Leaning towards D.O.

Started by longhorn41592
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longhorn41592

Full Member
10+ Year Member
Hello eveyone I will be applying this upcoming cycle and I am starting to lean more towards Osteopathic Medicine the more I research about it. I really want to go into family medicine and I really have an interest in rural health.

Do yall think that Osteopathic medicine is the better choice for me?
 
Be honest, it's your 26 7PS10V9BS MCAT score that is leaning you towards DO. Retake your MCAT and you'll be fine for MD with your GPA.
 
OP has solid GPA(sgpa a bit low but can be fixed) and solid ECs. looks like retaking mcat in april, so as long as OP goes up to 29-30, should be good for state MD.
 
Why will no one accept that someone might just be legitimately interested in DO?

We had a 3.8, 41Q applicant two years back who legitimately wanted to become a DO. These things do happen.
 
advair250 said:
OP has solid GPA(sgpa a bit low but can be fixed) and solid ECs. looks like retaking mcat in april, so as long as OP goes up to 29-30, should be good for state MD.
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Metrics aren't the only reasons people shoot for osteopathic medical schools.

To call OP out on that sorta motive hints at one of three things: you see osteo mainly as a plan b route, you know/think that OP sees osteo mainly as a plan b route, or both.

If #1, we fundamentally disagree, thus, arguing is pointless.

If #2, we agree; OP should retake and not apply osteo.

If #3, (how to tell?) disregard my prior comments completely.
 
I did not mean to start an argument on the thread. I am generally interested in the osteopathic way of thinking. I am not settling for a do school because I have a low mcat score. Even when I retake my mcat I'd I score a 35 I will still have an interest in d.o.
 
advair250 said:
Be honest, it's your 26 7PS10V9BS MCAT score that is leaning you towards DO. Retake your MCAT and you'll be fine for MD with your GPA.
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I bet if they retake and kill the MCAT, their interest in FM will also probably disappear along with their draw towards osteopathic medicine. We both know that neurosurgery is their true desired specialty. 🙄

+2 for dick move.



SLC said:
Why will no one accept that someone might just be legitimately interested in DO?

We had a 3.8, 41Q applicant two years back who legitimately wanted to become a DO. These things do happen.
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This.


longhorn41592 said:
I did not mean to start an argument on the thread. I am generally interested in the osteopathic way of thinking. I am not settling for a do school because I have a low mcat score. Even when I retake my mcat I'd I score a 35 I will still have an interest in d.o.
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You are not alone. I was the same way.
 
I more than many here have defended the Osteopathic route as legitimate and even first choice despite numbers, but I also don't think kidding oneself is good. Here's what the OP wrote in his other thread:

longhorn41592 said:
I will be applying to both md and do, but I would prefer an acceptance from a md school.
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Reality is that he wants MD school and was told throughout the thread to consider the DO route. I don't find it a "dick" move to point out that the motivation doesn't seem genuine given what has transgressed.
 
TriagePreMed said:
I more than many here have defended the Osteopathic route as legitimate and even first choice despite numbers, but I also don't think kidding oneself is good. Here's what the OP wrote in his other thread:


Reality is that he wants MD school and was told throughout the thread to consider the DO route. I don't find it a "dick" move to point out that the motivation doesn't seem genuine given what has transgressed.
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Ahhh. I don't keep up with the premed threads like I used to due to a suddenly influx of noobs/trolls/gunners (I am assuming due to the next cycle vamping up). So the new information is noted and in that case the OP should be honest with themself about what they want, and should do what it takes to make that happen.

However, OP may not have been as familiar with DO and recent events may have lead them to research it....ultimately shedding some light on a previously unknown pathway. It isn't impossible that they just assumed they preferred a MD school because it was all they really knew about up until now. Sometimes we stumble into new information that leads us down a different path. The OP did just state that they would still be interested in DO after a successful MCAT retake...so who knows.
 
