Frustration with the “Why DO” question. Advice?

[deleted926959]

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So I’ve had both a DO and DO students say that osteopathic training emphasizes active listening and preventative care. Now of course MD programs learn these things too, but what I was getting was that there is more of a focus on these topics (possibly more incorporation into the curriculum) at DO programs. I gladly wrote about this (along with OMT) in my secondaries and have received interviews. I mean, I had an osteopathic doctor and students tell me this!

But... now I seem to be reading and hearing that there is literally no difference except OMM. So when they ask in an interview “why DO” I feel like it’s some sort of trick question.

I really just want to be clear about this going into interviews. Is there a difference in the way DOs are taught? Not in content but in focus/emphasis on active listening or anything else that apparently makes osteopathic medicine different? I imagine this depends on the school mostly, but I just feel misadvised about osteopathic medicine right now.

 

[Magus5454]

So I’ve had both a DO and DO students say that osteopathic training emphasizes active listening and preventative care. Now of course MD programs learn these things too, but what I was getting was that there is more of a focus on these topics (possibly more incorporation into the curriculum) at DO programs. I gladly wrote about this (along with OMT) in my secondaries and have received interviews. I mean, I had an osteopathic doctor and students tell me this!

But... now I seem to be reading and hearing that there is literally no difference except OMM. So when they ask in an interview “why DO” I feel like it’s some sort of trick question.

I really just want to be clear about this going into interviews. Is there a difference in the way DOs are taught? Not in content but in focus/emphasis on active listening or anything else that apparently makes osteopathic medicine different? I imagine this depends on the school mostly, but I just feel misadvised about osteopathic medicine right now.

Pre clinical sciences are pretty much going to be the same.

At my school there has been a big emphasis on the body mind spirit thing in the OMM labs/lectures etc.

 

[DrMcCoyDO]

So I’ve had both a DO and DO students say that osteopathic training emphasizes active listening and preventative care. Now of course MD programs learn these things too, but what I was getting was that there is more of a focus on these topics (possibly more incorporation into the curriculum) at DO programs. I gladly wrote about this (along with OMT) in my secondaries and have received interviews. I mean, I had an osteopathic doctor and students tell me this!

But... now I seem to be reading and hearing that there is literally no difference except OMM. So when they ask in an interview “why DO” I feel like it’s some sort of trick question.

I really just want to be clear about this going into interviews. Is there a difference in the way DOs are taught? Not in content but in focus/emphasis on active listening or anything else that apparently makes osteopathic medicine different? I imagine this depends on the school mostly, but I just feel misadvised about osteopathic medicine right now.

For the purposes of those interviewing you who will ask you that question, there almost definitely is a difference. But that’s because people that ask that question generally don’t live in the same reality as the rest of us. In reality, the only difference is that DO schools also have OMM as part of their curriculum, which the legit part is basically physical therapy and a great tool for people going into something like PM&R and sometimes family (also great for making your dad happy over your Christmas break first year when his back has been sore for a week and you’re able to diagnose and treat a somatic dysfunction with some muscle energy). Seriously though, the distinction of philosophy is only true nowadays in the minds of the DO true believers, who are most of the time the ones asking that question in interviews. Just tell them what they want to hear.

 

[deleted926959]

Pre clinical sciences are pretty much going to be the same.

At my school there has been a big emphasis on the body mind spirit thing in the OMM labs/lectures etc.

That’s what I’m wondering is if there are certain things emphasized like that. Either the whole thing that they emphasize active listening and all those other things used to be true back in the day and no longer is or there may be some truth to it? I just don’t know. But I appreciate your response. I may just focus on OMM for the purpose of interviews

 

[deleted926959]

For the purposes of those interviewing you who will ask you that question, there almost definitely is a difference. But that’s because people that ask that question generally don’t live in the same reality as the rest of us. In reality, the only difference is that DO schools also have OMM as part of their curriculum, which the legit part is basically physical therapy and a great tool for people going into something like PM&R and sometimes family (also great for making your dad happy over your Christmas break first year when his back has been sore for a week and you’re able to diagnose and treat a somatic dysfunction with some muscle energy). Seriously though, the distinction of philosophy is only true nowadays in the minds of the DO true believers, who are most of the time the ones asking that question in interviews. Just tell them what they want to hear.

I don’t know about telling them what they want to hear, I’ve made a point not to do that throughout my entire application and have gotten to this point with that. But it may help for me to read up more on the history to understand why those beliefs exist among osteopathic doctors and students today. Otherwise I’ll focus on OMM. Thank you!!

 

[baseballfan46]

Currently work for a DO, and I am still having difficulty answering this question lol.

 

[Jasmine2022]

During a tour on a DO interview last year, I was chatting with a current student about this, and said "I know this is the wrong answer, but I feel like the only MD/DO difference is OMM". She immediately said that I was absolutely right about that (from her perspective, obviously).

