MD school vs. DO school.... BATTLE!!!

[tatchle1]

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I'm a resident of Tennessee, and have been all of my life. I have been wondering about my future as a doctor, and whether I should seriously consider going to an osteopathic medical school that has recently (about 3 years ago, I believe) been started in TN, DeBusk COM. I believe I can get in to an allopathic program, however (probably UT-memphis, among others). What do yall think?

Here's the facts:
I have a GPA of 3.75, MCAT = 30N, and decent extraculicular activities.

For DeBusk (DO school):
- positives:
I've heard this is a state of the art campus. I'm talking INCREDIBLE technology in the labs, lecture halls, and throughout the building. Everyone that has visited here says nothing but great things about this school.
It is close to home. I'm from the Cumberland Plateau, and DeBusk is located directly in the Cumberland Gap.
I'm probably a shoe in: I recently met the son of the doctor who STARTED the college, and he said I'm practically guaranteed.

- negatives:
Residency competition: I've shadowed a doctor that screen applicants for his residency program, and he doesn't even consider DO's.
Its a private school, and very expensive.
It is very new, and hasn't yet had a gradutating class, so there is no "track record" for Debusk.
DO schools say they're just as good as MD schools, yet their standards for the pre-med students that they admit are so much lower than MD schools... will I get a good medical education at an osteopathic school??

For UT-Memphis (and other similiar mid-tier MD schools):
- positives:
Proven "track record": no I'm not applying to Johns Hopkins, but going to an MD school I feel like I am not limited in the residencies I will compete for in the future.
Tuition: cheaper than DeBusk
MD program in general: is it better? will I be a better doctor as an MD than a DO???

- negatives:
location: UT-Memphis has a crappy looking campus, not nearly as impressive as DeBusk (this is also the case in most other mid to low-tier MD schools I have seen). Inner city location means I miss out on the rural life I love.

 

[chief illiniwek]

it seems like you would be happier at the DO school. and while you would have more opportunities coming out of an MD program, that doesn't mean that you will be ruining your career if you pick DeBusk. it really just comes down to how you view medicine and what fields you are interested in.

on the other hand, the most important thing is where you will be accepted. your numbers aren't anything spectacular and i don't know what your ECs are, but you can't just assume that you will get into any school. you obviously need to apply to both schools, and the decision might even be made for you.

 

[shaggybill]

At first I thought this thread was made by a troll, but you have some valid questions, so I guess I was wrong. 🙂

- negatives:
Residency competition: I've shadowed a doctor that screen applicants for his residency program, and he doesn't even consider DO's.
Its a private school, and very expensive.
It is very new, and hasn't yet had a gradutating class, so there is no "track record" for Debusk.
DO schools say they're just as good as MD schools, yet their standards for the pre-med students that they admit are so much lower than MD schools... will I get a good medical education at an osteopathic school??

First off, the doc you shadowed is a jackhole. DO's are every bit as competent as MD's. Sounds like he's an old school fart who can't get over himself.

Secondly, yes, DO admission standards are slightly lower, but that doesn't mean their curriculum is any less difficult than an MD school. You will learn the exact same things an MD student will, and you will fail if you can't handle it. So if someone tries to tell you that you will be getting a substandard medical education at a DO school, they are simply full of crap.

With that said, there is still a stigma when it comes to DO's. I was talking to a nurse at work the other day, and despite the fact that she's been a nurse for 10 years, she had never heard of a DO. You'll also have to put up with a annoying idiots like the doc you've been shadowing who can't seem to understand that DO's are physicians too, but these guys will all be retired or dead soon, so nothing to worry about there. 😀

 

[Dr Simplicity]

There are no guarantees in this process. Ask us this question after you've applied, interviewed, and been accepted to these schools. Apply broadly and to as many schools (MD and DO) as possible. Good Luck!

 

[mattng]

Regardless MD or DO you'll have many great opportunities. Once you're in medical school, it's all about how well you do on your boards and whatever extra stuff you did in medical school to make you a competitive applicant for residencies. Also keep in mind, with DOs, you are able to take both the COMLEX and USMLE for allopathic residencies.

So the question comes down to this. When you visit these schools, which one do you see yourself at for four years? Also, are you willing to pay for extra?

 

[Handy388]

hmm, an unheard of, brand new DO school that costs more than a MD school, I wonder which one should the OP take.

That DO school does have prettier campus though.

