Got Beer?

[DoctorDoogie4]

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Hey everyone,

I notice that there are a lot of the general "what do I need to do" to get into DO school or "what should I do" type of questions. I understand that you all are worried but let me share some advice. Trust me, I was once in your shoes of "OH MY GOD!! I AM GONNA FAIL!!" and worried about everything tell I followed a simple yet complicated plan. First, relax and have a beer!! Granted, its your career but you need to take a relaxed outlook on life. The things you need to get into any medical school are as follows:

1. Grades - There are some who didn't do so hot in certain subjects. Don't sweat it! Take more classes and work EFFICIENTLY to attain high marks. Easier said than done but if you want to become a doc, you gotta do what it takes. Also, take classes that appeal to you. No matter what course you should take, take it because you like the subject. If you take a subject just to show the admissions staff off and you hate the subject, things are gonna be rough.

2. MCAT - In my opinion, this is the biggest hurdle. The way to approach the MCAT is like any other test. Don't wait till the last minute!! Review your notes and materials. Also, keep practicing!! Take as many practice tests you can put your hands on. I know the AAMC website has old MCATS and answer keys for sale. Take a hard look at it!!

3. Experience - You need both clinical and community experience. The best way to approach clinical experience is to find the state osteopathic chapter and obtain a list of DOs in the state. Most likely, no DO will turn down an opportunity to educate a future DO. As for community, it's not hard to find service projects in which you can take part in. All it takes is a little effort!!

4. RELAX AND DRINK SOME BEER!! - Take things in perspective. There is a saying in football...."Take what the other team gives you and play it snap by snap." Life will throw all sorts of curveballs at you. Just be patient and aggressively work on hitting those curveballs...Sooner or later, you will get a fastball and hit a homerun!!!

 

[Doctortobee]

Great post...Just a few things to add...

*Please, please, please make sure that you want to be a DO. Don't apply to osteopathic schools if you don't want to be a DO. Plain and simple.

*Don't forget to take classes that are NOT science related, but make sure you have a solid science- foundation.

*I can't say this enough...SHADOW A DO...Shadow more than 1 DO! It's a completely different experience than having the patient perspective....

******Most importantly...Keep the faith!!! Truly believe in yourself and the profession you want to enter. If you do not believe in yourself how do you expect others to believe in you?****

 

[tatabox80]

Yes, TATABOX needs a beer. She just posted a frantic post in the pre-allo forum!

 

[SM-UCLA tech]

Great advice 😀

I do want to point out to Doctortobee though that: yes, you are right. I agree that you shouldn't go osteopathic unless you want to be a D.O. But what exactly do you mean by that???

Realisticly, a D.O. is no different than an M.D. If you ask any osteopathic physician they will agree. At least out here in Los Angeles. Of course, there are always exceptions. I have talked to, shadowed, and worked with several D.O.'s. And I am currently doing research with a D.O. So I feel confident that I know what an Osteopathic physician is, and what I am going to expect if I go to and osteopathic school. Only two of the osteopathic physicians I have shadowed are considered "true osteopaths". And I have to say that I am pretty sure that I am not interested in practicing medicine in the same capacity that they do. I am not saying that it is a negative, or that it is something to be ignored. OMM is extremely interesting and it does offer another aspect to healthcare.

That being said, I would probably enjoy osteopathic medicine, and would love to learn OMM, but I would probably end up doing an allopathic residency and practicing medicine in the same manner that over 90% of osteopathic students practice; that is in a more allopathic manner.

Now, I'm not saying that I know this for sure, but that's just what I think now. I probably have stirred up a can-of-worms, but I await the harsh response. 🙂


P.S. If you check the match lists of several schools, ( Particularly PCOM and CCOM), you will see that quite a few students stray from the osteopathic mold of primary care and go into specialties.

 

[dogirl]

Doogie...great advice. Can't wait to drink some beers with you in Ft Lauderdale!! I sent my money in yesterday! 🙂

 

[DoctorDoogie4]

Hey dogirl,


FIRST ROUND IS ON ME!!! 🙂 Have you made anyliving arrangements yet?

Email me sometime!!

 

[Dr JPH]

Originally posted by SM-UCLA tech

Realisticly, a D.O. is no different than an M.D. If you ask any osteopathic physician they will agree. At least out here in Los Angeles.

Come to Philly. Don't think that statement would hold up here.

 

[Maverick21]

DoGirl & Doogie,

I whole heartedly agree with the have a beer approach to getting into med. school and to education in general. Life's way too short to be stresssed out, that's why I took a year to surf and very frequently have a beer (most often beers). Anyway I to decided to go to Nova next fall and we'll all have to meet up for a barley pop in Ft. Laudy.

later,

-Mav

 

[dogirl]

Mav, sounds like a plan...done anything about living arrangements yet? I will be heading to San Diego a few times this year most importantly for the SuperBowl...Go EAGLES!!!

 

[Maverick21]

dogirl

No, I think I gonna take care of living stuff in March sometime and have some fun at the Ft. Liquordale spring break scene. I am thinking about living close to campus though maybe at Cedar Key, the nova 2006 site has info. on living.

