Former MD student turned DO?

[TekkenDanser]

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I've heard of some cases of people switching from a PsyD, PhD, or DO school to attend medical school instead. But does it ever happen the other way around? If so, is the transition a little easier or more reasonable in that direction? What about a med student stepping back to go into nursing instead.

I am very interested in people's anecdotes or words through the grapevine since I am on the cusp of withdrawing from medical school. I would really like to transfer the credits I've gained from the first 2 years of coursework so that I can get on with life outside of education and more education. (I am no longer in my 20s). I have successfully passed the first 2 years, I just can't seem to pass Step 1.

Does switching from MD to another degree like DO carry negative connotations like "she isn't really interested in DO, she's just trying to do the next best thing..." In concern over those sorts of issues, I'm curious to know how I'd compare to traditional applicants fresh from undergrad. I had previously applied to 5 DO schools around the country as well as 20 MD schools. I was accepted into 3 MD programs and all 5 DO programs. Does that history of previous application still hold?

 

[SmokD]

...DO school to attend medical school instead.

Hope your wearing a helmet

EDIT: Just cause I felt like being helpful. Don't think that DO schools are easier than MD schools. They aren't by any means.

 

[MedicineMike]

OP:

How have you been in med school since 2007 and still not know that a DO is considered the equivalent to MD. DO schools are not the "fallback" for people who can't handle MD school. Both degree paths are very difficult and if you can't handle one, you most likely can't handle the other. Get educated before you come in here talking out of your *****...

 

[shaggy alfresco]

You're going to have problems going to any medical school after being dismissed for failing Step I.

 

[patel2]

I've heard of some cases of people switching from a PsyD, PhD, or DO school to attend medical school instead. But does it ever happen the other way around? If so, is the transition a little easier or more reasonable in that direction? What about a med student stepping back to go into nursing instead.

I am very interested in people's anecdotes or words through the grapevine since I am on the cusp of withdrawing from medical school. I would really like to transfer the credits I've gained from the first 2 years of coursework so that I can get on with life outside of education and more education. (I am no longer in my 20s). I have successfully passed the first 2 years, I just can't seem to pass Step 1.

Does switching from MD to another degree like DO carry negative connotations like "she isn't really interested in DO, she's just trying to do the next best thing..." In concern over those sorts of issues, I'm curious to know how I'd compare to traditional applicants fresh from undergrad. I had previously applied to 5 DO schools around the country as well as 20 MD schools. I was accepted into 3 MD programs and all 5 DO programs. Does that history of previous application still hold?

there is a thread of a DO student who failed out of DO school and was then reinstated to another one years later. It is rare, but possible to fail out of MD school and get accepted to DO school, but it's highly unlikely.

And no, none of your credits would transfer. You would have to start over entirely, retake your expired MCAT etc. and be able to prove some personal event or reason for why yuou couldn't hack it in MD school. So really if you're not trolling, it makes far more sense to just study hard on step I till you pass (even if that takes months and months), as opposed to risking the small chance of being accepted to a DO school as an MD dropout. Even if you were succesful, you would need to retake the MCAT + first two years of medical school, causing an additional 3+ years of delay.

Plus you'll then have to deal with these same standardized test issues come comlex time.

 

[danzman]

I've heard of some cases of people switching from a PsyD, PhD, or DO school to attend medical school instead. But does it ever happen the other way around? If so, is the transition a little easier or more reasonable in that direction? What about a med student stepping back to go into nursing instead.

I am very interested in people's anecdotes or words through the grapevine since I am on the cusp of withdrawing from medical school. I would really like to transfer the credits I've gained from the first 2 years of coursework so that I can get on with life outside of education and more education. (I am no longer in my 20s). I have successfully passed the first 2 years, I just can't seem to pass Step 1.

Does switching from MD to another degree like DO carry negative connotations like "she isn't really interested in DO, she's just trying to do the next best thing..." In concern over those sorts of issues, I'm curious to know how I'd compare to traditional applicants fresh from undergrad. I had previously applied to 5 DO schools around the country as well as 20 MD schools. I was accepted into 3 MD programs and all 5 DO programs. Does that history of previous application still hold?

I will assume that you just don't understand how the system works or are just trolling.

I would suggest you figure out whatever personal problems you are having and solve them, pass step 1, and move on with your life. If it takes a year off, then do it.

I took both the USMLE and the COMLEX. If you couldn't pass one, the other will not be easier.