 

[nlax30]

If you have the money why not apply to both and then decide for yourself after you get the chance to interview and get more a feel for the two schools.

First, I personally feel that you will get a good medical education at any medical school (DO or MD) in the US, end of story. The types/styles of curriculum vary soo much among schools that that could be a factor in how well you do depending on your style of learning, but it's not a DO or MD thing.

Also, to say ->

yet their standards for the pre-med students that they admit are so much lower than MD schools...

can be misleading. Yea, there's a little difference if you just look at MCAT/GPA averages, but not sure what you mean by "standards". Beyond pre-med and the application process MCAT and undergrad GPA mean nothing.

But it's good that you're making pros and cons for each school. In my opinion don't view it as a DO vs MD thing, but judge each school on its merits and then choose the one that's the best fit for you and a place where you think you can do well.

Looks like there are aspects you like at both (location, facilities of DeBusk) vs tuition at UT, so you'll just have to continue the list and see which factors are most important to you.

 

[phospho]

I'm a resident of Tennessee, and have been all of my life. I have been wondering about my future as a doctor, and whether I should seriously consider going to an osteopathic medical school that has recently (about 3 years ago, I believe) been started in TN, DeBusk COM. I believe I can get in to an allopathic program, however (probably UT-memphis, among others). What do yall think?

Here's the facts:
I have a GPA of 3.75, MCAT = 30N, and decent extraculicular activities.

For DeBusk (DO school):
- positives:
I've heard this is a state of the art campus. I'm talking INCREDIBLE technology in the labs, lecture halls, and throughout the building. Everyone that has visited here says nothing but great things about this school.
It is close to home. I'm from the Cumberland Plateau, and DeBusk is located directly in the Cumberland Gap.
I'm probably a shoe in: I recently met the son of the doctor who STARTED the college, and he said I'm practically guaranteed.

- negatives:
Residency competition: I've shadowed a doctor that screen applicants for his residency program, and he doesn't even consider DO's.
Its a private school, and very expensive.
It is very new, and hasn't yet had a gradutating class, so there is no "track record" for Debusk.
DO schools say they're just as good as MD schools, yet their standards for the pre-med students that they admit are so much lower than MD schools... will I get a good medical education at an osteopathic school??

For UT-Memphis (and other similiar mid-tier MD schools):
- positives:
Proven "track record": no I'm not applying to Johns Hopkins, but going to an MD school I feel like I am not limited in the residencies I will compete for in the future.
Tuition: cheaper than DeBusk
MD program in general: is it better? will I be a better doctor as an MD than a DO???

- negatives:
location: UT-Memphis has a crappy looking campus, not nearly as impressive as DeBusk (this is also the case in most other mid to low-tier MD schools I have seen). Inner city location means I miss out on the rural life I love.

"considering which school to attend", and actually getting accepted to both schools so you can choose which school to attend are two different ball games...

Your MCAT is exactly what UTs average is. I've seen people with much higher scores getting rejected from UT memphis. You might be a shoe-in at that D.O. school, but you're nowhere close to being a shoe-in at UT.

My point is that you need to get accepted first before you start making assumptions, because you will notice that most people change their minds and attitudes about certain schools after they've gone to their interview. If you end up getting rejected from UT, then this thread and all the comments in it are pointless. Apply, get accepted, then start "choosing" which school you would like to go to.

good luck!

 

[chocolaterie]

yeah, I would apply to both. There's no guarantee you'll get in (unless you have it in writing). I would also not let the "newness" of something be the only deciding factor. In the end, people go to where they can get accepted. As another poster added, the decision may ultimately be made for you.

As for DO's, the face of medicine is changing (whether ppl like it or not). I've been shadowing at the Mayo Hospital in AZ, and I've met a fantastic Anesthesiologist who is a DO. Of course, if you choose this route, you will probably encounter questions/opinions about it.

 

[ZeusonRoids]

I'm a resident of Tennessee, and have been all of my life. I have been wondering about my future as a doctor, and whether I should seriously consider going to an osteopathic medical school that has recently (about 3 years ago, I believe) been started in TN, DeBusk COM. I believe I can get in to an allopathic program, however (probably UT-memphis, among others). What do yall think?

Here's the facts:
I have a GPA of 3.75, MCAT = 30N, and decent extraculicular activities.

