How would you handle this interview question

[slimshady83]

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Imagine that you have not yet decided whether you want to become a MD or a DO and maybe are even leaning towards MD.

At a DO interviews, you are asked:

"How do you feel about becoming a DO vs. becoming a MD?"

I'm not trying to start a flame war. I'm re-applying now and was asked this question by a DO school last year.

 

[TypeA]

Imagine that you have not yet decided whether you want to become a MD or a DO and maybe are even leaning towards MD.

At a DO interviews, you are asked:

"How do you feel about becoming a DO vs. becoming a MD?"

I'm not trying to start a flame war. I'm re-applying now and was asked this question by a DO school last year.

How did respond last year?

Are you applying DO for any other reason than because of the reportedly lower requirements? (NOT trying to start a flame war or contribute to one)

 

[Taty]

Imagine that you have not yet decided whether you want to become a MD or a DO and maybe are even leaning towards MD.

At a DO interviews, you are asked:

"How do you feel about becoming a DO vs. becoming a MD?"

I'm not trying to start a flame war. I'm re-applying now and was asked this question by a DO school last year.

I cannot tell how I feel because I am not a DO, I am not a MD either. I cannot tell, but I applied to particular school because of various reasons (location,rotations, got impressed when I had campus tour, nice people..etc).

I did not talk about DO philosophy and OMM at my interview...At the end we all doctors so from that point I dont think it matters to me.

 

[112258]

I did not talk about DO philosophy and OMM at my interview...At the end we all doctors so from that point I dont think it matters to me.

I think that is a mistake. You should definitely incorporate that into your interview answer, that is the difference between the education and curriculum. That is what sets them apart.

 

[Taty]

I think that is a mistake. You should definitely incorporate that into your interview answer, that is the difference between the education and curriculum. That is what sets them apart.

I think in real life its all the same, I asked doctors around they dont see any difference. I got in anyway without explaining DO philosophy to the person who already knows it.

 

[scpod]

Imagine that you have not yet decided whether you want to become a MD or a DO and maybe are even leaning towards MD....

It's a no-brainer for me. I'd tell the truth. Given your situation I would have to answer, "Well, I'm really leaning towards being an MD because..." Any other answer at all would be a lie, and I just wouldn't feel comfortable with it.

However, it's doubtful that I'd get into the DO school after that answer. But given your situation, it doesn't really seem like the person in the question wants to go to a DO school anyway, so that would be no great loss.

It's difficult for me to believe that people are so worried about this question that they have to find a way to fabricate a well-constructed answer ahead of time. If you are not fully convinced that you would be happy going to a DO school, then don't do it. If you are just having trouble with the right words to use, just keep it simple. Often the best answer will be the very shortest one.

 

[GreenShirt]

Just tell them what you really feel. If you have concerns, such as poor public recognition of the degree, then voice them in a positive manner. Talk about what you like about Osteopathic philisophy. There are 3 tenets and one is along the lines of "treating the whole person rather than just their symptoms". In this day and age both MDs and DOs focus on the individual not just their isolated symptoms, so you should have no problem saying you're all for this and be able to provide a example whether you're pre-MD or pre-DO. Caribbean's always an option too.

 

[ShyRem]

I was quite honest. After being a paramedic for over 10 years, I said I'd seen good doctors of both initials and that the initials aren't what makes a good physician. I admitted I really didn't know much about the difference between DO and MD, but reiterated what I'd heard. I said years ago I was VERY skeptical of any sort of "alternative" therapies, until an acquaintance persuaded me to become his "thesis patient" for his acupuncture license. He knew I was skeptical, so it was a perfect situation: did the stuff work or not? I was a TOTAL convert after that (that stuff really REALLY worked!!!). So I said I had an open mind, and was looking for a program that suited my own and my family's needs. The program I was interviewing at looked like a good fit.

I got in with that answer, BTW. It's all about honesty. Don't lie, don't make stuff up.

 

[spicedmanna]

It's a no-brainer for me. I'd tell the truth. Given your situation I would have to answer, "Well, I'm really leaning towards being an MD because..." Any other answer at all would be a lie, and I just wouldn't feel comfortable with it.

It's all about honesty. Don't lie, don't make stuff up.