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You hit the nail on the head with your reply. Before I really was only interested in md schools because that is all I knew. However, my advisor as well as many others have informed me about osteopathic medicine and I am now genuinely interested. If I get acceptances from both md and do it will truly be a difficult decision for me.
 
longhorn41592 said:
You hit the nail on the head with your reply. Before I really was only interested in md schools because that is all I knew. However, my advisor as well as many others have informed me about osteopathic medicine and I am now genuinely interested. If I get acceptances from both md and do it will truly be a difficult decision for me.
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Are you genuinely interested in higher tuition? If so then please continue.
 
Shadow some DOs and MDs and see how they differ, and are similar. Then see which one you like better.


longhorn41592 said:
Hello eveyone I will be applying this upcoming cycle and I am starting to lean more towards Osteopathic Medicine the more I research about it. I really want to go into family medicine and I really have an interest in rural health.

Do yall think that Osteopathic medicine is the better choice for me?
Click to expand...
 
Having not known every post every member on SDN had ever made, I found it insulting to assume such things based on metrics. Thus, dick move toward OP, dick move toward the profession, and a potential insult toward whatever profession, or sub profession, he represents in whatever fashion. Nothing against ya beyond that, advair. Do forgive.

OP - to actually contribute to your question, I'm about half and half. Between the MD and DO schools I'm in the running for, it's a very close race. Control for location and price, I'd probably pick the DO school. Why? Extra training, even if many doubt its efficacy. The students there seem much happier to me, and the staff seem more involved. However, there are other pragmatic concerns, that have nothing to do with post-grad training, involved that keep the race very even. If granted opportunity, where will I go? Still pretty torn.

My advice to you is to tour a good sample of schools and talk to students and faculty at those schools. Then, make up your mind.
 
In this specific case I was just pointing that out based on his previous posts saying

"I will be applying to both md and do, but I would prefer an acceptance from a md school."

I completely agree with the rest of the sentiments of people legitimately wanting D.O. it was just this specific case that the OP's comments indicated otherwise.

Regardless of D.O. or MD, i'm one for going for the cheapest option, which usually is the state school. But I guess i'm the only one thinking financial responsibility.

So please, don't be so quick to jump on me for pointing out the OP.
 
Lysilegluleu said:
Metrics aren't the only reasons people shoot for osteopathic medical schools.

To call OP out on that sorta motive hints at one of three things: you see osteo mainly as a plan b route, you know/think that OP sees osteo mainly as a plan b route, or both.

If #1, we fundamentally disagree, thus, arguing is pointless.

If #2, we agree; OP should retake and not apply osteo.

If #3, (how to tell?) disregard my prior comments completely.
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Again, statement was solely towards this specific OP, since they stated that they preferred MD. Hence, why the should try a retake and apply MD, instead of using DO as solely as a back up. But if they have shadowed and are into DO then thats great 🙂
 
Didierdrogba said:
What nonsense, DO schools don't have higher tuition than MD schools. they are on par with one another.
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In general, yes they do.

DO schools are for the most part private while many MD schools are public, thus cheaper.

FSU : $ 23,042.00
UCF : $26,815
FIU : 31,939
USF : $33,707.23

NOVA : 42,000
LECOM-B : I think it was around 28-30k
 
advair250 said:
In this specific case I was just pointing that out based on his previous posts saying

"I will be applying to both md and do, but I would prefer an acceptance from a md school."

I completely agree with the rest of the sentiments of people legitimately wanting D.O. it was just this specific case that the OP's comments indicated otherwise.

Regardless of D.O. or MD, i'm one for going for the cheapest option, which usually is the state school. But I guess i'm the only one thinking financial responsibility.

So please, don't be so quick to jump on me for pointing out the OP.
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I was previously unaware of all that and misjudged your intent. My b. 😀

When OP says his mind has since changed, I'll give the benefit of the doubt.
 
DolFAN said:
In general, yes they do.

DO schools are for the most part private while many MD schools are public, thus cheaper.

FSU : $ 23,042.00
UCF : $26,815
FIU : 31,939
USF : $33,707.23

NOVA : 42,000
LECOM-B : I think it was around 28-30k
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You live in a state with a lot of moderately competitive schools that are cheap. This is a non-issue if you live in a state with one moderately cheap school that is also extremely competitive and thus chances are you'll up oos anyway.
 
DolFAN said:
In general, yes they do.

DO schools are for the most part private while many MD schools are public, thus cheaper.