For DeBusk (DO school):
- positives:
I've heard this is a state of the art campus. I'm talking INCREDIBLE technology in the labs, lecture halls, and throughout the building. Everyone that has visited here says nothing but great things about this school.
It is close to home. I'm from the Cumberland Plateau, and DeBusk is located directly in the Cumberland Gap.
I'm probably a shoe in: I recently met the son of the doctor who STARTED the college, and he said I'm practically guaranteed.

- negatives:
Residency competition: I've shadowed a doctor that screen applicants for his residency program, and he doesn't even consider DO's.
Its a private school, and very expensive.
It is very new, and hasn't yet had a gradutating class, so there is no "track record" for Debusk.
DO schools say they're just as good as MD schools, yet their standards for the pre-med students that they admit are so much lower than MD schools... will I get a good medical education at an osteopathic school??

For UT-Memphis (and other similiar mid-tier MD schools):
- positives:
Proven "track record": no I'm not applying to Johns Hopkins, but going to an MD school I feel like I am not limited in the residencies I will compete for in the future.
Tuition: cheaper than DeBusk
MD program in general: is it better? will I be a better doctor as an MD than a DO???

- negatives:
location: UT-Memphis has a crappy looking campus, not nearly as impressive as DeBusk (this is also the case in most other mid to low-tier MD schools I have seen). Inner city location means I miss out on the rural life I love.

I think it would be a HUGE mistake to go to the DO school over the MD school.

1.you be surrounded by people who WANTED to go to MD school instead of a significant portion of the DO class having settled for DO school because they could not get into MD school (I know I am going to get **** for saying that but it is the truth and anyone who says otherwise is full of BS)

2. You will have an alumni base at the MD school that will not be in place at the DO school (this could help with jobs/residency)

3. If you are a guy your girlfriend will be able to brag about her MD boyfriend rather than having to justify just what the hell a DO is to her friends. It may not make a difference in how you practice, but it would be really crappy explaining to everyone what a DO is for the rest of your life...

4. Uhh...the MD school costs way less money

5. All other things being equal I think the person who went to MD school is going to get the nod over the person who went to DO school in all aspects of life (Practice, girlfriends/boyfriends, money, residency...)



Sorry to piss everyone off, but I try to be honest.

BTW you do not need to tell me that a DO can practice in the same specialities and hospitals as an MD, because I already know. I have nothing against DOs at all so don't get pissed at me for that either.

 

[phospho]

I think it would be a HUGE mistake to go to the DO school over the MD school.

1.you be surrounded by people who WANTED to go to MD school instead of a significant portion of the DO class having settled for DO school because they could not get into MD school (I know I am going to get **** for saying that but it is the truth and anyone who says otherwise is full of BS)

2. You will have an alumni base at the MD school that will not be in place at the DO school (this could help with jobs/residency)

3. If you are a guy your girlfriend will be able to brag about her MD boyfriend rather than having to justify just what the hell a DO is to her friends. It may not make a difference in how you practice, but it would be really crappy explaining to everyone what a DO is for the rest of your life...

4. Uhh...the MD school costs way less money

5. All other things being equal I think the person who went to MD school is going to get the nod over the person who went to DO school in all aspects of life (Practice, girlfriends/boyfriends, money, residency...)



Sorry to piss everyone off, but I try to be honest.

BTW you do not need to tell me that a DO can practice in the same specialities and hospitals as an MD, because I already know. I have nothing against DOs at all so don't get pissed at me for that either.

 

[beckhunter116]

I think it would be a HUGE mistake to go to the DO school over the MD school.

1.you be surrounded by people who WANTED to go to MD school instead of a significant portion of the DO class having settled for DO school because they could not get into MD school (I know I am going to get **** for saying that but it is the truth and anyone who says otherwise is full of BS)

2. You will have an alumni base at the MD school that will not be in place at the DO school (this could help with jobs/residency)

3. If you are a guy your girlfriend will be able to brag about her MD boyfriend rather than having to justify just what the hell a DO is to her friends. It may not make a difference in how you practice, but it would be really crappy explaining to everyone what a DO is for the rest of your life...

4. Uhh...the MD school costs way less money

5. All other things being equal I think the person who went to MD school is going to get the nod over the person who went to DO school in all aspects of life (Practice, girlfriends/boyfriends, money, residency...)



Sorry to piss everyone off, but I try to be honest.

BTW you do not need to tell me that a DO can practice in the same specialities and hospitals as an MD, because I already know. I have nothing against DOs at all so don't get pissed at me for that either.

1) Funny there should be another category of students: those that just want to go to medical school.

