General Public Preferring MD doctors over DO doctors?

[FEMA_Corps]

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I have recently been considering applying to osteopathic medical schools, especially in lieu of my newly released MCAT score in which I achieved a 506 instead of the 510 I was expecting. With that aside, I have been discussing the idea with my parents, and they are strongly against it, mainly due to their opinion that since most people are much more familiar with MD's than DO's, they would rather choose a doctor with an MD and may even be uncomfortable with a DO since they might not understand what it is and think that I am not a "real doctor."

I have tried to explain to them that the field of medicine is changing and as DO's are becoming more and more prevalent, the general population is bound to better understand what osteopathic medicine is, but that doesn't seem to resonate with them. I know that I don't need their approval to try for DO, but I really want to make them understand.

However, is this a valid thing for them to say? Do any of you think that maybe DO's actually do have a harder time getting patients?

Thanks

 

[lnguyen1412]

I am strongly against this idea. I love osteopathic principles and ideas along with OMT.

It just people are less familiar with DO (none of my friends know what DO is), but the DO physician i shadow is the Chief of Staff of the hospital he worked at and he got decent amount of patients. In the end, I think it is depend on how your communication with the community and how willing you are to go to get your name out there for the patient to know.

 

[dramatrauma]

Not again...

 

[radian313]

I have recently been considering applying to osteopathic medical schools, especially in lieu of my newly released MCAT score in which I achieved a 506 instead of the 510 I was expecting. With that aside, I have been discussing the idea with my parents, and they are strongly against it, mainly due to their opinion that since most people are much more familiar with MD's than DO's, they would rather choose a doctor with an MD and may even be uncomfortable with a DO since they might not understand what it is and think that I am not a "real doctor."

I have tried to explain to them that the field of medicine is changing and as DO's are becoming more and more prevalent, the general population is bound to better understand what osteopathic medicine is, but that doesn't seem to resonate with them. I know that I don't need their approval to try for DO, but I really want to make them understand.

However, is this a valid thing for them to say? Do any of you think that maybe DO's actually do have a harder time getting patients?

Thanks

One thing I can tell you straight up is, you are an individual. We all respect our parents and love them, and though they may have strong reservations and opinions, it is up to you to form your own reasoning and opinion for why or why not something is viable for you. I am curious do your parents want you to be a doctor who treats disease and prevents illness or simply a person with a white coat with the title MD? Think about that.

DOs vs MDs, its an old stone age argument. Many have argued before you and will after you, but guess what? With the rising influx of sicker population, its actually DOs that will be servicing the gap in primary care.

I think you will need to have a heart to heart with your parents on this, BUT FIRST, dont just signify your career prospects on an MCAT, figure out if OMT/DO is what you want and are interested in. Once you know what you want , they will know what you want and life will be easier.

 

[samac]

This has been discussed time and time again.

The general public doesn't tend to know the difference. They just know Doctor. They often don't even understand that an NP or a PA aren't physicians. Do what you want.

 

[cassis_Cake]

just try for MD and make them proud.

 

[deleted610572]

Haha there isn't enough doctors for patients to be choosey based on degree alone lol. There simply isn't enough primary care physicians, that's why we see people going to the ER for a runny nose, all these urgent cares popping up, and physician practices not taking any new patients.

In reality, it's their problem. I wouldn't worry about it and do what you want. They'll come around in time once they see how rigorous your school is and how much you are putting into it. If not maybe they realize it when you match to a residency alongside all these "real doctors". And if all else fails... F*** the haters

Disclaimer: not saying to tell them off. Just put the last remark in for good measure

 

[AlteredScale]

This MD vs. DO topic has been discussed ad naseum and thus there is no need to respark a debate that can be found in many threads. Therefore this thread will be closed. I suggest using Wedgedawgs MD vs DO link for a solid information.


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