👍 👍

 

[slimshady83]

I was surprised by the question during my interview but I don't think I showed it. I just said, "I would be more than happy to practice either type of medicine". Which is true. Earlier in the interview I had mentioned that like the osteopathic philosophy of treating the patient not just the disease and other things along this line. There is one MD school in my state that is my top choice of all schools. The tuition is a great deal, the program is well-regarded, I already live in the city and like it here,and I've been a life-long fan of the athletic teams at this school. My sibling (who I am really close to) even wants to go to this school and we could both attend at the same time! My numbers are a little below average at this MD school so I definitely cannot count on an acceptance there. Do you think if I honestly explained this I would still have a shot at getting into a DO school? I would then go on to say that if I'm not accepted by this one MD program, I would decide based on how much I liked the other schools, the quality of education I think I would receive there, and if I feel that it's a good fit for me.

 

[sexyman]

I have zero experience in this area but like everyone else on SDN I will give my unqualified advice anyway...

I definitely would not talk so much about a DIFFERENT medical school at an interview. You want to talk about how their schools is #1 on your list. All of that don't lie stuff...I'm not buying it. Go on the school website, take a tour, read up, and find a bunch of reasons why that school is your #1 for interview day.

 

[tcamdg]

I have zero experience in this area but like everyone else on SDN I will give my unqualified advice anyway...

I definitely would not talk so much about a DIFFERENT medical school at an interview. You want to talk about how their schools is #1 on your list. All of that don't lie stuff...I'm not buying it. Go on the school website, take a tour, read up, and find a bunch of reasons why that school is your #1 for interview day.

I did exactly this for follow-up letters after being waitlisted. I carefully elaborated on the wonders of each school, and how happy I would be to go there. I did, however, reserve the statement "your school is my top choice" for the school that actually was. Fortunately, that's the school from which I first received an acceptance. I'm not sure if I would have been accepted anywhere else, but the lesson I'm taking from this is: (1) what sexyman says, but (2) be genuine. I'm pretty sure my other follow-up letters were not as convincing because my heart wasn't in it so much.

 

[CTtarheel]

second the above

Disinterest will get you waitlisted (or maybe even rejected) so fast it'll make your head spin. Schools don't want to waste a spot on someone who doesn't even want to go there, remember they're looking for a good FIT, not necessarily for the highest numbers or most ECs.

Every school you interview at should be your #1 choice, and you don't have to lie and say this, but you should be prepared to talk about why you want to attend that school, not why you want to attend others.

 

[Vizsla]

I was surprised by the question during my interview but I don't think I showed it. I just said, "I would be more than happy to practice either type of medicine". Which is true. Earlier in the interview I had mentioned that like the osteopathic philosophy of treating the patient not just the disease and other things along this line. There is one MD school in my state that is my top choice of all schools. The tuition is a great deal, the program is well-regarded, I already live in the city and like it here,and I've been a life-long fan of the athletic teams at this school. My sibling (who I am really close to) even wants to go to this school and we could both attend at the same time! My numbers are a little below average at this MD school so I definitely cannot count on an acceptance there. Do you think if I honestly explained this I would still have a shot at getting into a DO school? I would then go on to say that if I'm not accepted by this one MD program, I would decide based on how much I liked the other schools, the quality of education I think I would receive there, and if I feel that it's a good fit for me.

begs the question, is it at all possible to be interested in both MD and DO philosophies...must every applicant choose between one or the other. if someone can honestly appreciate the advantages of either degree, is it really wrong to mention that they wouldnt mind attending either an MD or DO school in an interview? ure conveying ur understanding that DO's practice medicine in the same fashion that MDs do, but ur losing out on the whole "DOs are diff" thing...thats prob crucial

 

[howtofr4y]

begs the question, is it at all possible to be interested in both MD and DO philosophies...must every applicant choose between one or the other. if someone can honestly appreciate the advantages of either degree, is it really wrong to mention that they wouldnt mind attending either an MD or DO school in an interview? ure conveying ur understanding that DO's practice medicine in the same fashion that MDs do, but ur losing out on the whole "DOs are diff" thing...thats prob crucial

I feel the same...I appreciate both philosophies, and I will choose what school to attend (assuming a few acceptances for fall 2008) based on how I like that specific school and how I will "fit in" there, not whether or not its MD or DO (although I am pulling for an in-state school 😀). I don't think MD schools will care or ask if I applied to DO schools, but I fully expect at least one DO interview where I'm grilled on why I applied to 20 MD schools (applying to 8 DO schools).

On a side note, are schools less likely to accept you if they think you MAY have applied to state schools and that you have a good shot getting into them? (aka do they not "waste their time" admitting students who they feel may be going in-state anyway, even if they have no proof of this?). Also, are they less likely to admit you if you are applying to a ton of schools, assuming, by numbers only, that you are likely to attend somewhere else?