3) & 5) Really...I mean REALLY!!! If a boy/girlfriend were to brag it should be that there significant other is a med student or physician not just use the MD or DO title. And most likely they won't be bragging, they'll be b**ching about how there partners are tired, depressed, overworked, irritable, never have time for them b/c they have to study, are on-call, ect! The practice and money have been discussed many times and no differences--people need to negotiate the best contract for themselves, independant from their title. Yes, some residencies may not look at DO's. These are shrinking.

To the OP, apply to as many schools as you can. Hopefully, you will have a few acceptances. Choose the school best for you! Whether it is an MD or DO, the hard work is up to you to get into the best residency that you can.

 

[liquid8r]

I think it would be a HUGE mistake to go to the DO school over the MD school.

1.you be surrounded by people who WANTED to go to MD school instead of a significant portion of the DO class having settled for DO school because they could not get into MD school (I know I am going to get **** for saying that but it is the truth and anyone who says otherwise is full of BS)

2. You will have an alumni base at the MD school that will not be in place at the DO school (this could help with jobs/residency)

3. If you are a guy your girlfriend will be able to brag about her MD boyfriend rather than having to justify just what the hell a DO is to her friends. It may not make a difference in how you practice, but it would be really crappy explaining to everyone what a DO is for the rest of your life...

4. Uhh...the MD school costs way less money

5. All other things being equal I think the person who went to MD school is going to get the nod over the person who went to DO school in all aspects of life (Practice, girlfriends/boyfriends, money, residency...)



Sorry to piss everyone off, but I try to be honest.

BTW you do not need to tell me that a DO can practice in the same specialities and hospitals as an MD, because I already know. I have nothing against DOs at all so don't get pissed at me for that either.

Some things change, but SDN never does.

 

[RySerr21]

I think it would be a HUGE mistake to go to the DO school over the MD school.

1.you be surrounded by people who WANTED to go to MD school instead of a significant portion of the DO class having settled for DO school because they could not get into MD school (I know I am going to get **** for saying that but it is the truth and anyone who says otherwise is full of BS)

2. You will have an alumni base at the MD school that will not be in place at the DO school (this could help with jobs/residency)

3. If you are a guy your girlfriend will be able to brag about her MD boyfriend rather than having to justify just what the hell a DO is to her friends. It may not make a difference in how you practice, but it would be really crappy explaining to everyone what a DO is for the rest of your life...

4. Uhh...the MD school costs way less money

5. All other things being equal I think the person who went to MD school is going to get the nod over the person who went to DO school in all aspects of life (Practice, girlfriends/boyfriends, money, residency...)



Sorry to piss everyone off, but I try to be honest.

BTW you do not need to tell me that a DO can practice in the same specialities and hospitals as an MD, because I already know. I have nothing against DOs at all so don't get pissed at me for that either.

You're an idiot.

Sorry to piss you off, but I try to be honest.

 

[JaggerPlate]

3. If you are a guy your girlfriend will be able to brag about her MD boyfriend rather than having to justify just what the hell a DO is to her friends. It may not make a difference in how you practice, but it would be really crappy explaining to everyone what a DO is for the rest of your life...

ROFLMAO ROFLMAO ROFLLLLLLLLLLL

Jesus Christ, officially the best MD v DO thing I have read on SDN ever. Wow, I seriously may need to put this in my signature. Holy ****. God I am actually laughing at my computer screen right now. Agree with Ry ... gloriously stupid. Inspired ... just wow.

OP - apply to both, see where you get in, evaluate on the factors that are important to you - having an MD, location, costs, alumni, BRAGGING RIGHTS FOR YOU GIRLFRIEND, etc ... then make your decision.

 

[WeAreNotRobots]

I think it would be a HUGE mistake to go to the DO school over the MD school.

i hope you apply only to MD's and get rejected from all of them. then, your friends/family/advisors recommend that you apply to DO's, but you're too stubborn to consider that route, so you reapply to only MD's and end up failing a second application cycle. then you finally swallow your pride and apply DO in a third cycle, only to get rejected from all of those schools as well. and then you have to deal with explaining to your girlfriend how you couldn't even get into a "DO school"...which, apparently, she wouldn't even understand anyway.

really, i wish this upon you.

