to you on that!

 

[DrMom]

Originally posted by Docgeorge
you can so anything you want. the caveat is if you want to do someting thing like Derm or Neurosurg you better have the grades, the board scores, and the research. But this would be true if you were in an MD school as well.

Exactly what I was going to post.