 

[crusinmsu]

I was accepted into 3 MD programs and all 5 DO programs.

Ya gotta know a little something about DO programs then right??

 

[Megalofyia]

I took both the USMLE and the COMLEX. If you couldn't pass one, the other will not be easier.

*I* had a much much better time with the USMLE. They have their similarities however the USMLE was more straight forward, had more breaks, and was a shorter exam.

 

[Just Joshin]

I've heard of some cases of people switching from a PsyD, PhD, or DO school to attend medical school instead. But does it ever happen the other way around? If so, is the transition a little easier or more reasonable in that direction? What about a med student stepping back to go into nursing instead

Well, the first thing you need to realize is that DO school IS med school. If you can't get that simple concept down, you really don't belong in a DO school.

 

[Vishna]

I am very interested in people's anecdotes or words through the grapevine since I am on the cusp of withdrawing from medical school. I would really like to transfer the credits I've gained from the first 2 years of coursework so that I can get on with life outside of education and more education. (I am no longer in my 20s). I have successfully passed the first 2 years, I just can't seem to pass Step 1.

I guess the idea of physicians being lifelong learners was thrown out of the window.

 

[nlax30]

If you're gonna troll at least be funny.

 

[voidlogin]

DO school to attend medical school instead.

(1) DO schools are medical schools. Our education is exactly the same and just as rigorous. My brother is in a MD school and I can tell you their education isn't any different than ours except for OMM.
(2) As a DO, you have to take COMLEX I. I took both comlex and usmle and did better on usmle, so don't assume the comlex is a walk in the park.

 

[ozzi22]

If you're gonna troll at least be funny.

+1 trolls these days 🙄 they make me 😴

 

[patel2]

If you're gonna troll at least be funny.

+1 trolls these days 🙄 they make me 😴

don't think it's trolling.

Join Date: 2004, and there is another thread about options after dropping out of MD school. So it seems the OP is genuinely confused about how the US medical system works and looking for help... but no, transferring credits from MD as a dropout to DO is not possible.

Like I said earlier, focus focus focus on the USMLE. Petition your school for one last shot to retake the USMLE, and just study 12 hours a day for the period they give you. Utilize friends, faculty, and do whatever it takes, because if you can pass it, you'll probably do fine 3rd and 4th year and still be able to make it into a primary care residency somehwere as a US allo grad. You mention an interest in psych, where some community program may forgive retakes since on the whole it's an uncompetitive field

 

[link2swim06]

don't think it's trolling.

Join Date: 2004,d

Obviously its a sleeper troll....he KNEW back in '04 that six years later he would never be questioned as a troll.

 

[MythicDawn]

Lol, just by implying that DO is the "next best thing", you will gain no respect nor sympathy from the people here. Understand that becoming a DO is just as difficult as becoming a MD. Both graduates are considered medical doctors and have the same medical rights.

The fact that MD schools are "harder to get in" is because the philosophy is DO is not yet universal. Thus, if DO schools require the same level of scores, people will simply apply to MD since many do not know the focus of DO.

I don't think you are trolling, but consider your words carefully.

 

[EagerToBeMD]

Lol, just by implying that DO is the "next best thing", you will gain no respect nor sympathy from the people here. Understand that becoming a DO is just as difficult as becoming a MD. Both graduates are considered medical doctors and have the same medical rights.

The fact that MD schools are "harder to get in" is because the philosophy is DO is not yet universal. Thus, if DO schools require the same level of scores, people will simply apply to MD since many do not know the focus of DO.

I don't think you are trolling, but consider your words carefully.

I admit I'm an MD student, but I think you're wrong about the reason that MD schools tend to have higher numbers. It has nothing to do with what you suggest. What it's about is that DO schools tend to look for life experience and a more rounded student. For that reason, they don't place as much emphasis on scores as they do on, say, character. There are still standards, but a lot of MD schools I've noticed are all about the numbers and I don't think DO schools are.

And before anyone bashes me, I'm saying this is a GOOD thing. I'm not insulting DO schools. I wish more MD schools were like that.

 

[koennen]

The fact that MD schools are "harder to get in" is because the philosophy is DO is not yet universal. Thus, if DO schools require the same level of scores, people will simply apply to MD since many do not know the focus of DO.

Sure. Once the DO philosophy is universal, people will realize that PCOM, LECOM, the Touros, DeBusk, et al. are in all respects the equivalents of Harvard, Johns Hopkins, Penn and UCSF.🙄

Funniest thing I've read on here in ages.