 

[3dee]

i hope you apply only to md's and get rejected from all of them. Then, your friends/family/advisors recommend that you apply to do's, but you're too stubborn to consider that route, so you reapply to only md's and end up failing a second application cycle. Then you finally swallow your pride and apply do in a third cycle, only to get rejected from all of those schools as well. And then you have to deal with explaining to your girlfriend how you couldn't even get into a "do school"...which, apparently, she wouldn't even understand anyway.

Really, i wish this upon you.

lol!!!!!

 

[Dookter]

As someone said above, you're definitely not guaranteed a spot at UT/ETSU in Tennessee, so this question might not be worth asking just yet. However, I think you need to apply to every single MD school in the country that takes students with reasonable stats. I know nothing about this DO school you're talking about....which is a a bad thing. If you want to go to a DO school, why not pick one of the well established ones? The bottom line is that you'll have to decide where you fall in the MD/DO battle. Opinions range from "what is a DO?" to "DOs can do ANYTHING anyone else can do." Pick for yourself. However, if there is a choice between UT-Memphis and any DO school in the country, it seems that the choice would be obvious. You have an established MD school in the middle of a huge medical center that is known for giving top notch clinical training. It won't get any better than that. The reasoning all these DO-lovers on here will give for going to a DO school when they don't get into the MD schools is that "you just want to be a doctor, right?" Well, if you want to be a doctor the training doesn't get much better than what you'll receive at UT-Memphis.

EDIT: If you don't get into UT or any other MD schools, feel free to go to the DO school is that's what you want. My comments above aren't meant to convince you not to attend a DO school. I am speaking specifically about attending a new, unknown DO school over UT-Memphis.

 

[starfishprime]

This question is trivial and of no interest.

Were the question "New upstart MD vs. Old, highly regarded DO?" there would be room for debate. Do you really think there can be any question of "Established MD vs. New upstart DO"?

If you answered yes, I have a question for you:
Does my 22N MCAT make up for my 2.4GPA?

 

[Gut Shot]

For UT-Memphis (and other similiar mid-tier MD schools):
- positives:
Proven "track record": no I'm not applying to Johns Hopkins, but going to an MD school I feel like I am not limited in the residencies I will compete for in the future.
Tuition: cheaper than DeBusk

Hmmm, established school with proven record for less money...

You don't even need to frame this as MD vs. DO; the cheaper, "proven" school will win every time. You may think this decision (assuming you have to make it) is about the four years you'll spend in medical school, but it's actually not. It's about everything that comes after, which will comprise the majority of your life. Maintaining maximum flexibility, both financial and specialty-wise, is rarely a bad bet.

Inner city location means I miss out on the rural life I love.

I also prefer rural environments, but you should train where there are patients and pathology. The countryside will still be there when you are finished, and who knows? The city just might broaden your horizons a bit. Heck, Memphis isn't even much of a city. Twenty minutes in the car and you can be in the middle of nowhere.

 

[fahimaz7]

Obviously both schools are educating physicians.. But, which one is going to close more doors down the road? If it was me, I would go MD if I was accepted to an MD program.

Kinda sucks.. But it's how it is these days.

 

[Bacchus]

This question is trivial and of no interest.

Were the question "New upstart MD vs. Old, highly regarded DO?" there would be room for debate. Do you really think there can be any question of "Established MD vs. New upstart DO"?

If you answered yes, I have a question for you:
Does my 22N MCAT make up for my 2.4GPA?

You won't get in anywhere.

 

[Bacchus]

You won't get in anywhere.

I would take the MD school because of its cost and because it has students rotating and matching. Once Debusk gets students rotating and matching a comparison can be made. Until then, you can't compare. There students will match, without a doubt, but in this instance I don't think there is much to compare.

 

[Bacchus]

I would take the MD school because of its cost and because it has students rotating and matching. Once Debusk gets students rotating and matching a comparison can be made. Until then, you can't compare. There students will match, without a doubt, but in this instance I don't think there is much to compare.

Mod posting war!!!!!!!!

Lets not turn this into MD/DO, we did well for a while.

 

[dominate]

The team physician for my university is an M.D. who went to ETSU and is from Tennessee. I talked to him about my decision to go to LMU-DCOM over my state M.D. school and he was very supportive of the decision and told me he has visited the school and the faculty are great. He also told me I could do a rotation with him anytime I wanted when the time comes. I chose LMU because of the facilities, faculty, and the attitudes of the current students. LMU-DCOM was my #2 choice in med school... I applied to ten. Emory was my #1 but not too many people get in there.... I am extremely happy with my situation.