Now I'm not sure I would say that so bluntly to any interviewer, but something simple like "I just really like how OMM offers me another skill to enhance patient care" probably goes over pretty well. I think they know when someone is trying to blow smoke by painting an idealistic DO picture of holistic, whole-body care, especially if that interviewer is an MD (which one of my DO school interviewers was).

In my experience, I do feel like it's a little bit of a trick question because I got the sense they were feeling me out for how much I was going to BS them with this answer. I interviewed at the same DO school two years in a row. The first year, I was really trying hard to give them the answer they wanted and the second year I was more myself in both secondaries and interviews. Result was an acceptance the second time around. It's probably not the only reason I got the acceptance, but being real about your thoughts (i.e. having an opinion) while being respectful and professional goes a long way.

 

[DokterMom]

Why not just tell them about why you want to be a physician and that you're applying to both types of programs? You can absolutely say that learning OMM appeals to you as 'another tool in the toolbox', but that really, it's treating patients that is your hot button.

 

[atomheart]

Hi,

I'm an MS-4 now but I remember struggling with this question when applying. The truth is you should know why you want to become a physician and not a nurse or a PA; If you want to make this question about DO vs MD you will have a hard time. A few DOs will care, but it is more important that you know why you want to be part of the physician community. In one sense premedical applicants have figured out that no school is going to call themselves second best, but then they lose focus on what makes an applicant worthy of "the best". It's not scores, and it's certainly not what AOA wants you to believe makes them good. The last thing you want to be doing is regurgitating some marketing line about the DO difference while the interviewer rolls their eyes. You redirect them by explaining why their program can help you achieve your goals, and how you can help them achieve their goals.

What are your goals? Well they should be to obtain a mastery of medicine qualifying of physician status, which essentially it comes down to a lifelong dedication to service, education, and leadership in healthcare. It is much much more than the knowledge of medicine that makes a good physician. Their program offers the tools and services (could include OMM) to make these goals feasible. Whatever your goals are, make sure they are what a school would like to be associated with, and make sure you can explain them confidently. What good school does not want students committed to service and leadership? Now you should also know what those things mean and I will leave you to figure that out. Always be able to show your qualifications and not just tell them.

What are their goals? You can check the website, but virtually every DO school has a mission statement of creating primary care physicians. This term is actually fairly broad, and could encompass the fields of surgery, obstetrics, or emergency medicine if you spin it with a "rural focus".

In so doing you have created a match between you and the school. Everything afterwards should convey a positivity and confidence that locks in the match and prevents doubt. That's how I interviewed and got accepted to multiple schools.

 

[deleted926959]

During a tour on a DO interview last year, I was chatting with a current student about this, and said "I know this is the wrong answer, but I feel like the only MD/DO difference is OMM". She immediately said that I was absolutely right about that (from her perspective, obviously).

Now I'm not sure I would say that so bluntly to any interviewer, but something simple like "I just really like how OMM offers me another skill to enhance patient care" probably goes over pretty well. I think they know when someone is trying to blow smoke by painting an idealistic DO picture of holistic, whole-body care, especially if that interviewer is an MD (which one of my DO school interviewers was).

In my experience, I do feel like it's a little bit of a trick question because I got the sense they were feeling me out for how much I was going to BS them with this answer. I interviewed at the same DO school two years in a row. The first year, I was really trying hard to give them the answer they wanted and the second year I was more myself in both secondaries and interviews. Result was an acceptance the second time around. It's probably not the only reason I got the acceptance, but being real about your thoughts (i.e. having an opinion) while being respectful and professional goes a long way.

Thank you! This is super helpful. One thing I noticed when shadowing at an OMM clinic was how they checked the whole body even if the complaint was specific like shoulder pain and so I know “holistic” is the word to stay away from but I personally have never experienced the same sort of attention to different parts of the body with an MD when treating pain. I have with a chiropractor... but I’m not sure if that is worth mentioning as I know there is a history there

 

[deleted926959]

Why not just tell them about why you want to be a physician and that you're applying to both types of programs? You can absolutely say that learning OMM appeals to you as 'another tool in the toolbox', but that really, it's treating patients that is your hot button.

Well I’m actually very interested in OMM and may not even follow through with applying MD. And I feel like if they are asking that question they want more than “just to be a physician” because a lot of people apply to DO as back up to MD and that’s not the case for me. Thanks for the input though

 

[deleted926959]

Hi,

I'm an MS-4 now but I remember struggling with this question when applying. The truth is you should know why you want to become a physician and not a nurse or a PA; If you want to make this question about DO vs MD you will have a hard time. A few DOs will care, but it is more important that you know why you want to be part of the physician community. In one sense premedical applicants have figured out that no school is going to call themselves second best, but then they lose focus on what makes an applicant worthy of "the best". It's not scores, and it's certainly not what AOA wants you to believe makes them good. The last thing you want to be doing is regurgitating some marketing line about the DO difference while the interviewer rolls their eyes. You redirect them by explaining why their program can help you achieve your goals, and how you can help them achieve their goals.