 

[thepoopologist]

Sure. Once the DO philosophy is universal, people will realize that PCOM, LECOM, the Touros, DeBusk, et al. are in all respects the equivalents of Harvard, Johns Hopkins, Penn and UCSF.🙄

Funniest thing I've read on here in ages.

There are no equivalents to these schools, MD or DO.

 

[EnDOct]

Yes, try learning all that material over in addition to the 500 hours of OMM. It is no cakewalk. I think the reason that DO schools are easier is because most people don't even know about DOs until they start rotations. I remember even my premed advisor didn't know everything about osteopathic med schools and I had to teach her a few things. In any case, good luck with your dilemma if it's a real one.

 

[MythicDawn]

Sure. Once the DO philosophy is universal, people will realize that PCOM, LECOM, the Touros, DeBusk, et al. are in all respects the equivalents of Harvard, Johns Hopkins, Penn and UCSF.🙄

Funniest thing I've read on here in ages.

What? When did I ever make these analogies? Try not to put words in other people's mouth, thx brah.

There are no equivalents to these schools, MD or DO.

I agree with this.

 

[TekkenDanser]

Hey, if I said something that made anyone defensive, I really apologize. I wish people wouldn't automatically label OP's as trolls because it can really deter other people from posting potentially helpful responses. If there was something said that made it seem like I was trolling, then just reply with the issue that's bothering you. It sucks to be accused of something when the whole point of posting in a forum is openness under anonymity.

Patel is right, I am greatly confused, not about the MD system, but about my options beyond that. I haven't been certain about anything for the last 5 years. Most people in medicine don't get stuck like that because the medical track is pretty much laid out from med student to physician. But what if you watch all your former classmates graduate, never actually get to the point of using a white coat, and/or drowning in debt for the sake of persistance... a troll wouldn't know how that feels either.

And yes, I do realize that perhaps only 5% of med students from each class will fail Step 1. Yes, I do understand that I am a part of the bottom proportion.

 

[thepoopologist]

To answer your question about DO schools, you would have to start from the beginning again.

The reason is our boards, COMLEX 1,2,3 require a knowledge of OMM, which is taught the first two years.

If I were you I'd try out another prep course, study balls to the walls one more time, and take USMLE Step 1 again. You have one more shot before you're shut out of licensing for a couple of states.

 

[thepoopologist]

Here it is: http://www.fsmb.org/usmle_eliinitial.html

 

[MythicDawn]

To answer your question about DO schools, you would have to start from the beginning again.

The reason is our boards, COMLEX 1,2,3 require a knowledge of OMM, which is taught the first two years.

If I were you I'd try out another prep course, study balls to the walls one more time, and take USMLE Step 1 again. You have one more shot before you're shut out of licensing for a couple of states.

Haha, so true. I think there is no reason you can't apply to DO schools. If you got in to MD schools, I'm sure your scores are good enough. Although your MCAT score may have expired? Either way, the curriculum isn't all that different. From another thread, I read that DO spent less time on biochem, micro, and a couple of other courses. Instead, we give those time to OMM. Take it as you well, I really doubt the COMLEX step 1 is going to be less difficult than the USMLE step 1 though.

In addition, I think the admission committee is going to ask you some pretty tough questions regarding why you can't pass USMLE step 1, and why you are switching to DO instead.

Either way, don't give up. I think everyone deserves second chances. Best of luck!

 

[ooitsamonkey]

heres my two cents. I am in an osteopathic school going to finish this upcoming year. I took both USMLE and Comlex. USMLE are extremely well written and Comlex not so much. Making the transition from an allopath to osteopath doesn't seem like it would be too tough of a transition. My gf is an allopath, and she is constantly coming to me with regards to certain questions she may have. We both used the same texts to study from for all three of our years of medical school. The only difference, I was learning OMM while she was not. At the end of the day DO and MD are only degrees at the end of your name, the knowledge gained through medical school is up to the individual. Do I think that it may be easier to pass the comlex? It most definitely is. I am not saying this because I am bashing osteopaths, but after going through the exam and seeing the questions they had on it, they have enough questions on it that if you studied enough, you can pass, to get beyond that would require more detailed knowledge of preventative medicine and such. USMLE on the other hand, if you cannot grasp the concepts and learn to infer from the question stem, you are going to have a more difficult time with the exam. Granted that physicians should be thinking along the lines of extrapolating information and putting the pieces together, but for some it is not as easy to do within the time contraints placed upon them. I felt that comlex questions were simpler in terms of length, and from what they wanted to know. If you can memorize well you can pass the comlex. The upside, you just have to be able to memorize. The down side, its either you know it or you don't. USMLE- you may not know the exact answer, but provides enough information in the question stem for you to be able to pick out key details and possibly have a fighting chance at getting the right answer. Unfortunately just like the above posters, you have to go through all 4 years again. Medical school seats are expanding nationwide. My class size is 100, the class below me is 150. The residency seats are not increasing at the same pace. It is going to be much tougher even with a comlex to land a good residency if you are looking for something competitive. If you are content with being a physician, a passing comlex score should do the job. Just be ready to go through a grueling 2 years again. Osteopathic classes no different than allopathic ones, just add in OMM. Good luck