 

[Vizsla]

I feel the same...I appreciate both philosophies, and I will choose what school to attend (assuming a few acceptances for fall 2008) based on how I like that specific school and how I will "fit in" there, not whether or not its MD or DO (although I am pulling for an in-state school 😀). I don't think MD schools will care or ask if I applied to DO schools, but I fully expect at least one DO interview where I'm grilled on why I applied to 20 MD schools (applying to 8 DO schools).

On a side note, are schools less likely to accept you if they think you MAY have applied to state schools and that you have a good shot getting into them? (aka do they not "waste their time" admitting students who they feel may be going in-state anyway, even if they have no proof of this?). Also, are they less likely to admit you if you are applying to a ton of schools, assuming, by numbers only, that you are likely to attend somewhere else?

schools do not get a list of which other schools u have applied to so the only way they find out is if you tell them. and even tho some applicants are asked "where else have u applied/been accepted", u have the right not to answer. schools only get an actual list of the acceptances ur holding in may i believe..so yes, if its an OOS school thats thinking about accepting u and they see in may that ure already holding an IS acceptance, they might be weary of offering u a spot since chances are ure gonna stick with less debt (altho they could offer it to u anyways). also, i dont think DO schools really know that ure applying to MD also, so its ur choice to tell them.

 

[patrickd223]

Stick to the basics. Explain that MD and DO doctors learn the same things and work the same jobs. DO education is not inferior to MD training therefore going through either will fulfill your ultimate goal of becoming a doctor. Finally, top it off with "The patients may not even know whether you are a DO or an MD. All they care about is quality care."

 

[Founder]

Imagine that you have not yet decided whether you want to become a MD or a DO and maybe are even leaning towards MD.

At a DO interviews, you are asked:

"How do you feel about becoming a DO vs. becoming a MD?"

I'm not trying to start a flame war. I'm re-applying now and was asked this question by a DO school last year.

Since I want to be a military physician I said OMM would help. That is because one of my friends had told me OMM was being used more to treat war injuries and I thought being able to perform OMM would be beneficial.

Idealistic, I know but that is how I felt about it.

When I was interviewing one MD teaching at a DO school said "Now don't say DO's treat the whole patient because I'm an MD and I treat the whole patient, too" around those lines. I laughed and smiled when the professor said this, because that is true. DO's and MD's both care about patients so I wouldn't answer that DO's somehow care more. I honestly don't believe that because both care.

 

[Heyonah]

Imagine that you have not yet decided whether you want to become a MD or a DO and maybe are even leaning towards MD.

At a DO interviews, you are asked:

"How do you feel about becoming a DO vs. becoming a MD?"

I'm not trying to start a flame war. I'm re-applying now and was asked this question by a DO school last year.

If you are unsure what degree to persue, then that is an indication to me that you see them both as reasonable routes of becoming a doctor and helping people.

I would emphasize my personal philosophies on medicine, and state that you feel that that philosophy can be enhanced and practiced regardless of the letter after your name.

For example, If I were asked that question by an Osteopathic medical school, I would state that the principles of treating the body as a whole is something that I intend to incorperate no matter what degree I had.

 

[Bleurberry]

Imagine that you have not yet decided whether you want to become a MD or a DO and maybe are even leaning towards MD.

At a DO interviews, you are asked:

"How do you feel about becoming a DO vs. becoming a MD?"

I'm not trying to start a flame war. I'm re-applying now and was asked this question by a DO school last year.

If they don't ask me I'll be disappointed. I want to go to a DO school for a

Musculoskeletal-based medical school education. Not to mention that I'm down wit' OPP.

 

[xTinaBna]

I think that is a mistake. You should definitely incorporate that into your interview answer, that is the difference between the education and curriculum. That is what sets them apart.

i have to slightly disagree with that, yes you should convey that you understand the DO philosophy, but it isn't necessary to talk about OMM (unless, that is what you want to discuss). Just be honest and be yourself...take some time to think about how osteopathic medicine influences you. For instance, when i was asked why osteopathic medicine, i talked about how the way i live my life mirrors the osteopathic philosophy (i talked about balance alot and gave examples from experience). i did not talk about OMM at all.

🙂

 

[112258]

i have to slightly disagree with that, yes you should convey that you understand the DO philosophy, but it isn't necessary to talk about OMM (unless, that is what you want to discuss). Just be honest and be yourself...take some time to think about how osteopathic medicine influences you. For instance, when i was asked why osteopathic medicine, i talked about how the way i live my life mirrors the osteopathic philosophy (i talked about balance alot and gave examples from experience). i did not talk about OMM at all.

🙂

The person originally said "I did not talk about DO philosophy and OMM at my interview".

I said "you should".

