Need help with the "whats the diff b2n MD/DO" you get from snobby relatives

[snuffles04]

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anyone else in the same boat?

 

[Fermata]

Are you really that uncreative?


How about: "Just two letters".

 

[calichik]

I usually tell others that D.O.s and M.D.s are the same in that they are both complete licensed physicians in the U.S. The difference is that D.O.s have a different philosophy in approaching medicine and have the advantage of using OMM to help treat/diagnose patients. I try to keep it as simple as that to avoid going into detail.

 

[mblum151]

One good thing I say is that the difference between a DO and an MD is the difference between getting a BA and a BS. I tell my family that DOs have to take boards just like MDs, get paid the same, take the same classes, and are equal...In fact, DO students have to take more classes than MDs. The big difference is in the philossphy...Hope this helps.

I usually tell others that D.O.s and M.D.s are the same in that they are both complete licensed physicians in the U.S. The difference is that D.O.s have a different philosophy in approaching medicine and have the advantage of using OMM to help treat/diagnose patients. I try to keep it as simple as that to avoid going into detail.

 

[specialkay]

As a proud DO student ... I just do not care. My parent's friends even asked me if I was going to be a "real doctor" at the end ... oye vey!! I usually give the same rundown as mblum151 ...

Its more about YOUR attitude about what you are doing ... I usually just feel bad for people who want to compare you to themselves or their children ... these are the same people who will ask you how much you are making in the future ... and I come from a family of MD's, foreign born so its even harder for them to understand.

At the last party I was at over the holidays (in a v. snobby area of S. Cali in a v. large house) I ran into the father of an old classmate who is doing very well at Large MD School. He barely looked up at me while he was eating and told me how well his daughter is doing, second-best board score in the US, going to specialize in super-great surgery specialty with an emphasis in one body part, blah blah blah. His arrogance was appalling ... and yet, I felt sorry for him because if that's what he needs to feel good about himself then so be it.

I just looked up at him and said - "well, if I ever need an operation in that body part, I know who to call!" and walked away. I think its great his child is doing so well, studying so hard and focusing on surgery, which I think is the last thing I would ever do.

Your life and my life is no better or worse than anyone else's due to career or income. Happiness should lie in your heart, knowing you are a good person treating your friends and family with love and integrity. What comes before my name in the hospital is "doctor" either way - what comes after is inconsequential, unless you need an adjustment, then it better be DO!

So, when these people approach you with their terrible attitude, remember that one day they will:

a) complain to you about how their MD spends two minutes with them
b) talk about how great holistic health is
c) finally acknowledge that DO is the same, if not a little bit better 😉 (Okay, opinion, pls. don't flame me!)
d) look at you a completely different way.

So, all you can do is alleviate their ignorance with kindness and hope that they educate themselves about the difference in the future - much like our future patients!!

 

[Buckeye(OH)]

Just wait till you get your first paycheck. Then tell them to **** off.

That's my plan at least.

 

[medanthgirl]

As a proud DO student ... I just do not care. My parent's friends even asked me if I was going to be a "real doctor" at the end ... oye vey!! I usually give the same rundown as mblum151 ...

Its more about YOUR attitude about what you are doing ... I usually just feel bad for people who want to compare you to themselves or their children ... these are the same people who will ask you how much you are making in the future ... and I come from a family of MD's, foreign born so its even harder for them to understand.

At the last party I was at over the holidays (in a v. snobby area of S. Cali in a v. large house) I ran into the father of an old classmate who is doing very well at Large MD School. He barely looked up at me while he was eating and told me how well his daughter is doing, second-best board score in the US, going to specialize in super-great surgery specialty with an emphasis in one body part, blah blah blah. His arrogance was appalling ... and yet, I felt sorry for him because if that's what he needs to feel good about himself then so be it.

I just looked up at him and said - "well, if I ever need an operation in that body part, I know who to call!" and walked away. I think its great his child is doing so well, studying so hard and focusing on surgery, which I think is the last thing I would ever do.

Your life and my life is no better or worse than anyone else's due to career or income. Happiness should lie in your heart, knowing I am a good person treating my friends and family well. What comes before my name in the hospital is "doctor" either way - what comes after is inconsequential, unless you need an adjustment, then it better be DO!

So, when these people approach you with their terrible attitude, remember that one day they will:

a) complain to you about how the MD spends two minutes with them
b) talk about how great holistic health is
c) finally acknowledge that DO is the same, if not a little bit better 😉 (Okay, opinion, pls. don't flame me!)
d) look at you a completely different way.

So, all you can do is alleviate their ignorance with kindness and hope that they educate themselves about the difference in the future - much like our future patients!!

what a great attitude!!! you are my hero!!

 

[specialkay]

what a great attitude!!! you are my hero!!

Thanks!! You are so sweet! You made my day! 🙂

 

[Echinoidea]

I usually make up some really sarcastic answer like "we take all of our exams with crayons and safety scissors"

 

[Assembler]

A little joke from a DO I know:

'When people ask me what the difference between an MD and a DO is, I tell them I can quantify it for them exactly: $65 dollars'

(In reference to the CA DO/MD Merger)

 

[llort]

I was trying to explain DO to a friend of mine, and her reply was:

"so, you are going to be like a medicine man?" to which I quickly backhanded her. stupid ho.

