I find it very funny to read and hear about other people's opinions of professions. I think it is absurd that people would dare to say that a DO is a quack, and the only reason they are going is because they couldn't become an MD. The truth of the matter is, a DO has sat through all of the same classes that an MD has in his/her training. If you go to any hospital, you are likely to find DOs working in that hospital along side MDs. Furthermore, offering advice to go dental instead of osteopathic, because of some underlying pride issue is irrationale. People need to go into a career founded on something they love to do, not because they desire respect from people.
Whoever said that DOs are quacks, in my mind is a highly irrationale person, provincial-minded to say the very least. And it scares me to think that this person is going to be responsible for someone elses life.
I find it very amusing when MDs (and this may be a stereotype) underscore and often mock or disrespect other health professions, because they don't command the respect and stack up to the almighty power of an MD. And then I turn on the television and hear about malpractice suits where people sue the hell out of their doctor for the most stupid of reasons. Which leads me to this question, are you really that respected as an MD, when your own patients sue you for trivial reasons?
My advice is, who cares what people think. DOs aren't quacks, DDSs aren't quacks, MDs aren't quacks, DCs aren't quacks, NDs aren't quacks...we all perform a unique trade, and there is no reason to carry pretense with you because of the letters after your name.
I think your advice to your friend is great!
Swhit81
Creighton Class of 2007