FSU : $ 23,042.00
UCF : $26,815
FIU : 31,939
USF : $33,707.23

NOVA : 42,000
LECOM-B : I think it was around 28-30k
Click to expand...

you can't compare private/ OOS tuition vs instate tuition...................🙄

plus not everyone lives in Florida, where med schools and pretty girls are plentiful
 
advair250 said:
In this specific case I was just pointing that out based on his previous posts saying

"I will be applying to both md and do, but I would prefer an acceptance from a md school."

I completely agree with the rest of the sentiments of people legitimately wanting D.O. it was just this specific case that the OP's comments indicated otherwise.

Regardless of D.O. or MD, i'm one for going for the cheapest option, which usually is the state school. But I guess i'm the only one thinking financial responsibility.

So please, don't be so quick to jump on me for pointing out the OP.
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Yep. You're the only one. 🙄

People choose schools based on many different factors. A sports medicine colleague of mine also applied this cycle (both MD & DO)...she was accepted to 3 MD schools and 2 DO schools. She based a majority of her final decision on location which was important to her (was a DO school btw...how many SDN gunners just cringed?).

People jumped on you because of the manner in which you called them out--it was dick like. People skillz yo
 
My apologies, didn't think it would be a sensitive topic using the OPs previous post as background knowledge.

Have a nice weekend 🙂
 
advair250 said:
My apologies, didn't think it would be a sensitive topic using the OPs previous post as background knowledge.

Have a nice weekend 🙂
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No apology necessary. I am a dick all the time...the difference is that I know when I am being one.

Enjoy some green/Irish beer this weekend:luck: I know I will be:naughty:
 
Didierdrogba said:
you can't compare private/ OOS tuition vs instate tuition...................🙄

plus not everyone lives in Florida, where med schools and pretty girls are plentiful
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Did you read the prior post? Most DO schools are private while MANY MD schools are public. I'm comparing avg DO price tag vs avg MD price tag. So for the most part an MD will be cheaper.
 
DolFAN said:
Did you read the prior post? Most DO schools are private while MANY MD schools are public. I'm comparing avg DO price tag vs avg MD price tag. So for the most part an MD will be cheaper.
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Except oosers at public schools pay as much as private schoolers. In the end the difference for the majority of students is a non-issue.
 
The first reply could have been stated more tactfully but just reading the OP it sounds true. I think a lot of you are jumping on that reply to just start an argument. Kenobi I'm going to disagree with your fallacy of incomplete comparison. If the OP was a viable candidate in Medical School I believe he would weigh his options at tougher to match specialties most likely... He is not in med school ATM. Same as if I were to get a 33 + on my mcat id weigh possibility of MD more carefully. Most of us want to be Physicians and we've found DO to be a viable route to get there.. It's obvious the degree doesn't matter as much to us.. So why would we not choose MD if we're competitive for it? The reality is the vast majority of us are not and that's why we choose DO. If you guys perceive that as someone saying your less intelligent, so be it. Don't get all butt hurt cause someone is pointing out the truth. SLC 's n=1 anecdote is irrelevant, and further convolutes the reality; that most are choosing DO because stats are lower.
 
Me personally; I'll be thanking God if I get into either. That being said its apparent MD would get me to where I want to be with less difficulty, but an Osteopathic school will still give me opportunities. Realistically, going to a US med school is one of the best investments a person can make. Anyone who says otherwise is full of ****.
 
Goro said:
Shadow some DOs and MDs and see how they differ, and are similar. Then see which one you like better.
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This is the best advice on here. Before you get caught up in the "idea" go check it out. If you really do want to pursue family practice I personally think the ability to perform OMT gives you an edge. Otherwise I could go either way. Of course, without a better MCAT performance on re-take DO schools will be your only option, which is fine, it is what it is.

Survivor DO
 
serenade said:
Except oosers at public schools pay as much as private schoolers. In the end the difference for the majority of students is a non-issue.
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Your point is invalid since the MAJORITY of students of state schools pay IS tuition.
 
