Fed up w/peoples view of a DO!

[exmike]

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it'll definetly crunch an hour of explaining into 10 seconds...i dont even bother talking about the philosophy...because in the end...it really doesnt matter and it just raises more questions and doubts.

MD and DO's are absolutely equivelent. the AOA pushes the same bull**** over and over again and spends their time trying to distinguish themselves from md's when in reality..besides the OMM...there is no difference....the philosophy is essentially the same thing....about how everything is interconnected and bla bla bla....when it comes to practicing medicine...they do it the same way...that philosophy has no place in a clinical setting.

Are you suggesting that the AOA is HURTING osteopathy?

 

[Eyecon82]

Are you suggesting that the AOA is HURTING osteopathy?

Yes..they are hurting osteopathy...they're too stubborn to realize that there is essentially no difference b/w MD's and DO's...maybe if they spent more time marketing osteopathy rather than comparing the only difference b/w md's and do's....DO's would be more recognized in the public

 

[gioia]

Yes..they are hurting osteopathy...they're too stubborn to realize that there is essentially no difference b/w MD's and DO's...maybe if they spent more time marketing osteopathy rather than comparing the only difference b/w md's and do's....DO's would be more recognized in the public

Would you provide us with evidence to that end? I haven't read enough to form that conclusion.

 

[exmike]

Yes..they are hurting osteopathy...they're too stubborn to realize that there is essentially no difference b/w MD's and DO's...maybe if they spent more time marketing osteopathy rather than comparing the only difference b/w md's and do's....DO's would be more recognized in the public

I thought the point was that IN ADDITION to the same training, DO's also get OMM which makes them a possibly better alternative to MDs? If the two are completely identical and marketed as such, what incentive does one have to go to a DO? Moreover, what reason is there for a DO degree at all? Doesn't the justification for a separate degree rely on the fact that DOs do OMM?

I think its fine that the AOA promotes OMM, but perhaps they could also focus on the similarities to the MD as well - I think thats what you're saying?

 

[cbc]

I never understand this argument. A few nurses always exist to tell the story, "I turned down medical school to go to nursing/PA school." Even if janitors turned down MD medical school, what does that prove, that janitor jobs are more competitive than med school? Your anecdote makes for no strong argument.

Nurses who reject medical school know the stereotypes they will face from others. The most annoying are the ones who always have to remind others how good they are and how they turned it down for something else they enjoy.

My friend is in dental student who admits medical school admissions is more competitive than dental school on average. He at least can face the truth. Everyday I see him I think he is smart enough to get into many medical schools, but I also agree with him that on average medical school is more competitive and admire him for being able to admit to the "inferiority" of his field. Vet school is highly competitive, as much as med school, but they definitely do not get as much respect from the general public. Should vets commit their lives to convincing the public they are just as smart? Face the facts and stereotypes, choose what you love, and be proud of the person you are and thing you do.

I rejected Finch and SIU for CCOM. I rather go to a top DO school than a lower-tier MD school.

 

[Eyecon82]

I never understand this argument. A few nurses always exist to tell the story, "I turned down medical school to go to nursing/PA school." Even if janitors turned down MD medical school, what does that prove, that janitor jobs are more competitive than med school? Your anecdote makes for no strong argument.

Nurses who reject medical school know the stereotypes they will face from others. The most annoying are the ones who always have to remind others how good they are and how they turned it down for something else they enjoy.

My friend is in dental student who admits medical school admissions is more competitive than dental school on average. He at least can face the truth. Everyday I see him I think he is smart enough to get into many medical schools, but I also agree with him that on average medical school is more competitive and admire him for being able to admit to the "inferiority" of his field. Vet school is highly competitive, as much as med school, but they definitely do not get as much respect from the general public. Should vets commit their lives to convincing the public they are just as smart? Face the facts and stereotypes, choose what you love, and be proud of the person you are and thing you do.

CBC,

if you read my post completely, you would have noticed i was responding to kinetics claim that he has never heard of anyone rejecting allopathy for osteoptathy

 

[cbc]

I understand that. However, I respectfully disagree with both you and kinetic that these arguments prove anything regarding the overall topic.

CBC,

if you read my post completely, you would have noticed i was responding to kinetics claim that he has never heard of anyone rejecting allopathy for osteoptathy

 

[Eyecon82]

I thought the point was that IN ADDITION to the same training, DO's also get OMM which makes them a possibly better alternative to MDs? If the two are completely identical and marketed as such, what incentive does one have to go to a DO? Moreover, what reason is there for a DO degree at all? Doesn't the justification for a separate degree rely on the fact that DOs do OMM?

