***Official "Can a DO be a ______?" thread***

[Beau Geste]

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Since there's been a plethora of questions related to "Can a DO be a ______?" and others of the like, I thought I would start an official go-to thread.

People who have serious questions about DO specialties should post here and I promise not to be snarky, and I hope other pre-DOs will help out sincerely as well.

Hopefully the mods like this idea and it sticks around.

 

[TexasTriathlete]

Can a DO be a doctor?

 

[Beau Geste]

Can a DO be a doctor?

Hey - this is for serious inquiries! Ask that question in one of the other "can a DO.." threads 😀

 

[DocRawk]

Here's the long answer for all future posts on this thread:.........................wait for it..................................................just a bit longer....................................................YES!!!

 

[Phenol312]

wouldn't it be quicker to post what a DO could not practice as opposed to what DO's are able to practice?

Side note: I'm trying to find a way to explain the whole DO/MD thing to my parents and they aren't understanding it so well does anyone know of a simple website (my parents aren't internet literate) that they could look at or something along those lines?

 

[DocRawk]

http://www.osteopathic.org/index.cfm?PageID=ado_whatis

 

[Tanner82]

Here's a list... feel free to add....

A DO CAN SPECIALIZE IN......
Addiction Medicine
Anesthesiology
Asthma, Allergy & Immunology
Breast-Cancer Surgery
Cardiac Surgery
Cardiology
Colorectal Surgery
Critical Care
Dermatology
Emergency Medicine
Endocrinology
Family Medicine
Gastroenterology
General Surgery
Geriatrics
Gynecologic Oncology
Gynecology
Hand Surgery
Head and Neck Surgery
Headache
Hematology
Infectious Diseases
Infertility Medicine
Internal Medicine
Neonatology
Nephrology
Neurology
Neuro-ophthalmology
Neurosurgery
Nuclear Medicine
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Oncology- Medical
Oncology- Radiation
Ophthalmology
Oral/Maxillofacial Surgery
Orthopedic Surgery
Otolaryngology (ENT)
Otology
Pain Management
Pathology
Pediatrics
Pediatric Specialists
Perinatology
Physiatry
Physical Rehabilitation
Plastic/Reconstructive Surgery
Podiatry
Prostate Care
Psychiatry
Psychology
Pulmonary Medicine
Radiology
Rheumatology
Sleep Disorders
Sports Medicine
Thoracic Surgery
Transplant Surgery
Trauma Surgery
Urology
Vascular Surgery





-2007, AMA.org

 

[Tanner82]

A DO CAN SPECIALIZE IN......
Addiction Medicine
Anesthesiology
Asthma, Allergy & Immunology
Breast-Cancer Surgery
Cardiac Surgery
Cardiology
Colorectal Surgery
Critical Care
Dermatology
Emergency Medicine
Endocrinology
Family Medicine
Gastroenterology
General Surgery
Geriatrics
Gynecologic Oncology
Gynecology
Hand Surgery
Head and Neck Surgery
Headache
Hematology
Infectious Diseases
Infertility Medicine
Internal Medicine
Neonatology
Nephrology
Neurology
Neuro-ophthalmology
Neurosurgery
Nuclear Medicine
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Oncology- Medical
Oncology- Radiation
Ophthalmology
Oral/Maxillofacial Surgery
Orthopedic Surgery
Osteopathic Manipulation Therapy
Otolaryngology (ENT)
Otology
Pain Management
Pathology
Pediatrics
Pediatric Specialists
Perinatology
Physiatry
Physical Rehabilitation
Plastic/Reconstructive Surgery
Podiatry
Prostate Care
Psychiatry
Psychology
Pulmonary Medicine
Radiology
Rheumatology
Sleep Disorders
Sports Medicine
Thoracic Surgery
Transplant Surgery
Trauma Surgery
Urology
Vascular Surgery





-2007, AMA.org

 

[JaggerPlate]

Since there's been a plethora of questions related to "Can a DO be a ______?" and others of the like, I thought I would start an official go-to thread.

People who have serious questions about DO specialties should post here and I promise not to be snarky, and I hope other pre-DOs will help out sincerely as well.

Hopefully the mods like this idea and it sticks around.

Great idea!! I'll be here to give serious advice the best I can. 👍

 

[theserbatron]

somebody please add gypsy fortune telling for all the DOs in Kazakhstan.

 

[t-funk]

somebody please add gypsy fortune telling for all the DOs in Kazakhstan.

😆😆😆😆

 

[Beau Geste]

somebody please add gypsy fortune telling for all the DOs in Kazakhstan.

So you can't read? This is the serious thread. The others are for jokes 😀

 

[t-funk]

I thought he was serious.

 

[sexyman]

One of my closest friends told me he is looking for a psychiatrist for his daughter today. He then proceeded to tell me of a husband/wife combo that were referred to him that are DO/MD that are both psychiatrists that work together.

He then told me that the DO "uses hollistic approaches" and if medication is required the "MD can write the script". lol

Apparently he didnt know I am going to a DO school next year. I then informed him that DOs can write a prescription, and also brain surgery...