Then you said you disagree with me, but you should convey understanding of DO philosophy, balanace, etc....so you did agree with me. I didn't mean specifically OMM, that is one aspect of education at a DO school. My original point was, if a DO school says "why DO, why this school?" (and both my interviews asked that) I think it would be a mistake to not mention something osteopathic related. Like if you just talked about location, or curriculum, or something and didn't mentioned anything DO, I don't think that's answering the question of "why DO".

 

[xTinaBna]

The person originally said "I did not talk about DO philosophy and OMM at my interview".

I said "you should".

Then you said you disagree with me, but you should convey understanding of DO philosophy, balanace, etc....so you did agree with me. I didn't mean specifically OMM, that is one aspect of education at a DO school. My original point was, if a DO school says "why DO, why this school?" (and both my interviews asked that) I think it would be a mistake to not mention something osteopathic related. Like if you just talked about location, or curriculum, or something and didn't mentioned anything DO, I don't think that's answering the question of "why DO".

from what the poster said "I did not talk about DO philosophy and OMM at my interview...At the end we all doctors so from that point I dont think it matters to me." and you replied that "I think that is a mistake. You should definitely incorporate that into your interview answer, that is the difference between the education and curriculum. That is what sets them apart." It seemed that you were saying he/she should incorporate both the philosophy and omm in your answer since the poster stated he /she didn't talk about DO philosophy and OMM. that is why i only slightly disagreed with the idea that you need to incorporate both items in an interview. to clear up, i do agree with mentioning that which makes osteopathic medicine unique.

anyhoo, that was where i was coming from, no harm no foul 👍

 

[noonday]

Stick to the basics. Explain that MD and DO doctors learn the same things and work the same jobs. DO education is not inferior to MD training therefore going through either will fulfill your ultimate goal of becoming a doctor. Finally, top it off with "The patients may not even know whether you are a DO or an MD. All they care about is quality care."

this is on. i said something like "i don't care if i become a DO or an MD. it's just a degree, a means to the end of being able to learn the material, sit for the boards, and legally practice medicine. and practicing well is what matters, not what letters i have after my name." at one interview. and got in. said something very similar at an MD interview that i had where they asked how many schools i'd applied to, and i gave a high #, they asked if any were DO or all MD, i said a mix, and then they asked which degree i'd want more and why...and i got in there too.

honesty ppl. honesty. really. no posturing and games. these people are smart and savvy and have seen it all before. you cannot fool them or woo them. they will see right through BS. so, be honest, whatever that answer is truly in you, say it.

 

[Dr JPH]

"How do you feel about becoming a DO vs. becoming a MD?"

"I would feel pretty good about becoming a physician."

 

[ShyRem]

I agree with noonday. I did and said similar things.

 

[MossPoh]

I was quite honest. After being a paramedic for over 10 years, I said I'd seen good doctors of both initials and that the initials aren't what makes a good physician. I admitted I really didn't know much about the difference between DO and MD, but reiterated what I'd heard. I said years ago I was VERY skeptical of any sort of "alternative" therapies, until an acquaintance persuaded me to become his "thesis patient" for his acupuncture license. He knew I was skeptical, so it was a perfect situation: did the stuff work or not? I was a TOTAL convert after that (that stuff really REALLY worked!!!). So I said I had an open mind, and was looking for a program that suited my own and my family's needs. The program I was interviewing at looked like a good fit.

I got in with that answer, BTW. It's all about honesty. Don't lie, don't make stuff up.

Oddly enough, it doesn't seem the real skill with acupuncture matters. At least from what papers I have seen....It seems just sticking needles in people makes them feel better. Mind is a powerful thing. I tried it with my shoulder injury and had no benefit. I lived with a holistic medicine practitioner in germany, so she tried all that stuff on me. Obviously a pain that will require a surgery one day probably won't be helped anyway though..

 

[CommanderRiker]

Imagine that you have not yet decided whether you want to become a MD or a DO and maybe are even leaning towards MD.

At a DO interviews, you are asked:

"How do you feel about becoming a DO vs. becoming a MD?"

I'm not trying to start a flame war. I'm re-applying now and was asked this question by a DO school last year.

Computer, confirm authorization Riker-Alpha.

I was asked a similar question during my interviews. There is no 'hard and fast' rule to answering a query such as this. The trick is to gauge the interviewer himself and answer accordingly. For instance, I was also asked what I considered to be the greatest novel in mankind's history. My answer was Les Miserables both times. I then asked for the interviewer's opinion both times. The first response was Lord of the Rings. I of course, tried not to laugh at this benighted response. The next interviewer was obviously more erudite and said he thought Les Miserables was an excellent book. Always scan the playing field, so to speak.

Computer, initiate auto-log-off.