 

[pride4jc727]

Well, right now my only acceptance of the season is at UMDNJ-SOM. I have had a great time in visiting and learning more about the school as well as what it means to be a DO and the osteopathic philosophy.

At the same time, I just had my interview at Drexel yesterday. I also liked the school. So for me, it is a good thing that I found this thread in the event I receive an offer of acceptance from Drexel. Thus, I will need to decide if I will be going to an MD or DO school.

I am open to any current med student, applicant, and alumni who wish to sell their school to me and suggest the pros and cons of Drexel and UMNDNJ-SOM. At the very least, I have a preliminary list of comparisons to go on if the situation comes down to it.

 

[melanoleuca]

At first I thought this thread was made by a troll, but you have some valid questions, so I guess I was wrong. 🙂



First off, the doc you shadowed is a jackhole. DO's are every bit as competent as MD's. Sounds like he's an old school fart who can't get over himself.

Secondly, yes, DO admission standards are slightly lower, but that doesn't mean their curriculum is any less difficult than an MD school. You will learn the exact same things an MD student will, and you will fail if you can't handle it. So if someone tries to tell you that you will be getting a substandard medical education at a DO school, they are simply full of crap.

With that said, there is still a stigma when it comes to DO's. I was talking to a nurse at work the other day, and despite the fact that she's been a nurse for 10 years, she had never heard of a DO. You'll also have to put up with a annoying idiots like the doc you've been shadowing who can't seem to understand that DO's are physicians too, but these guys will all be retired or dead soon, so nothing to worry about there. 😀

The doctor he shadowed is not a jackhole. He spoke the truth. Many MD residency programs will not even consider DOs and, since there are more MD residency positions than DO ones, you automatically limit yourself statistically. Sure, you can do a DO residency in most specialties but an MD applicant with the same qualifications has a larger pool in which to fish. The jackhole doctor's program may be competitive enough where they can pick and choose and, all things being equal they have plenty of MD applicants.

MD over DO? Unless you really have a lot invested in the DO philosophy (which many DO students do not as they applied to both MD and DO schools) it's no contest. MD school, even if isn't as shiney and happy as the DO school. Are you crazy?

 

[Stratego]

Personally, I'd pick the grungy, cheap school over the state-of-the-art, expensive school. But maybe because it's new they'll offer scholarships to entice you, considering your stats are better than decent for the average DO school. Then you'd be close to home, which is obviously a priority for you, OP, and less in debt.

 

[Eudjinn]

I think it would be a HUGE mistake to go to the DO school over the MD school.

1.you be surrounded by people who WANTED to go to MD school instead of a significant portion of the DO class having settled for DO school because they could not get into MD school (I know I am going to get **** for saying that but it is the truth and anyone who says otherwise is full of BS)

2. You will have an alumni base at the MD school that will not be in place at the DO school (this could help with jobs/residency)

3. If you are a guy your girlfriend will be able to brag about her MD boyfriend rather than having to justify just what the hell a DO is to her friends. It may not make a difference in how you practice, but it would be really crappy explaining to everyone what a DO is for the rest of your life...

4. Uhh...the MD school costs way less money

5. All other things being equal I think the person who went to MD school is going to get the nod over the person who went to DO school in all aspects of life (Practice, girlfriends/boyfriends, money, residency...)



Sorry to piss everyone off, but I try to be honest.

BTW you do not need to tell me that a DO can practice in the same specialities and hospitals as an MD, because I already know. I have nothing against DOs at all so don't get pissed at me for that either.

OMG my gf broke up with me for exactly this reason! When I told her I was going to DO school, at first she was happy that I was going to be able to help her with her pilates, but then she grew tired of people telling her that pilates instructor does not equal physician. She broke up with me and started dating an MD student.

Lucky for me, since I attend a DO school I am obviously very flexible so I was able to slip under her garage door and use a special blend of valerian root and robitussin to induce a relaxed state of PCP-like dysphoria in her. I then chained her up in my basement and I feed her a bucket of fish heads once a week and make her watch Tae Bo and Core Rhythms videos round the clock. Being a DO student rocks!

 

[Dissected]

For DeBusk (DO school):
- positives:
I've heard this is a state of the art campus. I'm talking INCREDIBLE technology in the labs, lecture halls, and throughout the building. Everyone that has visited here says nothing but great things about this school.
It is close to home. I'm from the Cumberland Plateau, and DeBusk is located directly in the Cumberland Gap.
I'm probably a shoe in: I recently met the son of the doctor who STARTED the college, and he said I'm practically guaranteed.