Thought Id share that story from today- in case anyone else is wondering if DOs can be psychiatrists and write prescriptions.

 

[TexasTriathlete]

DO's can only prescribe herbs.

 

[Jpc984]

how was kcom?

 

[Katatonic]

I understand that D.O.'s can specialize in all the things M.D.'s can, but I had a more specific question. Is it more difficult for D.O.'s to match into Pathology residencies, or is the competiveness the same no matter what? Thanks!

 

[sexyman]

Is that Sephiroth? or am i the biggest geek ever?

 

[sexyman]

O and every response to questions like

Is it more difficult for D.O.'s to match into Pathology residencies, or is the competiveness the same no matter what? Thanks!

Will most likely be answered by "It all depends upon your board scores and LOR" in this forum.

and I am counting on ^that being the truth...

 

[spicedmanna]

I understand that D.O.'s can specialize in all the things M.D.'s can, but I had a more specific question. Is it more difficult for D.O.'s to match into Pathology residencies, or is the competiveness the same no matter what? Thanks!

I don't think there is a staightforward, or easy, way to answer your question. There are many factors at play in the residency match process, such as the programs to which you apply, the biases of the program director, your board scores, LORs, whether you rotated, auditioned with, or completed a sub-i at the program, etc. I think, given these and other factors, it would be unwise to make generalizations involving, or characterizing, all DO's, since the match process depends so much on the individual. Remember, applying to a residency is like applying to get a job. These programs and teams of health care workers are going to have to work with you for years; they want someone who is going to work well with the team. Nevertheless, one should keep in mind that there are presently no osteopathic pathology residencies (at least that I'm aware of--someone correct me if I'm wrong). Therefore, any residency you'd be applying to would be allopathic. This being the case, you need to realize that although you play the same game, this isn't your home stadium. This doesn't necessarily mean much, especially if you've rotated at the site already and everyone likes you, and/or the program in question has DO residents presently, or had in the past, but this is simply another factor in the process to note. You'll need to evaluate each program, and that's really the best way to look at it.

 

[sexyman]

Ok everyone except spicedmanna or scpod who actually make good posts (unlike the garbage I post around here).

 

[Katatonic]

First of all, yes it is Sephiroth=) Nothing wrong with being a geek, FF7 changed the way I view...okay actually it just made me wish Materia were real haha.

Secondly, thank you very much for the in-depth reply. I'm still not very well versed in how the Match works or what institutions are known for what, but it definately makes sense that they are based on so many factors (LORs, rotations, scores, personality etc.). Thanks again!

 

[Saregamapadanis]

Secondly, thank you very much for the in-depth reply. I'm still not very well versed in how the Match works or what institutions are known for what, but it definately makes sense that they are based on so many factors (LORs, rotations, scores, personality etc.). Thanks again!

albeit that they focus more on scores, gpa and LORs than other factors.

 

[Beau Geste]

Ok everyone except spicedmanna or scpod who actually make good posts (unlike the garbage I post around here).

Ahem.

Speak for yourself.

















😀

 

[sexyman]

Ahem.

Speak for yourself.

ha

okay actually it just made me wish Materia were real haha.

ff7 was the greatest game ever...in my opinion atleast

 

[Katatonic]

ha



ff7 was the greatest game ever...in my opinion atleast

I definately agree, it's only been rivaled by Xenogears, but props still goes to FF7 for me.

P.S. sorry for going off-topic!

 

[sexyman]

Xenogears was great- but no FF7, not even close.

 

[TexasTriathlete]

The best video game ever is splinter cell. It really isn't even close. The only thing in the same league is wing commander. Aside from that, I don't know what y'all are talking about.

 

[sexyman]

Splinter Cell is good, also very different genre of games than Xeno and FF7 which are RPGs. In action/adventure Splinter Cell is up there.

Wow I'm a geek.

 

[TexasTriathlete]

A buddy of mine has a purple heart thanks to an RPG. It blew up right next to him in Iraq.

 

[psybrdelic]

DOs can be good neurosurgeons.

 

[TexasTriathlete]

DO neurosurgeons typically use OMT to treat neurological disorders. That is, they will open up the skull and palpate the brain to diagnose and treat any dysfunction.

 

[theserbatron]

A.T. Still "Bonesetter" dust > all prescriptions.

 

[BamaAlum]

I understand that D.O.'s can specialize in all the things M.D.'s can, but I had a more specific question. Is it more difficult for D.O.'s to match into Pathology residencies, or is the competiveness the same no matter what? Thanks!

As a current second year pathology resident, who happens to be a DO, the answer is yes. I had no problem matching, but I will say that some programs rejected me outright because I was a DO. Even still, I was offered more interviews than I could accept and I interviewed at many prestigious places. One piece of advice though. No matter what ANYONE at your school tells you, Absolutely, positively without a doubt take USMLE Step 1. If anyone tells you otherwise, slap them in the face, tell them their mother smells of elderberries and their father was a hamster. 🙂 My score is the single biggest reason I was able to match at one of top choices. Remember take USMLE Step 1!!