I think its fine that the AOA promotes OMM, but perhaps they could also focus on the similarities to the MD as well - I think thats what you're saying?

yes...exactly...i didnt mean to bash aoa....of course there's nothing wrong with promoting omm...since that is the primary difference b/w md's and do's....but they are so involved in finding differences...they are forgetting about the simlilarities

 

[Eyecon82]

I understand that. However, I respectfully disagree with both you and kinetic that these arguments prove anything regarding the overall topic.

trust me...i never go around saying this to anyone...i just mentioned it to shed some light on his comment....i know these arguments dont prove anything...look at any of my previous posts...not once did i mention that at all...

 

[DrDad]

without names....

i have heard it said that admissions requirements are lesser for DO schools, this is not true(OSUCOM/OUCM)

The people who applied to the two schools are different on many levels such as experience, gpa, mcat, marriage, etc....

the DO philosophy seems to mesh more frequently with returning students(post-first career)

So to say that the numbers are comparable is comparing apples to oranges..... in a way...... but then again it isn't because of the DO/MD similarities, SeparatebutEqual.

my two cents.... Be MORE!!!!

More people should watch PBS.... BE MORE!!!

 

[cbc]

Shut up about scores already. Read my posts and you'll see why I believe all this talk about scores really has no bearing to this topic (as I said about vets).

without names....

i have heard it said that admissions requirements are lesser for DO schools, this is not true(OSUCOM/OUCM)

The people who applied to the two schools are different on many levels such as experience, gpa, mcat, marriage, etc....

the DO philosophy seems to mesh more frequently with returning students(post-first career)

So to say that the numbers are comparable is comparing apples to oranges..... in a way...... but then again it isn't because of the DO/MD similarities, SeparatebutEqual.

my two cents.... Be MORE!!!!

More people should watch PBS.... BE MORE!!!

 

[(nicedream)]

without names....

i have heard it said that admissions requirements are lesser for DO schools, this is not true(OSUCOM/OUCM)

The people who applied to the two schools are different on many levels such as experience, gpa, mcat, marriage, etc....

the DO philosophy seems to mesh more frequently with returning students(post-first career)

So to say that the numbers are comparable is comparing apples to oranges..... in a way...... but then again it isn't because of the DO/MD similarities, SeparatebutEqual.

my two cents.... Be MORE!!!!

More people should watch PBS.... BE MORE!!!

So in what way are admissions requirements for DO schools greater? It is clear that they are lesser as regards GPA and MCAT.

 

[shawred]

I could care less if one is a DO or an MD. A doctor is a doctor is a doctor. It doesnt matter which route you choose, the qualifications are the same. However, I think that DOs do themselves a great disservice when they defend their profession. I was interested in going the DO route. However, I had experiences with DOs that turned me off.

First, I shadowed one at a local emergency room. He knew I was a pre-med. He knew I had only taken basic biology. However, he proceeded to drill me about detailed anatomy and medical practice (specific reflex arcs, suture technique, etc) in front of every patient he treated. I never knew the answers and he would proceed to make a fool out of myself. I later spoke with many of the nurses, and they said that he had a habit of doing that. He was the only DO on the staff and continually had to prove himself.

Second, I spoke with an admissions dean from a local osteopathic school. I was asking questions about the process and what I could do to improve my application. He half assedly answered my questions, and then continued to defend osteopathic medicine for half an hour. He went on and on about how it was okay to be a DO. I never asked anything that would require that discussion.

In summary, I became very turned off. True, I can't generalize about DOs as a whole, but as an applicant, you have to make decisions based upon your experience. If you believe you will have to defend yourself throughout your career, why bother? I hope most of you will decide to prove yourself through your actions and not your words. Perform well and the respect will be there. Of course you will meet some jack*ss MDs, but screw 'um. I feel that the best way to promote the profession is through hard work. Just my $.02.

 

[cbc]

Amen.........

I could care less if one is a DO or an MD. A doctor is a doctor is a doctor. It doesnt matter which route you choose, the qualifications are the same. However, I think that DOs do themselves a great disservice when they defend their profession. I was interested in going the DO route. However, I had experiences with DOs that turned me off.

First, I shadowed one at a local emergency room. He knew I was a pre-med. He knew I had only taken basic biology. However, he proceeded to drill me about detailed anatomy and medical practice (specific reflex arcs, suture technique, etc) in front of every patient he treated. I never knew the answers and he would proceed to make a fool out of myself. I later spoke with many of the nurses, and they said that he had a habit of doing that. He was the only DO on the staff and continually had to prove himself.

Second, I spoke with an admissions dean from a local osteopathic school. I was asking questions about the process and what I could do to improve my application. He half assedly answered my questions, and then continued to defend osteopathic medicine for half an hour. He went on and on about how it was okay to be a DO. I never asked anything that would require that discussion.

