MD to DO

[Francon]

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I’ll try to make this as short as possible. I applied as a fairly decent candidate (3.99 GPA, 33Q MCAT, volunteering experience, full-time job, and lots of honors) to MD schools for the 2008 incoming class. I ended up getting put on two waitlists, and was finally just accepted to a really good MD school on the east coast. The catch is that I have had a family situation come up that really necessitates me not moving away. Plus, after doing some more serious thinking about MD vs. DO, I have come to realize that being DO would fall much more in line with my own personal medical philosophy. So I am applying to the DO school in my hometown for the 2009 incoming class. My questions are: (1) will not accepting the MD spot be detrimental to getting in to a DO school? (2) Do I have a good shot of getting accepted DO with my stats and the added experiences of doing CNA work and shadowing a DO? And (3) should I refrain from mentioning my MD acceptance in my DO interview – even if I explain the family situation and deciding that DO was more for me? It would be nice to hear some of your thoughts/advice.

 

[Cp22kjer]

Your stats will make you competitive at pretty much every DO school with above average gpa/mcat. You may want to work on shadowing a DO to get a LOR.

I think the application makes you state if you've been accepted to a medical school before. Be honest with them, I really don't see how its a bad thing especially if your leaning towards Osteopathic philosophy. Sounds like a genuine right reason to me. Goodluck.

 

[engineeredout]

I would think that if you explain to an adcom (if the question comes up) what you just posted then you would be fine.

 

[a817]

1) No, it is a separate application. It shouldn't be a big deal
2) Yes, you have a great shot
3) Definitely Yes, don't talk about it in an interview.

 

[thethinman]

Just my opinion, but it seems to me that having an MD acceptance in hand and shifting toward a DO program only makes your case to attend a DO school more compelling. Of course, adcoms at DO schools realize many candidates are also applying MD. I would be telling the adcom I had the MD acceptance in hand; what would be my motivation to apply DO at that point if I weren't serious about attending?

 

[roc]

maybe you can try and contact the school you are interested in attending. somehow they may accept you this year? no? it doesnt hurt to try.👍 Knowing that you already been accepted and your cicumstances MAY convey them to accept you this year...

 

[cyclohexanol]

Like others have stated, you will have no problem getting accepted. However....

Applying to DO schools because of family situations is fine. But don't delude yourself into thinking there is a unique DO philosophy. The only thing different is that you have to learn OMM. Which, while useful in certain situations, is largely not applied by many practicing physicians.

I just don't want you to realize that there really is no difference in 'philosophy' after it's already too late. So again, family situation is one thing when it comes to deciding to apply, believing that there is a unique DO 'philosophy' is quite another. Just something to consider.

Good luck

I’ll try to make this as short as possible. I applied as a fairly decent candidate (3.99 GPA, 33Q MCAT, volunteering experience, full-time job, and lots of honors) to MD schools for the 2008 incoming class. I ended up getting put on two waitlists, and was finally just accepted to a really good MD school on the east coast. The catch is that I have had a family situation come up that really necessitates me not moving away. Plus, after doing some more serious thinking about MD vs. DO, I have come to realize that being DO would fall much more in line with my own personal medical philosophy. So I am applying to the DO school in my hometown for the 2009 incoming class. My questions are: (1) will not accepting the MD spot be detrimental to getting in to a DO school? (2) Do I have a good shot of getting accepted DO with my stats and the added experiences of doing CNA work and shadowing a DO? And (3) should I refrain from mentioning my MD acceptance in my DO interview – even if I explain the family situation and deciding that DO was more for me? It would be nice to hear some of your thoughts/advice.