 

[MythicDawn]

heres my two cents. I am in an osteopathic school going to finish this upcoming year. I took both USMLE and Comlex. USMLE are extremely well written and Comlex not so much. Making the transition from an allopath to osteopath doesn't seem like it would be too tough of a transition. My gf is an allopath, and she is constantly coming to me with regards to certain questions she may have. We both used the same texts to study from for all three of our years of medical school. The only difference, I was learning OMM while she was not. At the end of the day DO and MD are only degrees at the end of your name, the knowledge gained through medical school is up to the individual. Do I think that it may be easier to pass the comlex? It most definitely is. I am not saying this because I am bashing osteopaths, but after going through the exam and seeing the questions they had on it, they have enough questions on it that if you studied enough, you can pass, to get beyond that would require more detailed knowledge of preventative medicine and such. USMLE on the other hand, if you cannot grasp the concepts and learn to infer from the question stem, you are going to have a more difficult time with the exam. Granted that physicians should be thinking along the lines of extrapolating information and putting the pieces together, but for some it is not as easy to do within the time contraints placed upon them. I felt that comlex questions were simpler in terms of length, and from what they wanted to know. If you can memorize well you can pass the comlex. The upside, you just have to be able to memorize. The down side, its either you know it or you don't. USMLE- you may not know the exact answer, but provides enough information in the question stem for you to be able to pick out key details and possibly have a fighting chance at getting the right answer. Unfortunately just like the above posters, you have to go through all 4 years again. Medical school seats are expanding nationwide. My class size is 100, the class below me is 150. The residency seats are not increasing at the same pace. It is going to be much tougher even with a comlex to land a good residency if you are looking for something competitive. If you are content with being a physician, a passing comlex score should do the job. Just be ready to go through a grueling 2 years again. Osteopathic classes no different than allopathic ones, just add in OMM. Good luck

Interesting, thanks for the exam info. So can I assume that if I am able to memorize everything on the COMLEX, I will have all the knowledge required for the USMLE too? Now, I'm not talking about doing well on both. My question only applies to the knowledge portion of the exams.

 

[ooitsamonkey]

Interesting, thanks for the exam info. So can I assume that if I am able to memorize everything on the COMLEX, I will have all the knowledge required for the USMLE too? Now, I'm not talking about doing well on both. My question only applies to the knowledge portion of the exams.

As long as you are using first aid and goljan along with whatever sources you need for clarification such as micro bio made ridiculously simple and the OMM you can do fine on the comlex. USMLE you have to add in the statistics, epidemiology and biochemistry poriton. Biochem is more heavily tested on the USMLE i would recommend rapid review goljan if you have time for biochem. Also embryology is higher yield on usmle. Comlex is higher yield on preventative medicine, micro and pharm. My point that I made in the previous post was regarding memorizing vs application. Comlex questions do not require you to be able to apply your knowledge and understanding of disease mechanisms, whereas USMLE does. My comlex questions for step 1 were on average 2-4 lines shorter than USMLE. COmlex expects you to assume the most likely scenario given a case. I am currently studying for step 2 and I will give you an example of a question i came across one of the qbanks. Comlex style question states Alcoholic male walks into the ER with hematemesis, what do you do? This same question in USMLE will provide you with vitals, LFTs, etc. See if the male was hemodynamically stable you control the bleeding which is most likely from a ruptured varicies with octreotride or desmopressin, if failed the endoscopic sclerotherapy, but if he is hemodynamically unstable you give IV fluids following the ABCs. Unfortunately I was forced to guess on what the status of his hemodynamic stability was. USMLE won't leave you guessing in the dark answering questions based on assumptions but rather will provide enough detail to force you to think critically and to know 2 or 3 steps down the road in management. Just one question but thats where people have difficulty with the comlex, not because it is challenging but because some of those questions are poorly written. Like I said though 150-250 ?s out of the 400 total questions are easy to get the right answer if youve memorized first aid and have done savaerese. I believe in that number somewhere is a passing score.