In summary, I became very turned off. True, I can't generalize about DOs as a whole, but as an applicant, you have to make decisions based upon your experience. If you believe you will have to defend yourself throughout your career, why bother? I hope most of you will decide to prove yourself through your actions and not your words. Perform well and the respect will be there. Of course you will meet some jack*ss MDs, but screw 'um. I feel that the best way to promote the profession is through hard work. Just my $.02.

 

[Eyecon82]

I could care less if one is a DO or an MD. A doctor is a doctor is a doctor. It doesnt matter which route you choose, the qualifications are the same. However, I think that DOs do themselves a great disservice when they defend their profession. I was interested in going the DO route. However, I had experiences with DOs that turned me off.

First, I shadowed one at a local emergency room. He knew I was a pre-med. He knew I had only taken basic biology. However, he proceeded to drill me about detailed anatomy and medical practice (specific reflex arcs, suture technique, etc) in front of every patient he treated. I never knew the answers and he would proceed to make a fool out of myself. I later spoke with many of the nurses, and they said that he had a habit of doing that. He was the only DO on the staff and continually had to prove himself.

Second, I spoke with an admissions dean from a local osteopathic school. I was asking questions about the process and what I could do to improve my application. He half assedly answered my questions, and then continued to defend osteopathic medicine for half an hour. He went on and on about how it was okay to be a DO. I never asked anything that would require that discussion.

In summary, I became very turned off. True, I can't generalize about DOs as a whole, but as an applicant, you have to make decisions based upon your experience. If you believe you will have to defend yourself throughout your career, why bother? I hope most of you will decide to prove yourself through your actions and not your words. Perform well and the respect will be there. Of course you will meet some jack*ss MDs, but screw 'um. I feel that the best way to promote the profession is through hard work. Just my $.02.

Very true....but in regards to the DO at the hospital you shadowed. It could have just been his nature to be questioning you. I know many people that are that way, because when you ask someone a question like that under pressure....you are SURE TO REMEMBER it for the rest of your life. I think that's a great way to learn, by constantly quizzing someone and keeping them on their toes. Maybe he was just challenging you as a pre-med...maybe if he started defending osteopathy in front of you...that's a whole different story...but he didnt

 

[Cowboy DO]

Why are you people wasting your time on this thread. There are better things to do in life than sit here and bicker over something so dumb. If you guys put this much energy into something that mattered like patient liability reform, which effects MD?s and DO?s, I?d have a lot more respect for all of you.

Firstly, to anyone who doesn?t already, have enough self confidence in yourself to not have to seek the reassurance from anonymous posters. Also please don?t take this board too seriously. Lastly realize that being a DO or MD is just a friggin job. I feel sorry for people who are defined by what they do and not who they are. Every one should be so lucky to be a doctor and have a financially secure future in which to live life.

 

[skypilot]

So in what way are admissions requirements for DO schools greater? It is clear that they are lesser as regards GPA and MCAT.

Don't start comparing osteopathic admission stats to the admission stats for Harvard. If put all the schools, allopathic and osteopathic in a spreadsheet, plenty of allopathic schools will have lower average GPAs than osteopathic schools. 40 allopathic schools have a lower average MCAT than KCOM. In the end its like undergraduate institution comparisons and becomes meaningless. How you as an individual perform in med school is much more important.

 

[(nicedream)]

Lastly realize that being a DO or MD is just a friggin job. I feel sorry for people who are defined by what they do and not who they are. Every one should be so lucky to be a doctor and have a financially secure future in which to live life.

This is the best thing ever written on SDN.

 

[Eyecon82]

This is the best thing ever written on SDN.

I second that for sure.... becoming a doctor is not like you're about to evolve into another species...its just a job...a very passionate job...but still a job

 

[VentdependenT]

Premeds and M1-3's don't know jack squat anyways. It burns out there folks. MD and DO's alike. The job of a physician is a tough one. The dream of attainable glory in medicine which people perpetuate through unbridled enthusiasm, is just a dream. The real scene is gritty and harsh. It can be cool at times, thats what keeps me in it.

As a DO you will experience discrimination at the highest teir IM programs, Some middle to all high teir GSurg programs, and surgical specialties. Again spots can be landed, and are every year, but its for those guys who really wanted it. You can always go osteopathic specialty surg anyways. As far as everything else goes, you're good.

You get to be the physician you wanted to be, for better or worse (maybe I should have been a landscaper? or PR person for the Chicago club scene). You'll be getting pummeled on the wards and commiserating with your MD buddies before you know it.

Time for thai food.