What are your goals? Well they should be to obtain a mastery of medicine qualifying of physician status, which essentially it comes down to a lifelong dedication to service, education, and leadership in healthcare. It is much much more than the knowledge of medicine that makes a good physician. Their program offers the tools and services (could include OMM) to make these goals feasible. Whatever your goals are, make sure they are what a school would like to be associated with, and make sure you can explain them confidently. What good school does not want students committed to service and leadership? Now you should also know what those things mean and I will leave you to figure that out. Always be able to show your qualifications and not just tell them.

What are their goals? You can check the website, but virtually every DO school has a mission statement of creating primary care physicians. This term is actually fairly broad, and could encompass the fields of surgery, obstetrics, or emergency medicine if you spin it with a "rural focus".

In so doing you have created a match between you and the school. Everything afterwards should convey a positivity and confidence that locks in the match and prevents doubt. That's how I interviewed and got accepted to multiple schools.

Wow thank you for the in depth answer! My interest in primary care is partly what draws me to osteopathic programs since a lot of their mission and values emphasize the specialty. I suppose that could be another taking point but thanks for all of the additional advice on how to be prepared

 

[Magus5454]

Wow thank you for the in depth answer! My interest in primary care is partly what draws me to osteopathic programs since a lot of their mission and values emphasize the specialty. I suppose that could be another taking point but thanks for all of the additional advice on how to be prepared

But honestly, alot of MD students end up in primary care too. Everyone says they want to be X speciality but that is the truth of the matter.

I know I want to be a physician. I could do without the extra time OMM takes out of my schedule. Does some of it work? Sure. Theres also reams of posts here of what OMS think is a bunch of hooey

 

[deleted926959]

But honestly, alot of MD students end up in primary care too. Everyone says they want to be X speciality but that is the truth of the matter.

I know I want to be a physician. I could do without the extra time OMM takes out of my schedule. Does some of it work? Sure. Theres also reams of posts here of what OMS think is a bunch of hooey

Fair enough. I’ve read the research and a lot of it is unfounded but some of it has decent research like for treating lower back pain, which I think is great.

 

[deleted926959]

I feel kind of silly for stressing over this question. But I totally am haha.

 

[Medic741]

So I’ve had both a DO and DO students say that osteopathic training emphasizes active listening and preventative care. Now of course MD programs learn these things too, but what I was getting was that there is more of a focus on these topics (possibly more incorporation into the curriculum) at DO programs. I gladly wrote about this (along with OMT) in my secondaries and have received interviews. I mean, I had an osteopathic doctor and students tell me this!

But... now I seem to be reading and hearing that there is literally no difference except OMM. So when they ask in an interview “why DO” I feel like it’s some sort of trick question.

I really just want to be clear about this going into interviews. Is there a difference in the way DOs are taught? Not in content but in focus/emphasis on active listening or anything else that apparently makes osteopathic medicine different? I imagine this depends on the school mostly, but I just feel misadvised about osteopathic medicine right now.

Welcome to the KOOLAID. Just tell them what they want to hear and move on

 

[Angus Avagadro]

So I’ve had both a DO and DO students say that osteopathic training emphasizes active listening and preventative care. Now of course MD programs learn these things too, but what I was getting was that there is more of a focus on these topics (possibly more incorporation into the curriculum) at DO programs. I gladly wrote about this (along with OMT) in my secondaries and have received interviews. I mean, I had an osteopathic doctor and students tell me this!

But... now I seem to be reading and hearing that there is literally no difference except OMM. So when they ask in an interview “why DO” I feel like it’s some sort of trick question.

I really just want to be clear about this going into interviews. Is there a difference in the way DOs are taught? Not in content but in focus/emphasis on active listening or anything else that apparently makes osteopathic medicine different? I imagine this depends on the school mostly, but I just feel misadvised about osteopathic medicine right




This should not be a hard question. MD's will focus on a specific area, MD's only consider viscero-somatic referred pain during angina, where there are many other examples of of viscero somatic interactions. Any 3rd or 4th year DO student should be aware of this.
Also, don't show up for an interview unless you can discuss the 4 osteopathic tenets. If you cant be bothered to look them up on Wikipedia, the interviewers won't think you are serious about Osteopathic Medicine, just trying to get into any med school that will take you.

 

[deleted926959]

So I’ve had both a DO and DO students say that osteopathic training emphasizes active listening and preventative care. Now of course MD programs learn these things too, but what I was getting was that there is more of a focus on these topics (possibly more incorporation into the curriculum) at DO programs. I gladly wrote about this (along with OMT) in my secondaries and have received interviews. I mean, I had an osteopathic doctor and students tell me this!

But... now I seem to be reading and hearing that there is literally no difference except OMM. So when they ask in an interview “why DO” I feel like it’s some sort of trick question.