 

[danzman]

OP, in all seriousness, you need to figure out what you want to do with the rest of your life. If you want to be a physician, then find a way to finish the allo program you are at. It would be an enormous waste of time, energy, and money to start over even if you could find a DO school to get into (which I highly doubt you will.) Also, as stated before, they are essentially the same thing and both have board exams. If your trouble is with passing step one, the COMLEX will not be any easier. If you don't want to be a physician, that's fine, and there are a lot of options out there for you to consider, but understand that all of them will require you to spend a few more years in school no matter what.

The most important thing you can do at this point is to take a long hard look at what you really want out of your future, and I mean everything. Kids? Family? Finances? Location? Consider what all of these mean to you and come up with a plan. Until you make these decisions, understand that you will be unable to move forward.

 

[KingSemeloDO]

I've heard of some cases of people switching from a PsyD, PhD, or DO school to attend medical school instead. But does it ever happen the other way around? If so, is the transition a little easier or more reasonable in that direction? What about a med student stepping back to go into nursing instead.

I am very interested in people's anecdotes or words through the grapevine since I am on the cusp of withdrawing from medical school. I would really like to transfer the credits I've gained from the first 2 years of coursework so that I can get on with life outside of education and more education. (I am no longer in my 20s). I have successfully passed the first 2 years, I just can't seem to pass Step 1.

Does switching from MD to another degree like DO carry negative connotations like "she isn't really interested in DO, she's just trying to do the next best thing..." In concern over those sorts of issues, I'm curious to know how I'd compare to traditional applicants fresh from undergrad. I had previously applied to 5 DO schools around the country as well as 20 MD schools. I was accepted into 3 MD programs and all 5 DO programs. Does that history of previous application still hold?

Are you really sure you are a medical student? if yes? I feel sorry for you and your institution. Not acceptable, MD or DO, it doesn't matter. How did you get accepted? wow! that's all I got to say. You need to start reading more and please take the time to learn about the profession you are trying to get into. smh

 

[FiveOVicryl]

The OP is legit, he has another thread in the Allopathic forum seeking advice on this issue.

 

[Dharma]

The OP is legit, he has another thread in the Allopathic forum seeking advice on this issue.

However, if that was an attempt at sarcasm, than this is my face 😡

 

[Goro]

No, it has negative connotations like "she can't finish medical school" period. We have rejected people who have failed in some way at both DO and MD schools and are trying for a "backdoor" re-admission at our DO school. Frankly, we don't like re-treads from other medical schools.

Best to figure out why you can't pass Step I, and fix that.




Does switching from MD to another degree like DO carry negative connotations like "she isn't really interested in DO, she's just trying to do the next best thing..." In concern over those sorts of issues, I'm curious to know how I'd compare to traditional applicants fresh from undergrad. I had previously applied to 5 DO schools around the country as well as 20 MD schools. I was accepted into 3 MD programs and all 5 DO programs. Does that history of previous application still hold?[/QUOTE]

 

[willen101383]

What is with students thinking that DO schools have easier curricula....or accept individuals of less moral and ethical character. Have seen this in a few threads recently.

"I cheated 4 times in undergrad and have 4 plaigerism charges"

Advice: Apply to DO schools.

I cant do well in MD school.

Advice: Apply to DO school.

Really guys?

 

[JUNESPEARL]

What is with students thinking that DO schools have easier curricula....or accept individuals of less moral and ethical character. Have seen this in a few threads recently.

"I cheated 4 times in undergrad and have 4 plaigerism charges"

Advice: Apply to DO schools.

I cant do well in MD school.

Advice: Apply to DO school.

Really guys?

I noticed this as well. Ridiculous.

 

[Flushot]

I hope the OP knows that COMLEX isn't exactly a freebie test. USMLE is written better and more manageable than the Russian roulette style of the COMLEX so the best course of action would be to stick with your school if you can and do whatever it takes to pass Step 1.

 

[scribble]

OP is legit. I'll say what I said in the other thread - try Step 1 again! But I am sure whatever decision you end up making will be the best for you.