 

[Karen12345]

I’ll try to make this as short as possible. I applied as a fairly decent candidate (3.99 GPA, 33Q MCAT, volunteering experience, full-time job, and lots of honors) to MD schools for the 2008 incoming class. I ended up getting put on two waitlists, and was finally just accepted to a really good MD school on the east coast. The catch is that I have had a family situation come up that really necessitates me not moving away. Plus, after doing some more serious thinking about MD vs. DO, I have come to realize that being DO would fall much more in line with my own personal medical philosophy. So I am applying to the DO school in my hometown for the 2009 incoming class. My questions are: (1) will not accepting the MD spot be detrimental to getting in to a DO school? (2) Do I have a good shot of getting accepted DO with my stats and the added experiences of doing CNA work and shadowing a DO? And (3) should I refrain from mentioning my MD acceptance in my DO interview – even if I explain the family situation and deciding that DO was more for me? It would be nice to hear some of your thoughts/advice.

Would you consider deferring for a year at the MD school?

 

[Francon]

Would you consider deferring for a year at the MD school?

I thought about that, but it was my understanding that once a school is taking candidates off the waitlist, that they’re just needing to fill their class and that deferrals are pretty much not an option. Besides, it probably wouldn’t look very good to defer at the MD school, then get accepted to the DO school, and then drop my allo acceptance. Although, it would be comforting to know that I had a backup in the case that I didn’t get into the DO school. Maybe it's worth a shot to at least inquire as to the possibility of deferring.

 

[Instatewaiter]

with an extenuating circumstance like in your case, I would be surprised if the school didnt allow a deferal.

Unless it is impossible based on the time committment of your family emergency, I think you would be a fool to give up the MD acceptance especially over something as contrived as the different philosphy between MD and DO.

 

[Terpskins99]

Just my opinion, but it seems to me that having an MD acceptance in hand and shifting toward a DO program only makes your case to attend a DO school more compelling. Of course, adcoms at DO schools realize many candidates are also applying MD. I would be telling the adcom I had the MD acceptance in hand; what would be my motivation to apply DO at that point if I weren't serious about attending?

Just my opinion, but I think this would be an exceptionally stupid thing to bring up. All you'd accomplish is inadvertently implying that acceptance to an osteopathic program is less valuable than an allopathic one. Bringing up another any other school would only serve to potentially raise red flags.

The OP is perfectly fine as is.

 

[Lokhtar]

I'm going to say almost the same thing that I said to a student who got into a DO school, but wanted to try again for MD:

These days the education is standardized, you learn the same thing, with the exception of OMM. There is no philosophy difference, and if you're so keen to learn OMM, there are classes available for MDs after you graduate. It is stupidity to pass up a guaranteed medical education to pursue something else. You are wasting your time for almost no benefit.

 

[Pianodoc]

For the OP, some DO schools are supposedly known to be more "osteopathic" than others. A few things to consider:

1. Practical OMM training during clinical years (meaning you are actually using the techniques you learned during the pre-clinical years).

2. Availability of additional training in cranial osteopathy during the weekends, workshops, etc., if that's your type of thing.

My school is known to be quite osteopathic in nature, so I feel like I'm fully reaping the benefits of going to a DO school. This may not be the case for all schools. Be sure to research your school to make sure you'll get what you want before making the leap.

Your numbers are fine, but be able to demonstrate your commitment to osteopathy in a sincere way by doing some shadowing, reading, attending workshops, etc. PM if you have any questions. Good luck.

 

[Gut Shot]

Maybe it's worth a shot to at least inquire as to the possibility of deferring.

It's definitely worth a shot. What's the worst that could happen? If they say "no" then you're in the same situation you were before. By the way, this must be one helluva situation to have you pulling such an insane stunt.

Although I have never deferred an acceptance to anything, my understanding is that you will be barred from applying to other schools during the deferral year. If that's the case, applying DO with an MD "backup" won't be an option.

 

[fabu1ous]

... Maybe it's worth a shot to at least inquire as to the possibility of deferring.

I would only do this if you think your family issues are going to be resolved within the next year.

I admire the fact that you're taking the time to enter into school when it is best for you, and your family, even if that means starting a year later. Good luck!!