I really just want to be clear about this going into interviews. Is there a difference in the way DOs are taught? Not in content but in focus/emphasis on active listening or anything else that apparently makes osteopathic medicine different? I imagine this depends on the school mostly, but I just feel misadvised about osteopathic medicine right




This should not be a hard question. MD's will focus on a specific area, MD's only consider viscero-somatic referred pain during angina, where there are many other examples of of viscero somatic interactions. Any 3rd or 4th year DO student should be aware of this.
Also, don't show up for an interview unless you can discuss the 4 osteopathic tenets. If you cant be bothered to look them up on Wikipedia, the interviewers won't think you are serious about Osteopathic Medicine, just trying to get into any med school that will take you.

Thanks for the advice. I know the tenets off the top of my head and have done my share of research prior to applying DO and to posting this thread. My point was to ask whether there may actually be differences in teaching style from MD to DO as far as how much emphasis is placed on topics like active listening, preventative care, etc. This is something I can’t find on the internet or threads here. I agree it should not be a hard question, but I’ve gotten so many mixed answers that it has somehow become one

 

[deleted480308]

So I’ve had both a DO and DO students say that osteopathic training emphasizes active listening and preventative care. Now of course MD programs learn these things too, but what I was getting was that there is more of a focus on these topics (possibly more incorporation into the curriculum) at DO programs. I gladly wrote about this (along with OMT) in my secondaries and have received interviews. I mean, I had an osteopathic doctor and students tell me this!

But... now I seem to be reading and hearing that there is literally no difference except OMM. So when they ask in an interview “why DO” I feel like it’s some sort of trick question.

I really just want to be clear about this going into interviews. Is there a difference in the way DOs are taught? Not in content but in focus/emphasis on active listening or anything else that apparently makes osteopathic medicine different? I imagine this depends on the school mostly, but I just feel misadvised about osteopathic medicine right now.

It doesn’t matter if they are different or not, all that matters is that adcoms like to think there is

 

[SergeantBuzzKill]

If they ask why you’re a good fit for DO you can always give the “well, I haven’t been through either program (MD vs DO) so I don’t know which one I am more suited for” answer

 

[atomheart]

But honestly, alot of MD students end up in primary care too. Everyone says they want to be X speciality but that is the truth of the matter.

I know I want to be a physician. I could do without the extra time OMM takes out of my schedule. Does some of it work? Sure. Theres also reams of posts here of what OMS think is a bunch of hooey

This is more about the "what do you want to do" question and I'll use it in helping out the OP. Regarding this question admins know medical students are quite flaky about their dreams and aspirations. I found that the purpose of this question was to assess both what the applicant knows about the state of medicine, and whether they are motivated to go through with the pathway. If you just say you want to help people, someone is going to ask you how you want to help. The conversation will evolve into your understanding of the current state of medicine and its needs. It will become a challenging interview. How do I know? Because it happened in years past at an interview that did not go well for me.

In this sense, you do need to know how you can serve your profession. If you don't believe you are going into primary care, and you definitely aren't going to say you are, you still need to know how to serve your chosen specialty. Nobody wants to train someone selfish. Primary care is the literal bottom of the 'hierarchy' of medicine, and it's the front line of care. It's particularly symbolic because the specialty represents every area of medicine, generally (It's the same thing as saying "I love all areas of medicine" which strengthens your position as an applicant). Choosing primary care as the answer to this question allows you to show humility, insofar as you understand that you may not deserve, or end up qualified to do something super impressive, and you may end up having to fall back on your plans. In another sense, it allows admins to see what you're OK with: whereas there are many applicants that will lose their cool if they had to fall back on their plans, you want to be able to show that you're comfortable and flexible with whatever may happen in the next four years. Adcoms will also try to assess this with the question "what happens if you don't get in".

Saying you want to go into primary care may not be 100% honest, but it's an extremely strategic answer to a difficult question: it shows you're starting to think about the problems in distribution of care, shows that you're humble and flexible, and that you want to approach your training from the standpoint of solving problems. It also happens to align well with the mission statements of several MD and DO schools. It's also ok to say you're strongly thinking about several different specialties, but you're undecided, as long as you can redirect and add to your qualifications ("I shadowed all these physicians and was impressed by all of their abilities to serve and lead; at this point I will work my hardest to become the best physician I can be"). For the record, I decided to work hard to get into a non-primary care specialty after my first year of medical school, but the reasons would have been impossible to know about as a premed.

 

[RNthenDoc]

When DMU asked me this question I said that I simply want to be the best physician I can, and that I would attend an allopathic or osteopathic school if I thought one or the other would prepare me better.

Interviewer then asked about how it would impact patient care philosophy etc, and I rather coyly said my philosophies of caring are rooted in nursing, which has been doing the whole holistic thing for quite some time.

It was a bold move, but it worked for me.

 

[deleted926959]

This is more about the "what do you want to do" question and I'll use it in helping out the OP. Regarding this question admins know medical students are quite flaky about their dreams and aspirations. I found that purpose was to assess both what the applicant knows about the state of medicine, and whether they are motivated to go through with the pathway. If you just say you want to help people, someone is going to ask you how you want to help. The conversation will evolve into your understanding of the current state of medicine and its needs. It will become a challenging interview. How do I know? Because it happened in years past at an interview that did not go well for me.

