Is this possible?

[OlderStudent]

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My question is this. Is it possible to transfer from a DO school to a 3rd year spot at an island MD school so I would not have to leave the US? Has anyone else tried this or knows if it is possible?

 

[utorontograd]

I'm pretty sure that the older offshore schools don't grant advanced placement. Call the schools you're interested in applying to and ask them to get a definite answer.

 

[oldpro]

My question is this. Is it possible to transfer from a DO school to a 3rd year spot at an island MD school so I would not have to leave the US? Has anyone else tried this or knows if it is possible?

Yes but into third year unless the USLME step 1 has been passed yet.

Then you have a shot, as far as DO into MD? I do not know call them and ask?
I would assume it would be fine since there is only some differences?

 

[erichaj]

What are you thinking?

Why would you want to do that?

 

[SabaMed]

I wouldn't do it. Finish out and become a DO. The Comlex is easier than the Steps and you will have a better chance of getting the match that you want later.

 

[CatsandCradles]

I wouldn't do it. Finish out and become a DO. The Comlex is easier than the Steps and you will have a better chance of getting the match that you want later.

Now it's jumping the gun for me to say this since I have yet to have seen the USMLE or COMLEX-USA, but I wouldn't be so sure about the COMLEX being easier than the USMLE.

But from what I can gather it goes like this:

The USMLE, has far harder molecular genetics and medical biochemistry and tons of health statistical information.

Wheras the COMLEX had much harder pharmacology and anatomy related question - and of course our most beloved OPP section.

So, to the original poster, if you are strong in molecular genetics and biochemistry - then finnish the USMLE series and don't finish the COMLEX-USA series. If you are strong in pharmacology and anatomy, then stick with the COMLEX-USA and don't bother taking USMLE.

Hope this helps.

C&C

 

[SabaMed]

Now it's jumping the gun for me to say this since I have yet to have seen the USMLE or COMLEX-USA, but I wouldn't be so sure about the COMLEX being easier than the USMLE.

But from what I can gather it goes like this:

The USMLE, has far harder molecular genetics and medical biochemistry and tons of health statistical information.

Wheras the COMLEX had much harder pharmacology and anatomy related question - and of course our most beloved OPP section.

So, to the original poster, if you are strong in molecular genetics and biochemistry - then finnish the USMLE series and don't finish the COMLEX-USA series. If you are strong in pharmacology and anatomy, then stick with the COMLEX-USA and don't bother taking USMLE.

Hope this helps.

C&C

Yeah I guess its a matter of opinion as to the difficulty of the exams. My friend who's a DO also took the USMLE and said that the Comlex was much much easier, so thats where I'm getting my baised opinion from. Id personally rather take the Comlex though from what I've heard.

 

[bma]

Considering only ~65-70% of DO's pass the USMLE Step I, I'd say it wasn't jumping the gun at all. The COMLEX is scaled so that ~92-94% of DO's will pass it.

If it wasn't this way, then ~1/3 of DO's wouldn't be allowed to practice medicine in the United States. In other words it's a much easier exam.

OP, I think it's a pretty decent idea to try to make the transfer. SGU doesn't allow transfers into 3rd year, but the others do.

Good luck!

Now it's jumping the gun for me to say this since I have yet to have seen the USMLE or COMLEX-USA, but I wouldn't be so sure about the COMLEX being easier than the USMLE.

But from what I can gather it goes like this:

The USMLE, has far harder molecular genetics and medical biochemistry and tons of health statistical information.

Wheras the COMLEX had much harder pharmacology and anatomy related question - and of course our most beloved OPP section.

So, to the original poster, if you are strong in molecular genetics and biochemistry - then finnish the USMLE series and don't finish the COMLEX-USA series. If you are strong in pharmacology and anatomy, then stick with the COMLEX-USA and don't bother taking USMLE.

Hope this helps.

C&C

 

[CatsandCradles]

Considering only ~65-70% of DO's pass the USMLE Step I, I'd say it wasn't jumping the gun at all. The COMLEX is scaled so that ~92-94% of DO's will pass it.

If it wasn't this way, then ~1/3 of DO's wouldn't be allowed to practice medicine in the United States. In other words it's a much easier exam.

Bear in mind that:

1) DO programs are gearing their students up for the COMLEX.

2) MD programs are gearing their students up for the USMLE.

It would be pretty unfair for an MD student to have to walk into a testing center and take the COMLEX because there are items taught in DO programs that are not taught in MD programs. The allopathic student is geared towards to the USMLE, not the COMLEX.

COMLEX emphasizes pharmacology and anatomy.

USMLE puts emphasis on medical biochemistry and genetics.

Now there's certaintly a lot of similarities between the allopathic and osteopathic world today, but I would venture to say that there are still enough differences to make both professions still hate one another (at least privately).

But at least you're proud enough of SGU to to talk down DO programs. That's a good sign I guess. It's good to see someone standing up for the "Big Three" schools every now and then.