 

[Francon]

I would only do this if you think your family issues are going to be resolved within the next year.

I admire the fact that you're taking the time to enter into school when it is best for you, and your family, even if that means starting a year later. Good luck!!

Thank you so, so much for that. 🙂

 

[CDO2012]

I’ll try to make this as short as possible. I applied as a fairly decent candidate (3.99 GPA, 33Q MCAT, volunteering experience, full-time job, and lots of honors) to MD schools for the 2008 incoming class. I ended up getting put on two waitlists, and was finally just accepted to a really good MD school on the east coast. The catch is that I have had a family situation come up that really necessitates me not moving away. Plus, after doing some more serious thinking about MD vs. DO, I have come to realize that being DO would fall much more in line with my own personal medical philosophy. So I am applying to the DO school in my hometown for the 2009 incoming class. My questions are: (1) will not accepting the MD spot be detrimental to getting in to a DO school? (2) Do I have a good shot of getting accepted DO with my stats and the added experiences of doing CNA work and shadowing a DO? And (3) should I refrain from mentioning my MD acceptance in my DO interview – even if I explain the family situation and deciding that DO was more for me? It would be nice to hear some of your thoughts/advice.

I don't think rejecting the MD school will harm you that much, but if you are asked in an interview if you ever applied or got in to an MD school I would tell them the truth

 

[JaggerPlate]

I'm going to say almost the same thing that I said to a student who got into a DO school, but wanted to try again for MD:

These days the education is standardized, you learn the same thing, with the exception of OMM. There is no philosophy difference, and if you're so keen to learn OMM, there are classes available for MDs after you graduate. It is stupidity to pass up a guaranteed medical education to pursue something else. You are wasting your time for almost no benefit.

That just about sums it up. Whether its a DO acceptance but you kinda want to hold out for MD or an MD acceptance but the DO acceptance would work much better ... an acceptance in hand is wayyyy greater than the possibility of being accepted somewhere else. I also hope your family issues are resolved, and wish you the best of luck with all your decisions.

 

[Amy B]

If you havent started medical school, you would never have to explain anything. You certainly do not have to tell any school that you have been accepted to another school in another application cycle as long as you havent started at that school.

That being said, just because you were accepted to a school, does not mean you will be accepted this year to another school. I would weigh the choice of giving up that acceptance very very carefully before giving it up!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Good luck.

 

[GreenShirt]

Well here's the two reasons you should consider such a change:

1) You must learn OMM (the only actual difference between MD and DO) and you plan on definitely using it as an integral part of your practice because alternative therapies are important to you.
2) Your family situation is so important that you have to be within driving distance of home because the number of times you'll be able to fly from the east coast is not often enough.

Reasons why it's not a great idea:

1) You're going to spend more money on applications and travel costs for interviews.
2) You might not get into the one closest DO school to you and will end up having to travel from another school anyway.

Of course you didn't ask whether you should or not consider re-applying you asked whether it would be possible and the answer is yes. MD and DO schools aren't sworn enemies and you don't have to pick sides. The fact that you applied to one or the other doesn't have a huge bearing on your application. These schools are simply looking for able bodied candidates to fill their classes and you seem to have an excellent app.

Good luck!

 

[zoey1912]

I’ll try to make this as short as possible. I applied as a fairly decent candidate (3.99 GPA, 33Q MCAT, volunteering experience, full-time job, and lots of honors) to MD schools for the 2008 incoming class. I ended up getting put on two waitlists, and was finally just accepted to a really good MD school on the east coast. The catch is that I have had a family situation come up that really necessitates me not moving away. Plus, after doing some more serious thinking about MD vs. DO, I have come to realize that being DO would fall much more in line with my own personal medical philosophy. So I am applying to the DO school in my hometown for the 2009 incoming class. My questions are: (1) will not accepting the MD spot be detrimental to getting in to a DO school? (2) Do I have a good shot of getting accepted DO with my stats and the added experiences of doing CNA work and shadowing a DO? And (3) should I refrain from mentioning my MD acceptance in my DO interview – even if I explain the family situation and deciding that DO was more for me? It would be nice to hear some of your thoughts/advice.