In this sense, you do need to know how you can serve your profession. If you don't believe you are going into primary care, and you definitely aren't going to say you are, you still need to know how to serve your chosen specialty. Nobody wants to train someone selfish. Primary care is the literal bottom of the 'hierarchy' of medicine, and it's the front line of care. It's particularly symbolic because the specialty represents every area of medicine, generally (It's the same thing as saying "I love all areas of medicine" which strengthens your position as an applicant). Choosing primary care as the answer to this question allows you to show humility, insofar as you understand that you may not deserve, or end up qualified to do something super impressive, and you may end up having to fall back on your plans. In another sense, it allows admins to see what you're OK with: whereas there are many applicants that will lose their cool if they had to fall back on their plans, you want to be able to show that you're comfortable and flexible with whatever may happen in the next four years. Adcoms will also try to assess this with the question "what happens if you don't get in".

Saying you want to go into primary care may not be 100% honest, but it's an extremely strategic answer to a difficult question: it shows you're starting to think about the problems in distribution of care, shows that you're humble and flexible, and that you want to approach your training from the standpoint of solving problems. It also happens to align well with the mission statements of several MD and DO schools. It's also ok to say you're strongly thinking about several different specialties, but you're undecided, as long as you can redirect and add to your qualifications ("I shadowed all these physicians and was impressed by all of their abilities to serve and lead; at this point I will work my hardest to become the best physician I can be"). For the record, I decided to work hard to get into a non-primary care specialty after my first year of medical school, but the reasons would have been impossible to know about as a premed.

Thanks. Fortunately I have an interest in primary care. Your description of the specialty is a bit concerning though... consider that some people are interested in it for reasons other than it being at the bottom of the totem pole and thinking they aren’t good enough.

 

[sab3156]

But... now I seem to be reading and hearing that there is literally no difference except OMM. So when they ask in an interview “why DO” I feel like it’s some sort of trick question.

Even the ADCOM members know that DO schools are a backup for people who didn't get into MD school. They just want to see how good you are at coming up with a fake answer about how amazing primary care is and how DO school is going to prepare you so well for it.

 

[atomheart]

Thanks. Fortunately I have an interest in primary care. Your description of the specialty is a bit concerning though... consider that some people are interested in it for reasons other than it being at the bottom of the totem pole and thinking they aren’t good enough.

That's fine, it was nothing against the specialties. That area of medicine is important and needed, and almost all of my interviewers happened to be DO primary care physicians (FM/peds/generalist IM). A statement of intent about primary care is a solid and strategic move even if you think you may not become a PCP, and regardless of whether you're interviewing at a DO or MD school. Applicants should come off as good enough and qualified for any specialty of medicine, and equal to any MD applicant. If you're already set for primary care, all the power to you.

The "why DO" question may correlate with a primary care answer in some cases, but not 1-1; not everyone who becomes a DO goes into primary care, and not all primary care physicians are DOs. It may offend in other cases, like if your interviewer is an MD at a DO school. The "what do you want to do" question is a better context to talk about this. It's better to blow positive smoke than be offensive while trying to be genuine.

 

[Xanias]

Real Answer: Because I can't get into an MD school.

Answer you should say instead: Talk about how you are interested in focusing on the large problem and preventing it to begin with and not just treat patients symptomatically (back up with example) and also how you aspire to work in primary care serving rural areas and those who do not have access to healthcare.
Bonus Answer: OMM is really cool!

 

[deleted926959]

Even the ADCOM members know that DO schools are a backup for people who didn't get into MD school. They just want to see how good you are at coming up with a fake answer about how amazing primary care is and how DO school is going to prepare you so well for it.

I actually prefer several DO schools over MD and am seriously interested in primary care. Some people prefer specific DO schools over MD or actually want to go into primary care. They get you to the same place, it’s all about fit. It doesn’t all have to be about prestige and MCAT scores. This is not what this post was supposed to be about. But then again this is SDN

 

[Angus Avagadro]

Lets be clear. Just because you are in primary care, Family Med, Peds, IM, or OB/GYN, doesn't mean you were an inferior candidate and couldn't get a better residency. Is this true for some? Sure. I know MANY brilliant D.O. Primary Care Docs. Some chose D.O. school despite being strong candidates for allopathic schools. They are not as rare as you think. One of my room mates probably remembers everything he has ever read, challenges oncologists on their chemo regime for his patients. Another read a book on differential equations on vacation, took the test, got an A, placed out of the course, now has Masters in Bioengineering. I could bore you with more examples, but won't.
Medical school is what you make of it. What kind of candidate you present to resident selection committees depends entirely on your effort during med school.
The pedigree game is rather annoying, but rest assured, MD's do it to each other. Oh, you went to Drexel? Well, I went to a conference there once while I was a resident at Penn. See what I mean? Run your own race, don't worry about the pedigree stuff.
That said, can you get a Neurosurgery residency at Harvard graduating from a D.O. School? Sure. Remember, some residencies are uber-competitive. So, to be considered as an applicant, you have to be competitive for the applicant pool for that residency. A Step 1 score of 250 does not guarantee you a residency spot any more than perfect SAT scores guarantees you a spot in Harvard. Lots of people with perfect SAT's don't get in to Harvard.
So? Have competitive Step 1 score,( the new MCAT for residency application), for that specialty. That alone is not enough, make sure all the other boxes are checked. Take a year off and do research if you have too. You are only limited by your desire to work hard and pay the price necessary to reach your goal.
Also remember, The MCAT is designed to be predictive of your USMLE step 1 score. Can you have a low MCAT and get 250 on Step 1? It is possible, but will require 2 years of dedicated hard work. Best of luck to you all.