 

[utorontograd]

But at least you're proud enough of SGU to to talk down DO programs. That's a good sign I guess. It's good to see someone standing up for the "Big Three" schools every now and then.

I don't think the original post is attacking offshore schools or the big three. The D.O. student is simply inquiring whether the move can be done. Perhaps it is rather presumptuous to think that one can stroll into third year of an M.D program simply because it held offshore.

I don't think BMA is talking down to D.O. profession becuase of pride for SGU. The only mention of SGU was to say they don't accept transferes. He's simply stating his opinion that the USMLE is harder than the comlex based on a statistic.

All things considered there are a probably just as many offshore M.D. students that fail USMLE step 1. Perhaps not at the big three but, there are 30 something med schools in the caribbean and not all of them are stellar institutions.

 

[bma]

Cat, you're doing the osteopathic profession proud. Keep up the strong work.

 

[oldpro]

Cat, you're doing the osteopathic profession proud. Keep up the strong work.

Look I'm not attacking please do not think that but what bothers me is if DO=MD then why shouldn't a DO be able to pass the USLME just like a Caribbean grad or a IMG ? Why expect less from a DO grad? Because they have a bigger lobby?

This is an honest observation. COMLEX has OMM on it right? Its not taught in ALLOPATHY so I do not expect the MD grads to do super well, but Biochem? I would think the DO grads could and should be able to handle that.😎

 

[bma]

Agreed.

 

[CatsandCradles]

Look I'm not attacking please do not think that but what bothers me is if DO=MD then why shouldn't a DO be able to pass the USLME just like a Caribbean grad or a IMG ? Why expect less from a DO grad? Because they have a bigger lobby?

This is an honest observation. COMLEX has OMM on it right? Its not taught in ALLOPATHY so I do not expect the MD grads to do super well, but Biochem? I would think the DO grads could and should be able to handle that.😎

It's good to see that people are proud of their Carribean program. As for osteopathic programs having lower USMLE pass rates that is a factual observation you pointed out.

So to the original poster, I want to advise what I did earlier, if you are strong in molecular genetics and medical biochemistry, and want to transffer - then finnish the USMLE series and don't bother finishing the COMLEX-USA series.

 

[Shah_Patel_PT]

My question is this. Is it possible to transfer from a DO school to a 3rd year spot at an island MD school so I would not have to leave the US? Has anyone else tried this or knows if it is possible?

if you entered an osteopathic school.......you cannot transfer into an allopathic school (US or caribbean)!!!

 

[cooldreams]

if you entered an osteopathic school.......you cannot transfer into an allopathic school (US or caribbean)!!!

yes you can and i know ppl who have done so.

to the op, transfers are typically done after taking the usmle. DOs are required to take the comlex, and the usmle is optional, however if you anticipate transfer, you should take both.

others i know have transfered because of seriously family problems... etc... basicaly doesnt happen to often, but it does... from a US DO to US MD... a transfer of US DO to IMG MD would be quite easy and likely guaranted.... ask the admissions ppl at several carib schools...

 

[cooldreams]

Considering only ~65-70% of DO's pass the USMLE Step I, I'd say it wasn't jumping the gun at all. The COMLEX is scaled so that ~92-94% of DO's will pass it.

If it wasn't this way, then ~1/3 of DO's wouldn't be allowed to practice medicine in the United States. In other words it's a much easier exam.

OP, I think it's a pretty decent idea to try to make the transfer. SGU doesn't allow transfers into 3rd year, but the others do.

Good luck!

the usmle is also scaled for those taking it....

 

[cooldreams]

Look I'm not attacking please do not think that but what bothers me is if DO=MD then why shouldn't a DO be able to pass the USLME just like a Caribbean grad or a IMG ? Why expect less from a DO grad? Because they have a bigger lobby?

This is an honest observation. COMLEX has OMM on it right? Its not taught in ALLOPATHY so I do not expect the MD grads to do super well, but Biochem? I would think the DO grads could and should be able to handle that.😎

for the same reason that a UK grad probably wouldnt pass the usmle. they dont study for it, are not preped for it in class, and never think about that test.

biochem? no... DO schools do not really do much biochem. DO schools gear students to do primary care, not the specialites. that is just a fact... part of the "holistic" approach and the Dr. A T Still MD,DO theory.

 

[cooldreams]

Cat, you're doing the osteopathic profession proud. Keep up the strong work.

🙄

 

[cooldreams]

osteopathic medicine is fine. it is.

the real problem is simply the ruling body of osteopathic medicine. i think, from my long person experiences with them, that they are acting resentfully to the allopathic community by the things they do and force on the DO students. they try, among MANY other odd things, to show how DIFFERENT osteopathic medicine is from allopathic. that may have been the case back when these 60-70 yr olds were in school, but today DO and MD medicine is basically the same, in fact many are in the same residencies and it there that a doctor really becomes a doctor.

little known fact?... there are not enough DO residencies for all DO students, so they MUST go to MD residencies...

little known fact?... you MUST go to a DO residency to be part of the DO ruling board. it is not enough to go to a DO school.

little known fact?... student DOs have what amounts to no voice in the votes done nationally, whereas MD students do have a vote and a say.

little known fact?... most DO schools have an AMA club in their school... no MD schools are allowed to have an AOA (not the honor society) club in their school.

little known fact?... many schools are pressing the whole "fact based" medicine. thats great, even DO schools are buying into. but why? they force you to learn cranial manipulation. ask why you do it, ask how it works, ask for proof it does work... you get many clueless profs....

segregation to a fault is the path the current DO board walks. this is the single greatest problem in the DO world. get past this, and you wonder what the issue is with DOs... because there wouldnt be an issue...