- negatives:
Residency competition: I've shadowed a doctor that screen applicants for his residency program, and he doesn't even consider DO's.
Its a private school, and very expensive.
It is very new, and hasn't yet had a gradutating class, so there is no "track record" for Debusk.
DO schools say they're just as good as MD schools, yet their standards for the pre-med students that they admit are so much lower than MD schools... will I get a good medical education at an osteopathic school??

For UT-Memphis (and other similiar mid-tier MD schools):
- positives:
Proven "track record": no I'm not applying to Johns Hopkins, but going to an MD school I feel like I am not limited in the residencies I will compete for in the future.
Tuition: cheaper than DeBusk
MD program in general: is it better? will I be a better doctor as an MD than a DO???

- negatives:
location: UT-Memphis has a crappy looking campus, not nearly as impressive as DeBusk (this is also the case in most other mid to low-tier MD schools I have seen). Inner city location means I miss out on the rural life I love.

[/quote]

Be entirely sure that you want to go to a brand new school. I turned down an acceptance at a new school (in lieu of another of course ) that was in my home state because there was no history of board scores or residency matching. Know the risks that entail a newer program such as the one you are looking at, but it would also be really neat to be a pioneering student of the first few classes. The past few new schools have done fine, but know that there will be kinks that need to be worked out and you will be a pseudo-guinea pig 😉.

You will get out what you put in at either of the above programs. If you are very intelligent, work hard, and are capable of hacking it against your peers at the MD schools that you apply to, you will do very well at a DO school but you will not be limited or "lacking" in the curriculum. There are DO students that smoke the USMLE Steps every year; its because they put in the work, just like everyone else who does well on them.

As for you, apply to a bunch of programs you think you would be interested in going to and cross this bridge when it actually comes!! You never know where you will get accepted, so apply broadly MD and DO, and see what happens. Judge a school by how it will fit with you and prepare you academically rather than the MD or DO since it sounds like you really don't mind which degree you receive. Interviewing/visiting the schools will help make this clear.

Good Luck!!

 

[Dissected]

5. All other things being equal I think the person who went to MD school is going to get the nod over the person who went to DO school in all aspects of life (Practice, girlfriends/boyfriends, money, residency...)

Baaaaahahahaha!!!

This is rich, might even be signature worthy. Made my day roids, made my day

 

[NSDQ]

It looks like your problems would be solved by attending ETSU. ETSU-Quillen College of Medicine (MD) has a very attractive campus and is located in the mountains of East TN. The two negatives you listed about UTM are two of the strengths of ETSU. Looks like a no brainer to me.... you should go to ETSU (if your lucky enough to get accepted)!

 

[Kaustikos]

You won't get in anywhere.

I would take the MD school because of its cost and because it has students rotating and matching. Once Debusk gets students rotating and matching a comparison can be made. Until then, you can't compare. There students will match, without a doubt, but in this instance I don't think there is much to compare.

Mod posting war!!!!!!!!

Lets not turn this into MD/DO, we did well for a while.

WTF, Bacchus, do you have multiple personalities?

 

[ZeusonRoids]

1) funny there should be another category of students: Those that just want to go to medical school.

3) & 5) really...i mean really!!! If a boy/girlfriend were to brag it should be that there significant other is a med student or physician not just use the md or do title. And most likely they won't be bragging, they'll be b**ching about how there partners are tired, depressed, overworked, irritable, never have time for them b/c they have to study, are on-call, ect! The practice and money have been discussed many times and no differences--people need to negotiate the best contract for themselves, independant from their title. Yes, some residencies may not look at do's. These are shrinking.

To the op, apply to as many schools as you can. Hopefully, you will have a few acceptances. Choose the school best for you! Whether it is an md or do, the hard work is up to you to get into the best residency that you can.

medical school = md
osteopathic school = do

 

[Eudjinn]

medical school = md
osteopathic school = do

medical school = MD
AC/Refrigerator repair school = DO

 

[slick27]

Its tough to get into either MD or DO school, you'll realize this as soon as you go through the process. You will get interviews at schools you didn't think you would and you won't at schools you think you would have. In the end its a crapshoot for the average applicant which it sounds like you are. Trust me a 30 and 3.7 gpa won't get you into MD school or DO school. Its only getting tougher every year, pretty soon the 30 mcat won't be the magic number anymore. Apply early and see where your cards land. Then, if you actually have a choice to make, make it.