 

[deleted926959]

That's fine, it was nothing against the specialty. That area of medicine is important and needed, and almost all of my interviewers happened to be DO primary care physicians (FM/peds/generalist IM). A statement of intent about primary care is a solid and strategic move even if you think you may not become a PCP, and regardless of whether you're interviewing at a DO or MD school. Applicants should come off as good enough and qualified for any specialty of medicine, and equal to any MD applicant. If you're already set for primary care, all the power to you.

The "why DO" question may correlate with a primary care answer in some cases, but not 1-1; not everyone who becomes a DO goes into primary care, and not all primary care physicians are DOs. It may offend in other cases, like if your interviewer is an MD at a DO school. The "what do you want to do" question is a better context to talk about this. It's better to blow positive smoke than be truthful and offensive.

Thank you for the follow up!

 

[sab3156]

Sounds like you had quite the unique ex

I actually prefer several DO schools over MD and am seriously interested in primary care. Some people prefer specific DO schools over MD or actually want to go into primary care. They get you to the same place, it’s all about fit. It doesn’t all have to be about prestige and MCAT scores. This is not what this post was supposed to be about. But then again this is SDN

It is what this post is about, because you are trying to answer a ridiculous question with a logical answer. Just make up some garbage about how you love primary care and how you feel that osteopathic philosophy is geared towards that, and make it sound nice. They all know these answers are made up, anyway. You're thinking way too hard about this.

That said, can you get a Neurosurgery residency at Harvard graduating from a D.O. School? Sure.

lol... posts like this are why pre-meds applying to DO schools have no real idea of what they're getting themselves into.

 

[TheRealCookieMonster]

just trying to get into any med school that will take you.

What an outrageous thought! He wouldn't dare!?

 

[deleted926959]

Lets be clear. Just because you are in primary care, Family Med, Peds, IM, or OB/GYN, doesn't mean you were an inferior candidate and couldn't get a better residency. Is this true for some? Sure. I know MANY brilliant D.O. Primary Care Docs. Some chose D.O. school despite being strong candidates for allopathic schools. They are not as rare as you think. One of my room mates probably remembers everything he has ever read, challenges oncologists on their chemo regime for his patients. Another read a book on differential equations on vacation, took the test, got an A, placed out of the course, now has Masters in Bioengineering. I could bore you with more examples, but won't.
Medical school is what you make of it. What kind of candidate you present to resident selection committees depends entirely on your effort during med school.
The pedigree game is rather annoying, but rest assured, MD's do it to each other. Oh, you went to Drexel? Well, I went to a conference there once while I was a resident at Penn. See what I mean? Run your own race, don't worry about the pedigree stuff.
That said, can you get a Neurosurgery residency at Harvard graduating from a D.O. School? Sure. Remember, some residencies are uber-competitive. So, to be considered as an applicant, you have to be competitive for the applicant pool for that residency. A Step 1 score of 250 does not guarantee you a residency spot any more than perfect SAT scores guarantees you a spot in Harvard. Lots of people with perfect SAT's don't get in to Harvard.
So? Have competitive Step 1 score,( the new MCAT for residency application), for that specialty. That alone is not enough, make sure all the other boxes are checked. Take a year off and do research if you have too. You are only limited by your desire to work hard and pay the price necessary to reach your goal.
Also remember, The MCAT is designed to be predictive of your USMLE step 1 score. Can you have a low MCAT and get 250 on Step 1? It is possible, but will require 2 years of dedicated hard work. Best of luck to you all.

Thank you for this!!! I just posted back to someone that it’s all about fit and the type of environment a particular student can be the most successful in. I didn’t need the post to get hijacked by people crapping on osteopathic medicine lol but somebody people are only concerned with prestige.

 

[deleted926959]

It is what this post is about, because you are trying to answer a ridiculous question with a logical answer. Just make up some garbage about how you love primary care and how you feel that osteopathic philosophy is geared towards that, and make it sound nice. They all know these answers are made up, anyway. You're thinking way too hard about this.

God forbid I think hard about why I may want to go into osteopathic medicine and what is or isn’t true about it. But hey thanks for reminding me that my post was actually about how to bull**** an answer. I’m out of this post.