NontradCA said:
The first reply could have been stated more tactfully but just reading the OP it sounds true. I think a lot of you are jumping on that reply to just start an argument. Kenobi I'm going to disagree with your fallacy of incomplete comparison. If the OP was a viable candidate in Medical School I believe he would weigh his options at tougher to match specialties most likely... He is not in med school ATM. Same as if I were to get a 33 + on my mcat id weigh possibility of MD more carefully. Most of us want to be Physicians and we've found DO to be a viable route to get there.. It's obvious the degree doesn't matter as much to us.. So why would we not choose MD if we're competitive for it? The reality is the vast majority of us are not and that's why we choose DO. If you guys perceive that as someone saying your less intelligent, so be it. Don't get all butt hurt cause someone is pointing out the truth. SLC 's n=1 anecdote is irrelevant, and further convolutes the reality; that most are choosing DO because stats are lower.
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Lol are you just trolling. If so 10/10. You specifically told me you wanted to go to a DO program...
 
Mr Kenobi said:
Lol are you just trolling. If so 10/10. You specifically told me you wanted to go to a DO program...
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There's a difference between I want to go to a DO school and I want to go to DO school because its better than MD programs. My number one choice is based on location not on philosophy.
 
NontradCA said:
There's a difference between I want to go to a DO school and I want to go to DO school because its better than MD programs. My number one choice is based on location not on philosophy.
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Who said anything about one being better than the other?
 
NontradCA said:
Goro, OP, SLC, Survivor DO

Edit whoops
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Looking back through the thread quickly I didn't really see that from all of those folks...but ok. Responding to this in any greater detail than that will just further perpetuate the MD vs DO direction this thread is headed.
 
Well suggesting the OP discern which degree to pursue by shadowing graduate of x and y to see which he likes better certainly suggests that ; especially when the OP would be hard pressed to find a DO who incorporates OMT to such a large extent that it justifies the education. Having an edge in FM because of going DO? Obvious. Stating someone chose DO over MD for "legitimate" reasons..ok whatever that's supposed to mean. I don't mean to start an argument over DO v. MD, I rather stay out of those political games, but I just don't like people beating around the bush. It seriously just adds to confusion both of people within and outside the system (mostly outside; premeds, civilians)
 
Turning off SDN and consuming more beverages is the solution :luck:

OP retake the MCAT, so you can at least have MD as an option, then make the decision when you get acceptances on which you would rather go to based on the school and the numerous other factors that play.

/endthread
 
The answer to the OP should be that either will set him up for FM and MD with more options. Is it a better choice for him? Hmm what are his stats? He is more competitive for DO, therefor its better off spending time and money applying to DO schools.
 
NontradCA said:
Your point is invalid since the MAJORITY of students of state schools pay IS tuition.
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average tuition of all private DO schools= $42186
average tuition of all public DO schools for IS= $25897

average tuition of all private MD schools= $50309
average tuition of all public MD schools for IS = $32414


BTW, For MD's IS vs OOS has only about a 6:4 split.

Either way, we are in for a whole lot of debt
 
Didierdrogba said:
average tuition of all private DO schools= $42186
average tuition of all public DO schools for IS= $25897

average tuition of all private MD schools= $50309
average tuition of all public MD schools for IS = $32414


BTW, For MD's IS vs OOS has only about a 6:4 split.

Either way, we are in for a whole lot of debt
Click to expand...

And the proportional relation of MD schools that are public to the amount of DO that are public is....?
 
NontradCA said:
And the proportional relation of MD schools that are public to the amount of DO that are public is....?
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just do the math (my math is not very good, correct me if i'm wrong)

61% of MD students pay 32414
39% pay 50309

grand total= $39393

assuming 100% of DO students pay 42186

In the grand scheme of time, I don't think $3000 bucks per year make a whole lot of difference
 
Didierdrogba said:
just do the math (my math is not very good, correct me if i'm wrong)

61% of MD students pay 32414
39% pay 50309

grand total= $39393

assuming 100% of DO students pay 42186

In the grand scheme of time, I don't think $3000 bucks per year make a whole lot of difference
Click to expand...

So 61 percent of MD students are paying IS tuition? Link? Even if the case it's still less and it's not like its money blown, it's paying for education. Point is you should be aware what you're paying for. Btw I'm not sure that math works, could be more or less, I don't know the source you're using though.
 
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