 

[Eudjinn]

medical school = md
osteopathic school = do

by the way in case I wasn't being clear, you are an ignorant *****. just being honest, not trying to offend.

 

[nlax30]

medical school = md
osteopathic school = do

Is there a point or are you just trying to be smart?


To the OP: Go where you want. In this case I would be hard pressed to recommend the new DO school over the cheaper option if you can tolerate the location. Nothing to do with DO vs MD as I am at a DO school, but to me location and $$ would be two of the most important factors I'd look at.

 

[ZeusonRoids]

You're an idiot.

Sorry to piss you off, but I try to be honest.

I don't really care. I am just saying what others are too "nice" to say. I am an idiot...no doubt about that.

ROFLMAO ROFLMAO ROFLLLLLLLLLLL

Jesus Christ, officially the best MD v DO thing I have read on SDN ever. Wow, I seriously may need to put this in my signature. Holy ****. God I am actually laughing at my computer screen right now. Agree with Ry ... gloriously stupid. Inspired ... just wow.

OP - apply to both, see where you get in, evaluate on the factors that are important to you - having an MD, location, costs, alumni, BRAGGING RIGHTS FOR YOU GIRLFRIEND, etc ... then make your decision.

An MD is like being lead singer/guitar player of a band
A DO is like being bass player
A DMD is like being the drummer

Sure girls will be hooking up with all 3 of them, but only the lead singer/guitar player is in the girls dreams at night. A girl does not dream about dating the bass player or the drummer.

i hope you apply only to MD's and get rejected from all of them. then, your friends/family/advisors recommend that you apply to DO's, but you're too stubborn to consider that route, so you reapply to only MD's and end up failing a second application cycle. then you finally swallow your pride and apply DO in a third cycle, only to get rejected from all of those schools as well. and then you have to deal with explaining to your girlfriend how you couldn't even get into a "DO school"...which, apparently, she wouldn't even understand anyway.

really, i wish this upon you.

awww... I feel really bad for you.
I actually got accepted to 5 MD schools...FYI

Baaaaahahahaha!!!

This is rich, might even be signature worthy. Made my day roids, made my day

Go for it...Most people are too obsessed with being politically correct to actually admit it

 

[chiz2kul]

An MD is like being lead singer/guitar player of a band
A DO is like being bass player
A DMD is like being the drummer

Sure girls will be hooking up with all 3 of them, but only the lead singer/guitar player is in the girls dreams at night. A girl does not dream about dating the bass player or the drummer.

Lol wow. That is food for thought there. That is sticky material right there. hahahaha

 

[ZeusonRoids]

Is there a point or are you just trying to be smart?


To the OP: Go where you want. In this case I would be hard pressed to recommend the new DO school over the cheaper option if you can tolerate the location. Nothing to do with DO vs MD as I am at a DO school, but to me location and $$ would be two of the most important factors I'd look at.

For the love of God people...I am not just trying to bash DOs, I am pointing out that there are differences between DO schools and MD schools (Better or worse is up to the individual to decide).

One of the major differences is OMM
another is the fact that the majority of the DO schools are for-profit (where none of the MD schools in the USA are)
another is the amount of research funding a DO school gets (Most get significantly less than MD schools)

 

[nlax30]

For the love of God people...I am not just trying to bash DOs, I am pointing out that there are differences between DO schools and MD schools (Better or worse is up to the individual to decide).

One of the major differences is OMM
another is the fact that the majority of the DO schools (if not all of them) are for-profit (where none of the MD schools in the USA are)

I know you're not intentionally trying to bash DOs, but what you are posting are over generalizations that are your personal opinions and not fact.

And that last part, where the heck did you get this??? The ONLY "for-profit" DO school is the new RVU that just opened, and a lot of us already have strong opinions on that.

 

[atomi]

An MD is like being lead singer/guitar player of a band
A DO is like being bass player
A DMD is like being the drummer

Sure girls will be hooking up with all 3 of them, but only the lead singer/guitar player is in the girls dreams at night. A girl does not dream about dating the bass player or the drummer.

The is the dumbest thing I have ever read in my 15 years on the internet. I honestly did not expect to find it on a medical student discussion forum.

 

[Bacchus]

Someone put one too many pennies on the rail track...the train is derailed. Closing.

OP, take the good advice in here and run with it. You can ask in pre-osteo people's opinion of Debusk where you will get better answers.