Too bad about the eagles though (I'm a packers fan and hate the bucs) but if your thinking of heading to So Cal now would be the time. It is nuts here, this city will be a non-stop party till monday - hopefully I won't kill too many brain cells for med school.

talk to ya latar,

-mav

 

[osteopeddoc]

I was wondering the same thing about housing-Fellow 2007 Nova student here. Has anyone started looking down in Ft Lauderdale?? I heard on another post about a "waiting list" for on apartment. WOnder if I need to start looking now? Whats everyone else doing?

 

[dogirl]

I waitlisted for grad housing (not likely to get b/c of so many professional schools there). I called cedar key and they mentioned needing to get on a waitlist (100 deposit) but at this point there wouldn't be a problem getting one.

 

[osteopeddoc]

Cool, thanks for the info. Are there shots we are suppose to be getting? I did my Hep B series.

 

[DoctorDoogie4]

Hey everyone,

Thought I just bump this topic for the 2004 hopefuls. In regards to my post, take things in life as they come. Don't plan too far ahed and don't take too long to look back. Work with what you have now and make the most of it. As for the 2004 hopefuls, I sympathize with you and hope that all of you attain your lifelong dreams of becoming a doctor. Finally, grab a cold one or do some shots once in a while .....you only live young once. Remember...you are pre med ..can't party too hard but party some!!

I decided to choose NOVA because of the location, academics, and student sincerity. No matter where you go, you will find something you like and something you differ. It's like the old saying...."You ask 10 people one question, you are never going to get the same response 10 times" Nova, Lake Erie, and AZCOM are schools considered "diamonds in the rough." They are the up and coming schools. Lake Erie has outstanding basic sciences. NOVA has outstanding clinical rotations and AZCOM does outstanding on the boards.

 

[Osteoblasts]

Originally posted by Doctortobee


*I can't say this enough...SHADOW A DO...Shadow more than 1 DO! It's a completely different experience than having the patient perspective....

How many hours does one have to shadow a DO? What does "shadowing a DO" actually mean? Are you supposed to follow around the doctor?

 

[DoctorDoogie4]

Shadowing a physician means just to follow him and learn as much as possible. Granted, every physician is different and each has thier own teaching methods. I was told by mand docs (MDs and DOs) the best thing to do is "shut up, open your ears wide and smile."

With the question of how many hours, that is at your discretion and to the physician. For me, I had a ton of fun shadowing a couple of osteopathic physicians here in Cincinnati. They finally made me go D.O. It was great...even before the start of medical school I still hang around these guys to learn as much as possible because it's fun.

 

[DoctorDoogie4]

In addition to my post, I just want to add some other points since I am bored out of my mind and can't stand my family 🙂

1. In regards to the DO vs MD, this is a tired and old argument. In the past, there has been stigma against the DO profession. Stigma, in my opinion, began when MDs had no clue on how DOs were educated and their curriculum. As time passes, more doors open up for the DO profession because many MDs were realizing that they recieved almost the same education. I have seen more and more DOs attain placement in institutions that are heavy on MDs. No one will give a damn whether or not you are DO vs MD but they will give a damn on how well you do in medical school. As long as you do well in medical school and do well on boards, the doors will open. Question 1a "What do you call a person that graduated from UPenn College of Medicine?" Answer: Doctor
Question 1b "What do you call a person that graduated from PCOM?" Answer "Doctor"

2. I need some beer....

 

[DoctorDoogie4]

bumpity bump

 

[drhodz]

Where I'm from we go to "liver rounds" after a rough day.

I also agree and am tired of the whole "MD/DO" thing. Crack open some Sierra NV Pale Ale (shameless plug) with some chilled glasses!

Cheers!

 

[mochafreak]

Okay...you guys did it. I work night shift and I think it's time for a beer before bed. Wish I had a Duvel. That means "devil" in Belgian. Drink one and you'll know why. 😉

 

[DrQuinn]

I want some beer, too. Missed an intubation today (even the anesthesia resident couldn't get it).

Q, DO

 

[jd star]

Can I have a Captain & Coke instead?

And seriously, a physio exam the morning after the Superbowl??

I definitely have to agree with dogirl - GO EAGLES!! Are you from Philly? If you are an Eagles fan, I'll have to take you to this bar called The Parrot on Ft. Lauderdale beach... It's owned by Philly people and it's basically an Eagles bar. I was there last Sunday for the game and it was pure insanity.

And Doogie says "Remember...you are pre med ..can't party too hard but party some!!" Very true - get it out of your system. I barely partied in undergrad and I've partied more here in the last 6 months than I ever have.