 

[Goro]

It doesn’t matter if they are different or not, all that matters is that adcoms like to think there is

Well, the DO Faculty do.

 

[DrMcCoyDO]

God forbid I think hard about why I may want to go into osteopathic medicine and what is or isn’t true about it. But hey thanks for reminding me that my post was actually about how to bull**** an answer. I’m out of this post.

Don’t worry about sab; he’s our resident MS1.5 who’s angry about being at a DO school. If you look beneath the grumpiness, he’s actually a good guy, but we like to take his doom & gloom with a grain of salt. He doesn’t seem to understand that not everybody is gunning for ophtho, and some people genuinely just want to do primary care.

 

[sab3156]

Don’t worry about sab; he’s our resident MS1.5 who’s angry about being at a DO school. If you look beneath the grumpiness, he’s actually a good guy, but we like to take his doom & gloom with a grain of salt. He doesn’t seem to understand that not everybody is gunning for ophtho, and some people genuinely just want to do primary care.

Where is the doom and gloom in this thread, and where did I say anything about specialties/primary care/etc.? I basically told this person to stop wasting their time and just say the generic crap every DO applicant says - either that you love OMM (I can't even lie about that, so I didn't say that) or that you love primary care and osteopathic foundations are a great way to get into primary care.

 

[DrMcCoyDO]

Where is the doom and gloom in this thread

I refer you to this: “Even the ADCOM members know that DO schools are a backup for people who didn't get into MD school. They just want to see how good you are at coming up with a fake answer about how amazing primary care is and how DO school is going to prepare you so well for it.”

and where did I say anything about specialties/primary care/etc.?

And this: “Just make up some garbage about how you love primary care”

Plus, I’d point out about 70-75% of the posts you comment on are complaints about how difficult out it is to get into competitive specialties as a DO, which is what I was primarily referring to.

Did you even notice that OP actually wants to go into primary care? You’re counseling him to lie about wanting to go into primary care when that’s not a lie! It’s comments like that which make it seem at times like you’re wrapped up in your own world that has no concept of people who aren’t interested in going into a specialty or something competitive.

 

[sab3156]

I refer you to this: “Even the ADCOM members know that DO schools are a backup for people who didn't get into MD school. They just want to see how good you are at coming up with a fake answer about how amazing primary care is and how DO school is going to prepare you so well for it.”



And this: “Just make up some garbage about how you love primary care”

Plus, I’d point out about 70-75% of the posts you comment on are complaints about how difficult out it is to get into competitive specialties as a DO, which is what I was primarily referring to.

Did you even notice that OP actually wants to go into primary care? You’re counseling him to lie about wanting to go into primary care when that’s not a lie! It’s comments like that which make it seem at times like you’re wrapped up in your own world that has no concept of people who aren’t interested in going into a specialty or something competitive.

Thanks for showing zero evidence of any doom and gloom in this thread, and also bringing in completely irrelevant nonsense. And yes, I did note the fact that OP is interested in primary care. Nowhere did I say to "lie", just to stop wasting time and just hype up how osteopathy is a great way to get into primary care. You can be honest and still be fake as hell while hyping up your answer. That's all they really want. No need to be ultra-sensitive about it. But nice job derailing the thread.

 

[DrMcCoyDO]

Thanks for showing zero evidence of any doom and gloom in this thread, and also bringing in completely irrelevant nonsense. And yes, I did note the fact that OP is interested in primary care. Nowhere did I say to "lie", just to stop wasting time and just hype up how osteopathy is a great way to get into primary care. You can be honest and still be fake as hell while hyping up your answer. That's all they really want. No need to be ultra-sensitive about it. But nice job derailing the thread.

You and I have different definitions of doom and gloom, then. And for the record, making something up is the same as lying in most people’s minds. Now calm yourself down; your obvious hatred for where you go to school shows through in most advice you give on here, and I thought putting your comment in the context of that was warranted in this situation.

 

[sab3156]

You and I have different definitions of doom and gloom, then. And for the record, making something up is the same as lying in most people’s minds. Now calm yourself down; your obvious hatred for where you go to school shows through in most advice you give on here, and I thought putting your comment in the context of that was warranted in this situation.

Good job in this thread. You really helped the OP. Nothing in this thread is anything that you are claiming it to be, "for the record". You blew this way out of proportion, so maybe tell yourself to calm down.

 

[Goro]

So I’ve had both a DO and DO students say that osteopathic training emphasizes active listening and preventative care. Now of course MD programs learn these things too, but what I was getting was that there is more of a focus on these topics (possibly more incorporation into the curriculum) at DO programs. I gladly wrote about this (along with OMT) in my secondaries and have received interviews. I mean, I had an osteopathic doctor and students tell me this!

But... now I seem to be reading and hearing that there is literally no difference except OMM. So when they ask in an interview “why DO” I feel like it’s some sort of trick question.

I really just want to be clear about this going into interviews. Is there a difference in the way DOs are taught? Not in content but in focus/emphasis on active listening or anything else that apparently makes osteopathic medicine different? I imagine this depends on the school mostly, but I just feel misadvised about osteopathic medicine right now.

