Getting over an admittedly stupid idea.

[stinkycheese]

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I know in my heart that becoming a physician is the only career choice that would make me happy. I also know that I can be as successful as I choose, as an MD or a DO. I want to apply to Osteopathic schools, but I am afraid that I still have some of that stigma about the quality of DO education. Even though I know rationally that DO students are intelligent and wonderful people and their schools are great, I am afraid that if I go DO instead of MD, I will always feel like maybe I wasn't good enough to be an MD, even though I KNOW that's not true. It's not about who's better, it's just different strokes.

Did any of you guys feel this way at some point before deciding to apply DO? How did you beat down that stupid 12-year old inside of you that still cares about what other people think?

 

[DireWolf]

Pick a DO school that you think offers a better education than the possible MD alternatives.

 

[sophiejane]

Shadow a smart, capable, successful DO who works with MDs all day long. See if they come up lacking in any way.

That'll fix ya. 🙂

 

[Chronotropic]

Did any of you guys feel this way at some point before deciding to apply DO? How did you beat down that stupid 12-year old inside of you that still cares about what other people think?

I thought about people with real problems. That put things into perspective. It made my "problem" seem quite silly.

 

[calidoc2004]

I got a new doctor through my insurance about 2 years ago.
I went 2-3 times for some routine things and noticed the D.O. degree after her name.
....
Im going to UMDNJ-SOM next year.

Id had applied twice to MD programs only. Now i kick myself and say why didnt i see this 4 years ago, id be done by now.

 

[(nicedream)]

The way you get over it is by learning more and more about it - because the feeling comes from ignorance. You will feel better about it and confident in your decision as you come to find out about highly respected osteopathic physicians, the true parity between allopathic and osteopathic educations, and the realization that being a DO will not hurt your career - really, it can only help. Some people seek DO's; I don't know any that deliberately seek out MD's to the exclusion of DO's.

 

[cooldreams]

I thought about people with real problems. That put things into perspective. It made my "problem" seem quite silly.

pretty smart.

 

[Pitt Panther]

You'll see that "most" of the stigma between DO/MD lies during the medical school application period. Granted I'm speaking as a student from an osteopathic school, but once you begin classes, the feelings of difference really dissolve.

You need to look at which schools are going to put you into the best position to succeed. Who cares about what degree it is? What school is going to make you most able to treat patients and make a difference in their lives? This is how I approached the question of which school to attend. I had multiple allopathic acceptances however I turned them down to attend PCOM. I work my butt off everyday to make sure that the quality of my education and/or boards preparation could never be put into question. When it comes time for residency I know that I will have done everything in my power to get where I wanted to go.

Take care and good luck in your future endeavors.

 

[Adapt]

You'll see that "most" of the stigma between DO/MD lies during the medical school application period. Granted I'm speaking as a student from an osteopathic school, but once you begin classes, the feelings of difference really dissolve.

You need to look at which schools are going to put you into the best position to succeed. Who cares about what degree it is? What school is going to make you most able to treat patients and make a difference in their lives? This is how I approached the question of which school to attend. I had multiple allopathic acceptances however I turned them down to attend PCOM.

I couldn't agree more. I will be also going to a DO school and turning down multiple allopathic acceptances. As Pitt said, you should go to the school that is best for you irrespective of the degree. 👍

 

[sistahnik]

as I read your post, I couldn't help but think about one of my patients that just died this weekend. I'm pretty sure if he had to choose a doctor that could possibly cure him of his cancer, or even just give him the quality of his life back, I'm sure he would care less if the Doc he chose had D.O./M.D. behind his/her name, as long as they could get the job done. the point is that your med school education is what you make it and you have to make sure you do what you are supposed to do to get where you wanna be. whether you go MD/DO, you need to put your best foot forward. I'm sure my patient would've loved to be well and living again, but he isn't. You are still living and have a choice in life, so make the best ot of it and forget about all the stupid things that have no meaning whatsoever!! we just had our resident graduation friday and they all received the same acknowledgement. the MD residents didn't get anymore recognition than the DO residents, and I'm sure they are all happy that they chose to just go to med school and learn the necessary skills to be a qualified physician. the only thing that was mentioned of any difference was that some residents were chiefs, some were accepted to fellowships, some had special personalities that shed some goodness on their dept., and the new jobs those not going to fellowships will be starting new jobs. so you see, it's all about what you put in your path for yourself!!