 

[Vishna]

But I am sure whatever decision you end up making will be the best for you.

You have a lot of confidence in OP.

 

[lion2013]

As a DO student that took the COMLEX and is taking the USMLE in the next two weeks, I can guarantee that studying hardcore and efficiently for the USMLE will atleast get you over a 200. The COMLEX is a ridiculously random exam and sucked. Also, we learn the same crap you learned in your first two years, except we had to spend hours and hours on OMT labs, OMT written stuff, tons of random clinical lectures aimed at primary care medicine and the list goes on.

 

[EMT4524]

As a DO student that took the COMLEX and is taking the USMLE in the next two weeks, I can guarantee that studying hardcore and efficiently for the USMLE will atleast get you over a 200. The COMLEX is a ridiculously random exam and sucked. Also, we learn the same crap you learned in your first two years, except we had to spend hours and hours on OMT labs, OMT written stuff, tons of random clinical lectures aimed at primary care medicine and the list goes on.

Did you use a question bank like combank? And were the questions at least similar to questions on the actual COMLEX?

 

[neuromaniac]

So, he/she fails Step I at an M.D. medical school...and some of the general public believes MD medical schools are better... . fitting

 

[Is This Reality]

So, he/she fails Step I at an M.D. medical school...and some of the general public believes MD medical schools are better... . fitting

In reality, there will always be people who fail exams for one reason or another.

DO students have a significantly higher chance of failing Step 1 despite the fact that DO schools claim to cover everything that's on it. And DO students fail the COMLEX which is wrriten specifically for them. Theoretically, if DO schools were the educational equivalent to MD schools then the pass rates should be similar, they are not.
All I am saying is those in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.

Before anyone jumps on me for being anti-do I'm not, I'm simply applying this fellows arguement towards his own group. I have DOs in my family and my pcp is a DO. I believe DOs get identical education and are equivalent in every way imaginable to MDs.

*Puts on Body Armor*

 

[Bones DO]

there is a thread of a DO student who failed out of DO school and was then reinstated to another one years later. It is rare, but possible to fail out of MD school and get accepted to DO school, but it's highly unlikely.

And no, none of your credits would transfer. You would have to start over entirely, retake your expired MCAT etc. and be able to prove some personal event or reason for why yuou couldn't hack it in MD school. So really if you're not trolling, it makes far more sense to just study hard on step I till you pass (even if that takes months and months), as opposed to risking the small chance of being accepted to a DO school as an MD dropout. Even if you were succesful, you would need to retake the MCAT + first two years of medical school, causing an additional 3+ years of delay.

Plus you'll then have to deal with these same standardized test issues come comlex time.

It will be nearly impossible to be readmitted anywhere after failing the boards multiple times :-( :-(

 

[JaggerPlate]

In reality, there will always be people who fail exams for one reason or another.

DO students have a significantly higher chance of failing Step 1 despite the fact that DO schools claim to cover everything that's on it. And DO students fail the COMLEX which is wrriten specifically for them. Theoretically, if DO schools were the educational equivalent to MD schools then the pass rates should be similar, they are not.
All I am saying is those in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.

Before anyone jumps on me for being anti-do I'm not, I'm simply applying this fellows arguement towards his own group. I have DOs in my family and my pcp is a DO. I believe DOs get identical education and are equivalent in every way imaginable to MDs.

*Puts on Body Armor*

What's the national pass rate for a US MD student taking the USMLE? I know that DO national pass rate for COMLEX is 90% ish and many of the established schools have 98%+ pass rates all day long.

Frankly, when DOs HAVE to take the COMLEX and have the option of taking the USMLE and US MDs HAVE to take the USMLE and various ACGME residency programs accept COMLEX scores, I see DO school board pass rate (COMLEX) and MD school pass rate (USMLE) as more of an accurate comparison. Especially because I personally know students who took the USMLE "just in case" because they didn't know what they wanted to do, but wanted to keep their options open, and to me, this mindset doesn't instill the same "fail and you're effed" mentality that passing the COMLEX (for a DO student) does.

Oh and with regard to your last statement ... if I walk into a crowded building and drop racial slurs, no one is going to stop kicking my ass because I yell "it's cool I have a black friend" as the mob is closing in on me.

 

[Decicco]

.

 

[dermpathdoc]

You're going to have problems going to any medical school after being dismissed for failing Step I.

not only that, the person will have trouble gettinga license in any state of union!Most are on the 3 strikes and out on the Boards. USMLE or NBOME