 

[topworm]

I was trying to explain DO to a friend of mine, and her reply was:

"so, you are going to be like a medicine man?" to which I quickly backhanded her. stupid ho.

HAHAHAHA

Thats good stuff

 

[JohnDO]

I've found that most people are willing to listen and learn if you take the time to explain it. I usually give them an extremely brief overview. If they seem interested (or ask why have two professions that do the same thing), I go into the historical details.

The other day I asked someone if they knew the difference between MDs and DOs (after explaining that I would be earning a DO and not an MD). He said "isn't it like the national league and the american league? One was founded out of distaste for the other, but now they both just play baseball."

He obviously knew a little bit about the history, which I was extremely happy to see.

 

[JimmyMallo]

I was explaining it to my sister in law the other day (she has a masters in biology and is finishing her PhD as we speek) and she cut me off and said in a very indignent tone "I'm a PhD candidate, you don't have to explain it, I know what a bone doctor does, they research bone disease!" I had to bust out laughing!! Guess I'm glad I'm not in it for the noteriety Gotta love it 🙄

 

[MasterShakeDO]

I've found that most people are willing to listen and learn if you take the time to explain it. I usually give them an extremely brief overview. If they seem interested (or ask why have two professions that do the same thing), I go into the historical details.

The other day I asked someone if they knew the difference between MDs and DOs (after explaining that I would be earning a DO and not an MD). He said "isn't it like the national league and the american league? One was founded out of distaste for the other, but now they both just play baseball."

He obviously knew a little bit about the history, which I was extremely happy to see.

That is the greatest analogy that I've ever heard. 👍 I guess that OMM is the DH. I hope your friend doesn't mind if I use that.

 

[jkhamlin]

I don't generally have this problem with relatives (except occasionally when someone marries into the family) because my uncle is a DO and everyone understands in my family (and they like trying to get free medical care).
But, true story:
My uncle (the DO) has a friend who was a chiropractor. This DC went to medical school and earned an MD. When he returned to the town my uncle was in and visited my uncle in his clinic to tell him what he had accomplished, my uncle told him "Now you are almost a DO!" 😛

 

[saxman]

"The medical education is the same except that I am learning interesting theories of how the nervous system, muscles and skeleton influence health and disease. My school is particularly strong in teaching clinical anatomy and pediatrics, but overall emphasizes family practice. I bought a T shirt that says 'Marcus Welby, D.O.' I can specialize if I want to after graduation, and D.O.s and M.D.s can compete for many of the same specialty training programs."

This is almost an exact statement I made to my relatives and former girl friend in 1975 while attending a family party. I was asked to describe my experiences at medical school. My parents were very satisfied with that statement. My brother asked me about his sinus condition. 1/3 of my other relatives were impressed. 1/3 of my relatives were not convinced. 1/3 of my relatives were too busy having sexual fantasies to care. My girl friend said I was going to be a quack, and asked when I would be getting my MD degree. That's why she is my "former" girl friend.

Thirty years later my description remains true. Yes, I have experienced discrimination from the arrogant and ignorant. I have also been greatly appreciated by many for my professional services. I was able to serve my country as a medical officer in the Armed Services. I was able to specialize and participate in teaching other DOs, MDs, and other health professionals and play a role in shaping their careers. Sure, I made mistakes along the way, but also did many things right. Most of my classmates have similar experiences. Would life have been better for me as an M.D.? Nope! I wouldn't have met my wife, wouldn't have had my two wonderful children, and wouldn't have had the many friendships and experiences that my career made possible.

Who cares what your snobby relatives think? Osteopathic Medicine is an honorable profession, and provides you with an opportunity to serve others. The D.O. degree does open the door for many types of careers in health care and academia. What you make of your medical education and degree is up to you! If M.D.s are the New England Patriots of Health Care, then the D.O.s are most certainly the Philadelphia Eagles.

P.S. Eagles better win this Sunday! LOL.

 

[MasterShakeDO]

If M.D.s are the New England Patriots of Health Care, then the D.O.s are most certainly the Philadelphia Eagles.

P.S. Eagles better win this Sunday! LOL.

Or the Pats are Apollo Creed and the Iggles are Rocky Balboa...
E-A-G-L-E-S...EAGLES!!!!

 

[FireR1E4]

If M.D.s are the New England Patriots of Health Care, then the D.O.s are most certainly the Philadelphia Eagles.

Or the Pats are Apollo Creed and the Iggles are Rocky Balboa...
E-A-G-L-E-S...EAGLES!!!!

C'mon now ... the Pats are all about teamwork, everyone interdependent, more than the sum of their parts, what one does affects the whole team ... the Pats must be the DOs! 🙂 Go Pats!

 

[OSUdoc08]

C'mon now ... the Pats are all about teamwork, everyone interdependent, more than the sum of their parts, what one does affects the whole team ... the Pats must be the DOs! 🙂 Go Pats!

example: Brady's interceptions during the game vs. Miami Dolphins


Go PHILLY

 

[Chronotropic]

I refuse to associate myself with the patriots......

 

[gbiz]

not really two letters... md... do, replace m and the o, and flip!!!! 🙂

Are you really that uncreative?


How about: "Just two letters".