Lots of questions!

[deleted212936]

---

Members don't see this ad.

There're lots of books about M.D. apps process, sample essays, etc. but
there isn't a single book on D.O. out there!!!
I've been searching for D.O. sample PS but found none! I don't know where to start. Can I use my MD PS ????
Should I mention "why D.O." on primary PS or save it for secondaries?

Most secondaries will be, "Why do you want to be an osteopathic physician?" OK I can answer this question. But one school asks, "describe the D.O. concepts in your personal view" (st like that), now I'm stuck. "DO focuses on treating the whole person, places emphasis on musculoskeletal system... blah" but that response perhaps is not enough to fill a single paragraph!! Besides, what will it do telling them things they've already known? I don't feel like listing every single OMM technique... or did I get it wrong? Please show me how to approach this secondary!

Now comes the interview: if they ask me "did you apply to MD schools?", should I honestly answer, yes I did ?

 

[Chocolate Bear]

There're lots of books about M.D. apps process, sample essays, etc. but
there isn't a single book on D.O. out there!!!
I've been searching for D.O. sample PS but found none! I don't know where to start. Can I use my MD PS ????
Should I mention "why D.O." on primary PS or save it for secondaries?

Most secondaries will be, "Why do you want to be an osteopathic physician?" OK I can answer this question. But one school asks, "describe the D.O. concepts in your personal view" (st like that), now I'm stuck. "DO focuses on treating the whole person, places emphasis on musculoskeletal system... blah" but that response perhaps is not enough to fill a single paragraph!! Besides, what will it do telling them things they've already known? I don't feel like listing every single OMM technique... or did I get it wrong? Please show me how to approach this secondary!

Now comes the interview: if they ask me "did you apply to MD schools?", should I honestly answer, yes I did ?

The best starting point is the 2009 Osteopathic Medical College Information Book.

Yes, you can use your MD PS, but the DO cutoff is a good deal shorter. Check the applications for hard numbers. Feel free to mention osteopathic medicine in your PS, if it fits and flows with the rest of your story. You certainly don't have to put it in there, though, and could just save it for secondaries. It would be nice if you have a little more to say in the secondaries than just repeating your PS.

The DO concepts are outlined here and here. It will be up to you to describe what these mean to you, personally, based on your experience in/knowledge of medicine.

Please don't try to list OMM techniques. Mentioning generalizations about how they are used to treat certain ailments/diseases is fine, though.

Answer everything in an interview honestly. Many/most (%?) DO applicants apply to MD schools, as well.

 

[Chocolate Bear]

Athens, for future reference, keep these in mind to maximize the productivity of your threads/posts.

--"Lots of questions" is not a very inviting title. Many people will pass over it. Be more specific.
--Numbered/bulleted questions are easier to answer.
--A brief explanation with a list of a few questions afterward works nicely.
👍

 

[Bamish]

The best starting point is the 2009 Osteopathic Medical College Information Book.

Yes, you can use your MD PS, but the DO cutoff is a good deal shorter. Check the applications for hard numbers. Feel free to mention osteopathic medicine in your PS, if it fits and flows with the rest of your story. You certainly don't have to put it in there, though, and could just save it for secondaries. It would be nice if you have a little more to say in the secondaries than just repeating your PS.

The DO concepts are outlined here and here. It will be up to you to describe what these mean to you, personally, based on your experience in/knowledge of medicine.

Please don't try to list OMM techniques. Mentioning generalizations about how they are used to treat certain ailments/diseases is fine, though.

Answer everything in an interview honestly. Many/most (%?) DO applicants apply to MD schools, as well.

Great links in your sig CB, I really just wanted to thank you for sharing them. 🙂

 

[Chocolate Bear]

Great links in your sig CB, I really just wanted to thank you for sharing them. 🙂

Not a problem. I was citing some of them so often that I finally got smart! Thanks goes to RYSERR, too, who helped determine what was most important. The signature character limit includes url characters, or else I'd have a couple more links...

 

[GreenShirt]

1) PS

Your MD PS is fine. It answers the question of "Why medicine?" and that's the same thing DO schools want to know. A discussion of your interest in osteopathic medicine should be included only if it flows with the rest of the essay. You will be asked "Why DO?" in your secondaries so you can wait to address it there.

2) Secondaries

Logically, if you can answer the question "Why do you want to be an Osteopathic physician?" then you should be able to explain what about osteopathic medicine draws you to it in your own words (unless, of course, the answer to the first question is "Because that's where I can get in"). Focus on the 3 principles and search for examples from your experience where you have found one or more of these principles to be true.

3) Interviews

If you are asked a question in an interview, answer it truthfully. DO and MD schools are not enemies. They are both aware that some students apply to both. However, be prepared to answer the follow up question "Why both?". You may not even encounter this question (I never did) but always good to be prepared.

 

[nlax30]

Good advice above. I used my MD PS as well and saved the "Why DO" sort of stuff for the secondaries. If I remember correctly I think I did have to edit my PS slightly because of length/character restrictions.

 

[deleted212936]

thanks CB and GS 🙂 thumb-up responses !