While this is indeed a common question, and one you need to have an answer for, I think that you can immunize yourself against getting it by having a good PS and/or secondary essay that covers the question.

I actually hate asking the question, because I know I'll get a canned answer. But sometimes I'll get a candidate so opaque that I have to wonder "what's s/he doing this for?"

Read the school's website too. Look for comments by the Dean.

If you've shadowed by MDs and DOs and noticed anything different about how they approached the practice of Medicine, mention that.

If you've you had a good experience with a DO, mention that.

if you know any of the current students, or students at another DO school, mention that.

Under no circumstances should you bash MDs. We have MD colleagues and an interviewer might very well have an MD SO (or be an MD!)

 

[deleted926959]

While this is indeed a common question, and one you need to have an answer for, I think that you can immunize yourself against getting it by having a good PS and/or secondary essay that covers the question.

I actually hate asking the question, because I know I'll get a canned answer. But sometimes I'll get a candidate so opaque that I have to wonder "what's s/he doing this for?"

Read the school's website too. Look for comments by the Dean.

If you've shadowed by MDs and DOs and noticed anything different about how they approached the practice of Medicine, mention that.

If you've you had a good experience with a DO, mention that.

if you know any of the current students, or students at another DO school, mention that.

Under no circumstances should you bash MDs. We have MD colleagues and an interviewer might very well have an MD SO (or be an MD!)

Thank you for this answer! I went into depth about my interest in osteopathic medicine in my secondary applications so I really don't know why they would ask again, but from what I hear a lot of the schools ask during the interview as well. I just felt that in my secondaries I gave reasons that I have now learned are not necessarily the truth. Moving forward, I think I will just focus on my experiences with OMM and leave it at that.

 

[Goro]

While this is indeed a common question, and one you need to have an answer for, I think that you can immunize yourself against getting it by having a good PS and/or secondary essay that covers the question.

I actually hate asking the question, because I know I'll get a canned answer. But sometimes I'll get a candidate so opaque that I have to wonder "what's s/he doing this for?"

Read the school's website too. Look for comments by the Dean.

If you've shadowed by MDs and DOs and noticed anything different about how they approached the practice of Medicine, mention that.

If you've you had a good experience with a DO, mention that.

if you know any of the current students, or students at another DO school, mention that.

If you have ever been under the care of a DO, mention that

If you have ever received OMM, mention that

Under no circumstances should you bash MDs. We have MD colleagues and an interviewer might very well have an MD SO (or be an MD!)

 

[bsizzle44]

@Goro Have you ever had an applicant respond to this question by being honest and telling you that it is their dream to be a physician and given their stats, going the DO route is their only viable option? If not, how would you view this kind of response?

 

[Goro]

@Goro Have you ever had an applicant respond to this question by being honest and telling you that it is their dream to be a physician and given their stats, going the DO route is their only viable option? If not, how would you view this kind of response?

Nobody has been that stupid. We know it's a backup, and we don't take it personally (except for the True Belivers). But at least go through the motions.

Being a doctor sometimes means going into character and putting the best possible spin on things.

 

[TheRealCookieMonster]

@Goro Have you ever had an applicant respond to this question by being honest and telling you that it is their dream to be a physician and given their stats, going the DO route is their only viable option? If not, how would you view this kind of response?

lol careful not to be too honest.

 

[Goro]

lol careful not to be too honest.

Yup!
In a few ways, my DO colleagues are like those lovable but nutty old aunts every family has.

 

[FCMike11]

I actually answered this question with "I want an opportunity to become a physician. That being said, DO does offer additional opportunities that I could utilize _____(list said opportunities)."

I actively avoided anything to compare MD vs DO directly, and I still do. We have lecturers occasionally and even students who compare and say things like "DOs are better because."

No. There are strong, kind, comprehensive MD physicians and poor, absent DO physicians.

But I absolutely do believe there is something to OMT - we are constantly touching, using our hands. I think that does add to the interaction with our patients.

 

[deleted926959]

I actually answered this question with "I want an opportunity to become a physician. That being said, DO does offer additional opportunities that I could utilize _____(list said opportunities)."

I actively avoided anything to compare MD vs DO directly, and I still do. We have lecturers occasionally and even students who compare and say things like "DOs are better because."

No. There are, strong, kind comprehensive MD physicians and poor, absent DO physicians.

But I absolutely do believe there is something to OMT - we are constantly touching, using our hands. I think that does add to the interaction with our patients.

Best response yet! Thank you

 

[Angus Avagadro]

Md's and D.O's are different. With our emphasis on primary care, our students and PG1s have a more well rounded ,( diverse), experience. I am old school and believe you should be a good generalist before you become a specialist.I have been on academic faculty at both allopathic and osteopathic schools. The students won't appreciate this difference until they work side by side with their MD colleagues. I noticed it as a resident, and was grateful many times for my osteopathic PG1