 

[cooldreams]

Considering only ~65-70% of DO's pass the USMLE Step I, I'd say it wasn't jumping the gun at all. The COMLEX is scaled so that ~92-94% of DO's will pass it.

If it wasn't this way, then ~1/3 of DO's wouldn't be allowed to practice medicine in the United States. In other words it's a much easier exam.

OP, I think it's a pretty decent idea to try to make the transfer. SGU doesn't allow transfers into 3rd year, but the others do.

Good luck!

also, if it is so easy, then back it up. how is it easy? how many allopathic students could take it and pass that test AND the usmle??

ill give you one guess, because we all know the answer... ZERO could pass the comlex.

why? THEY NEVER STUDY FOR IT!!!! THEY STUDY FOR THE USMLE!!!!

 

[cooldreams]

I'm pretty sure that the older offshore schools don't grant advanced placement. Call the schools you're interested in applying to and ask them to get a definite answer.

yes they do.

i know for sure they do.

 

[oldpro]

for the same reason that a UK grad probably wouldnt pass the usmle. they dont study for it, are not preped for it in class, and never think about that test.

biochem? no... DO schools do not really do much biochem. DO schools gear students to do primary care, not the specialites. that is just a fact... part of the "holistic" approach and the Dr. A T Still MD,DO theory.

Then ( based on your post) how can DO = MD Pharm and Pathology are heavy in Biochem?

 

[cooldreams]

Then ( based on your post) how can DO = MD Pharm and Pathology are heavy in Biochem?

never said equal... said basically the same

 

[oldpro]

never said equal... said basically the same

No I was making the distinction of them not being equal.

Some of the bias that Some people have ( I do not have ) may be justified then.

Case in point, if a Caribbean grad goes to a residency and is like very bad at the biochem kinda theories when discussed and the DO seems to be the same then why would you not expect both to be considered subpar to the US MDs in the programs where they are sharp on this? I think if DO's want to be considered the same as US MD's then this is a major point. I know those of us in the Caribbean who care work our tails off to overcome our shortcomings.


On a side note.
You know these are the kinda things that should be discussed but too many people just want to rank schools and just plain put everything into a category . I used to think thats what medschool would be like but I feel like you go back to High School when you attend so much popularity and putting others down.

 

[cooldreams]

No I was making the distinction of them not being equal.

Some of the bias that Some people have ( I do not have ) may be justified then.

Case in point, if a Caribbean grad goes to a residency and is like very bad at the biochem kinda theories when discussed and the DO seems to be the same then why would you not expect both to be considered subpar to the US MDs in the programs where they are sharp on this? I think if DO's want to be considered the same as US MD's then this is a major point. I know those of us in the Caribbean who care work our tails off to overcome our shortcomings.


On a side note.
You know these are the kinda things that should be discussed but too many people just want to rank schools and just plain put everything into a category . I used to think thats what medschool would be like but I feel like you go back to High School when you attend so much popularity and putting others down.

i dont think you could really argue the caribbean / DO point because the caribbean grads are so different from each other in just one class and most of their studying is done on their own. but if you want to say take a single caribbean grad who never learned much biochem and compare to the ave DO student that doesnt learn biochem, that would be ok. and like you said, those of us in the caribbean work hard to overcome our shortcomings, this would likely apply to a DO student that wants to get into a program where they stress the biochem for some reason. i think if the PD is accepting a med student , be that usmd usdo or imgmd, then that student is likely on par with the rigors of the course, irregardless of there biochem or lack thereof past because of making up for it, or no one cares. whatever.

yea it is a lot like high school, maybe even worse because the stakes are higher now. i think it sad there is so much heresay and so much subjectivity relied upon in medicine. this is why these niches and falsified arguements can exist because ppl feed on them the way the system is setup. all the way from the premed on up to the state medical licensing boards... they all listen to bogus stories, ideas, news articles, etc etc etc...

 

[oldpro]

Yeah I was just throwing out there that both groups have people that think we are subpar

 

[cooldreams]

Yeah I was just throwing out there that both groups have people that think we are subpar

yeh

and within the usmd community, if you goto a state school, you are subpar compared to the private ivys and on and on and on.....

 

[oldpro]

yeh

and within the usmd community, if you goto a state school, you are subpar compared to the private ivys and on and on and on.....

Yeah I know at 42 I'm back to popularity and High school, gotta wear ther right clothes, right friends right school, right car, ..................