 

[lo_428]

I want to apply to Osteopathic schools, but I am afraid that I still have some of that stigma about the quality of DO education.

msucom's curriculum would really fascinate you and prove you wrong. the first year basic science classes are taught JOINTLY with the allopathic class. this leaves little doubt about the quality of education every osteopathic student is receiving. during year II, the osteopathic and allopathic students take separate courses but both cover the same material. the only difference is that the allopathic class focuses more on independent study, whereas the osteopathic students learn in small group settings. and of course, year III and IV comprise of clinical education for both medical colleges. i'm not a recruiter for the university... i'm just showing the education is really the same.

i personally know more MDs than i know DOs. i was really taken aback by the amount of respect the MDs i knew had for a DO education. you should really really talk to doctors and get their opinions. most doctors i talked to said that DOs learn more in-depth and make great specialist (can anyone else vouch for that??). i heard this from four different doctors! others say it makes no difference where you go as long as you're a physician in the end.

anyways... i completely and totally understand why you're questioning and worried about the quality of education. i was the same way before i discovered msucom. if the classes were not taught jointly, i highly highly doubt that i would even follow the DO route and get over the DO stigma. it's hard... but Pitt Panther's right. most of the stigma lies within pre-med students during the application cycle. and it is stupid but it's also hard to not be affected.

 

[sistahnik]

Yes, msucom has a great program. I went to the open house and it was great. the faculty and students made me feel as if I was the only person there, and they answered every question I had. that's a wonderful program.

 

[skypilot]

I would keep looking at the profiles of all the successful D.O. physicians and surgeons. Also remember that, in primary care, many D.O. schools are ranked by the all glorious U.S. News above allopathic schools.

 

[stinkycheese]

Thanks for all the wise words, guys. I am going to apply to some schools of osteopathic medicine. Whoever chooses me (allo or osteo) and wherever I feel the most comfortable, I will go.

 

[Robz]

Thanks for all the wise words, guys. I am going to apply to some schools of osteopathic medicine. Whoever chooses me (allo or osteo) and wherever I feel the most comfortable, I will go.

This is exactly what I did....

 

[Eyecon82]

I know in my heart that becoming a physician is the only career choice that would make me happy. I also know that I can be as successful as I choose, as an MD or a DO. I want to apply to Osteopathic schools, but I am afraid that I still have some of that stigma about the quality of DO education. Even though I know rationally that DO students are intelligent and wonderful people and their schools are great, I am afraid that if I go DO instead of MD, I will always feel like maybe I wasn't good enough to be an MD, even though I KNOW that's not true. It's not about who's better, it's just different strokes.

Did any of you guys feel this way at some point before deciding to apply DO? How did you beat down that stupid 12-year old inside of you that still cares about what other people think?

don't you have anything better to worry about?? go do something stupid and get arrested...and it will take your mind of this issue

 

[stinkycheese]

don't you have anything better to worry about?? go do something stupid and get arrested...and it will take your mind of this issue

Of course I have better things to worry about.

Brie or mozzarella with lunch?
Benz or Beemer?
Stanford or Harvard?
Penthouse or loft?

JUST KIDDING.

What I AM worried about is my damn MCAT score. That might put this whole issue to bed-- ie, so low that I won't get in ANYWHERES!

 

[Eyecon82]

Of course I have better things to worry about.

Brie or mozzarella with lunch?
Benz or Beemer?
Stanford or Harvard?
Penthouse or loft?

JUST KIDDING.

What I AM worried about is my damn MCAT score. That might put this whole issue to bed-- ie, so low that I won't get in ANYWHERES!

LoL....yea that would do it...that's usually the most deciding factor....but good luck to you and i'm sure you'll make the right choice!!

 

[HawkeyeDO]

If you care about the stigma, go be an investment banker. Don't waste a space for someone who wants to be there.

 

[medic170]

I know in my heart that becoming a physician is the only career choice that would make me happy. I also know that I can be as successful as I choose, as an MD or a DO. I want to apply to Osteopathic schools, but I am afraid that I still have some of that stigma about the quality of DO education. Even though I know rationally that DO students are intelligent and wonderful people and their schools are great, I am afraid that if I go DO instead of MD, I will always feel like maybe I wasn't good enough to be an MD, even though I KNOW that's not true. It's not about who's better, it's just different strokes.

Did any of you guys feel this way at some point before deciding to apply DO? How did you beat down that stupid 12-year old inside of you that still cares about what other people think?

MD vs. DO only matters premeds. Don't fall into that gutter. Trust me, when it comes time to start practicing, nobody cares whch letters of the aplphabet follow your name. Around here(Michigan), there are literally hundreds of practices in all specialties in which MDs and DOs are partners. Really, don't let the immature, inexperienced, or ignorant premeds get to you. I promise you and I guarantee that DOs are respected without question by their MD collegues 99.99999% of the time. Its just the stupidest thing, and anybody who has any REAL experience in the medical field will tell you this. You'd be surprised how many premeds, who claim to know so much about the premed process, med school, and practicing medicine, really have no clue. I have worked in the ER, on ambulances, in urgent care, and in private practices. I have actual friends and mentors that are MDs and DOs(unlike your usual premed, many of whom supposedly have vast experience and inside information about the subject). For those who think I am wrong, fine, but when and if you make it through medical school, you all will have long forgotten about this whole MD vs. DO thing without even being concious of it. Either way, MD vs. DO is nothing but a tool designed by insecure overachiever premeds to give them some sort of feeling of superiority. I doubt you'll ever encounter one of the few who still needs that crutch after medical school.