I don't know if someone asked this already..(sorry if it's a repeat), but which DO school do you specifically want to go to? I don't mean to seem straightforward but the bigger concern may be you getting into that one school. With your stats and experience I am absolutely sure you will get into many D.O. schools, but does it matter for you which one?

 

[NTF]

I’ll try to make this as short as possible. I applied as a fairly decent candidate (3.99 GPA, 33Q MCAT, volunteering experience, full-time job, and lots of honors) to MD schools for the 2008 incoming class. I ended up getting put on two waitlists, and was finally just accepted to a really good MD school on the east coast. The catch is that I have had a family situation come up that really necessitates me not moving away. Plus, after doing some more serious thinking about MD vs. DO, I have come to realize that being DO would fall much more in line with my own personal medical philosophy. So I am applying to the DO school in my hometown for the 2009 incoming class. My questions are: (1) will not accepting the MD spot be detrimental to getting in to a DO school? (2) Do I have a good shot of getting accepted DO with my stats and the added experiences of doing CNA work and shadowing a DO? And (3) should I refrain from mentioning my MD acceptance in my DO interview – even if I explain the family situation and deciding that DO was more for me? It would be nice to hear some of your thoughts/advice.

Can't imagine that any DO school wouldn't want you. And unless they flat out ask, I don't think you need to mention your MD acceptance. (Although I can't remember if AACOMAS asked if you ever applied to or matriculated at another school.)

Although your post is giving me the heebie-jeebies because with your numbers I can't believe you only got waitlisted at two places rather than flat out accepted at more places. Did you start your application late?

 

[Francon]

I don't know if someone asked this already..(sorry if it's a repeat), but which DO school do you specifically want to go to? I don't mean to seem straightforward but the bigger concern may be you getting into that one school. With your stats and experience I am absolutely sure you will get into many D.O. schools, but does it matter for you which one?

Yeah, I would absolutely love to attend DMU. After getting waitlisted at the two MD schools, I toured DMU and spoke with a rep and absolutely fell in love with the school.

 

[Francon]

Can't imagine that any DO school wouldn't want you. And unless they flat out ask, I don't think you need to mention your MD acceptance. (Although I can't remember if AACOMAS asked if you ever applied to or matriculated at another school.)

Although your post is giving me the heebie-jeebies because with your numbers I can't believe you only got waitlisted at two places rather than flat out accepted at more places. Did you start your application late?

My application was certified by AMCAS by the end of July and I had all of my secondaries in by mid to late August. I think that my lack of clinical experience (only volunteered at a hospital for about 1 1/2 years) did me in because my two interviews went well. And that's why I'm finishing up a CNA course so that I can get paid for getting tons more clinical experience. Plus I'm hooking up with a great DO to shadow for awhile as well. I was one of those non-trads who had to work primarly full time to finish her undergrad education (I'm in my late 20s).

 

[facetguy]

Can't imagine that any DO school wouldn't want you. And unless they flat out ask, I don't think you need to mention your MD acceptance. (Although I can't remember if AACOMAS asked if you ever applied to or matriculated at another school.)

AACOMAS asks 'have you ever matriculated in or attended any med school as a DO or MD candidate?', to which you could honestly answer 'No'.

 

[Amy B]

Can't imagine that any DO school wouldn't want you.

Although your post is giving me the heebie-jeebies because with your numbers I can't believe you only got waitlisted at two places rather than flat out accepted at more places. Did you start your application late?

Just because an applicant has high numbers does not mean they are going to be accepted. I know of a bunch of 4.0, 30+ applicants that have been rejected. Most of the time it is because they lack in personality and dont interview well. Im not saying that is the case with the OP, just saying high numbers is not enough.

Good luck to everyone appying this year.