(By the way, I live in Cedar Key and I love it, so if you have any questions, let me know... 😀 )

 

[DoctorDoogie4]

Alrighty....just read a post about the whole MD vs DO from a freshman in college ....Ok...here is my general advice for anyone in that situation...

a) Read my "Get Beer" post and take what you want from it.

b) Don't worry about MD and DO and their differences. Your main goal, as a frosh, is to excel and enjoy life. If you don't have the grades and the other stuff because you kept worrying about the differences of MD vs. DO then life is gonna be a lot rougher than taking care of business early. But to answer that question, most likely, you will make your desicion come shadowing/experience time. I made my choice to go DO becuase of my DO experiences. Hope this helps and hopefully I will see you as my colleague in........geez..hopefully before I die. ha ha ha ha ha

 

[haldane3]

mmm...heineken...that sounds good...😍

 

[DoctorDoogie4]

I personally like Newcastle...the British actually did something right. Some others....Michelob Ultra, Coors Light, Miller Lite, Bud Light.....damn...do I sound like an alcoholic.

 

[Ca$h MaNi]

doogie....you're brown...you're supposed to drink Johnny Walker....didn't your mom and dad teach you anything....err wait...maybe its just mine...THANKS MOM AND DAD! HAHAHA

Damn this physio studying....its time for a BEER!

Mani

 

[DoctorDoogie4]

Alrighty....it's time for an addition to my alcohol cabinet.....



I ran across some pre-meds the other day who are starting to apply for the next year's cycle. Read my initial post and those who have followed up on it. In my opinion, good advice.


In addition to those good words previously mentioned before, I would like to remind those who are applying for medical schools...timing is key. You want to get your application in as early as possible. I can't say this enough but the earlier you get your application, the better chances you will have.

In addition to timing of applications, start looking for letters of rec NOW. Faculty and physicians are notoriously slow in getting these out since they have a million other things to do that are associated with their job. Get this out of the way...EARLY.

This may take some time out of your partying. However, partying will be a lot better knowing you have your application done and ready to move to the next step.

🙂

 

[DoctorDoogie4]

Bump for those applying for the 2005-2006 year...

 

[Robz]

A quality thread for whats truly important in life.....its nice to see it lasted.

I'm going to go have a Killians now.....

 

[kristabel]

Love the thread!! I wish I had found it sooner. Such good advice for premeds and it's good to see that the soon-to-be MSII's at my soon-to-be school have such a healthy attitude!! 😀

I could definitely go for a Hoegaarden, it's five o'clock somewhere, right?? 😉

 

[JunkintheTrunk]

PHEW! i found out i got waitlisted at loma linda, a seventh day adventist school that doesn't allow drinking, smoking (which i don't do anyways), caffeine, or eating meat...........WHAAA??!! i don't know what i would do, i love animals -- they're delicious!

CHEERS!!!!

yay!!!

 

[Robz]

PHEW! i found out i got waitlisted at loma linda, a seventh day adventist school that doesn't allow drinking, smoking (which i don't do anyways), caffeine, or eating meat...........WHAAA??!! i don't know what i would do, i love animals -- they're delicious!

MUHAHAHAHAHAHHA! I like mine with ranch. Everything is better with ranch.

 

[DoctorDoogie4]

Its always 5 o'clock here in Margarita....hold on....Davie-ville... 🙂

 

[DoctorDoogie4]

Alrighty...it's time to add to my "liqour cabinet" once again...


1. Read the previous posts...I think it will help when it comes to applying for medical school.

2. As for grades, people often slip up. Question arises, do you repeat or do you just let it slide. As with any graduate school, getting a bad grade in a course, espeically science subject, is not good. However, it's not the end of the world. For DO schools, if you repeat a coruse and get a better grade, the better grade will count in place of your old grade. Yet, the schools will see that you took the course twice and see the old grade. For MD, they will average the two grades together. In my opinion, it is better to take an upper level course and absolultely "smoke" it to ensure schools that you know the material well enough to advance to a higher level course and master that particular course.

3. TIMING IS KEY. For all thsoe applying to the next year admission cycle, start getting your letters of rec NOW. The more things that are done now, the better you are later.

4. MCAT...the April MCAT is all said and done now...if you are planning on taking the August MCAT, start studying ASAP. Remember, you want to do well. Taking the MCAT more than once is no fun...trust me.

5. Remember to set some time to yourself and enjoy life a little bit. You work hard, play hard..

 

[DoctorDoogie4]

For those that are coming into NSUCOM this coming year as M1s. Congrats and for those applying this year...Good luck!!

 

[OSUdoc08]

Sapporo...........or the good ole' Shiner Bock

 

[BooneDoc]

Guiness Draught is about the only beer I can stand

 

[OSUdoc08]

Guinness has the texture of chocolate milk but a very bitter taste. Talk about bitter beer face.

 

[Creamfly]

Guinness is good, my favorite. I took a tour of the Guinness Brewery and they said it's one of the better beers for you to not have a hangover. They say it's from the fact that there are very little preservatives in it, I think it's because you can't drink more than 4-6 at a time.

 

[kaikai128]

...go 1800 Tequila. i am all about those margaritas. 🙂

 

[DoctorDoogie4]

Looking back...

Here is what i will add to those applying and trying to decide on which school to attend ..

1) Go to a place where they prepare you for BOARDS
2) Go to a place where they have teaching hospitals for clinical rotations
3) Go to a place where it is the cheapest**********

 

[annh31]

Come to Philly. Don't think that statement would hold up here.

why? what do you mean???