 

[theserbatron]

As a current second year pathology resident, who happens to be a DO, the answer is yes. I had no problem matching, but I will say that some programs rejected me outright because I was a DO. Even still, I was offered more interviews than I could accept and I interviewed at many prestigious places. One piece of advice though. No matter what ANYONE at your school tells you, Absolutely, positively without a doubt take USMLE Step 1. If anyone tells you otherwise, slap them in the face, tell them their mother smells of elderberries and their father was a hamster. 🙂 My score is the single biggest reason I was able to match at one of top choices. Remember take USMLE Step 1!!

thanks for the tip... and great monty python referrence. 👍

 

[NYC Medic]

I am very curious if DOs get the same respect as MDs?

 

[EEL08]

TexasTriathlete will be able to because his mom has an in for him at Cornell. 😉

 

[TexasTriathlete]

I think Cornell has like 30 DO's on faculty at their medical school.

 

[Shinken]

I am very curious if DOs get the same respect as MDs?

MDs get respect? 😕

(sorry, couldn't help but feed the troll)

 

[PatriotsForever]

What are you smoking bro... those are not prestigious hospitals! Go study up before you come on SDN again!

 

[Colbert]

Seriously. Stop it.


That is one ignorant question...

 

[cheezer]

OP is probably a troll, but here are two

http://www.csmc.edu/8237.html
http://www.cedars-sinai.edu/9536.html

 

[Kappy1]

DO's are very well respected in all specialties in every (not sure if that is absolute but close) major and prestigious medical institutions in the country. Their students have matched into competitive residencies at some of the most prestigious hospitals in the country. Take a look at the match lists, go to any medical school faculty directory you'll almost always find a few DO's on staff including Yale, Harvard, Hopkins etc....

 

[DrMidlife]

Note to pre-osteo posters standing up for DO: please check your spelling and grammar so we don't look like *****s. That is all.

...There students have matched into competative residencies at some of the most prestigous hospitals in the country.

 

[Tanner82]

I'm posting from UPMC (Pitt), which is a really good hospital and met a DO anesthesiologist resident today. Talked to him for a bit, he went to PCOM, and told me your school don't matter that much for most residency programs (which school or MD/DO). He said point-blank- "Study hard, kill the boards, survive your rotations, and you can do whatever you want".

 

[Kappy1]

Note to pre-osteo posters standing up for DO: please check your spelling and grammar so we don't look like *****s. That is all.

Revised for you grandma grammar. Hope you check back and see. Skipped spell check by accident. I love people who have nothing to add to the conversation but need to post something so they start checking spelling.

TTTHHIISS IIIISSS FFFFOOORRR YYYOOOUUU.

PS: look at my posting history you can find at lest one or more misspelled words per a post with terrible grammer. That should keep you busy for a few weeks. Spelling never was my thing but still made into med school.

 

[gary yoghurt]

I've heard from reliable sources that DOs can only practice at hospitals that have livestock on the facility grounds.

 

[TexasTriathlete]

Most DO's are required to provide their own livestock in situations like this. It isn't typically a big deal.

 

[DrMidlife]

Revised for you grandma grammar. Hope you check back and see. Skipped spell check by accident. I love people who have nothing to add to the conversation but need to post something so they start checking spelling.

TTTHHIISS IIIISSS FFFFOOORRR YYYOOOUUU.

PS: look at my posting history you can find at lest one or more misspelled words per a post with terrible grammer. That should keep you busy for a few weeks. Spelling never was my thing but still made into med school.

Sorry I pissed you off. I resent the stigma that DO schools are for the kids not smart enough to get into MD schools. I therefore resent evidence which supports that stigma. I expect I'll get over it.

Edit: Yeah, I should contribute. How about major league baseball physicians that are DO's? The Mariners' team physicians have included DO orthopedic surgeons since expansion created the team. That's a lot of Griffeys served.

 

[Kappy1]

Sorry I pissed you off. I resent the stigma that DO schools are for the kids not smart enough to get into MD schools. I therefore resent evidence which supports that stigma. I expect I'll get over it.

Edit: Yeah, I should contribute. How about major league baseball physicians that are DO's? The Mariners' team physicians have included DO orthopedic surgeons since expansion created the team. That's a lot of Griffeys served.

Sorry for going off on you. I thought you were just another annoying pre-med.

Look, misspelling words and grammar is not an indication of how smart you are. Everyone does it at some point. There are plenty of MD med students who are lousy at spelling and don't always use perfect grammar.

Trust me in my class, I have a lot very bright people with a decent amount choosing to go NYCOM over MD schools. Only pre-meds are have the stigma problem mainly because they are just uninformed. Both MD and DO med students understand that we will both be colleagues and will work together to make sure that patients recieve the best health care possible. I am happy to see that there is a pre-med who gets this.
I hope you are accepted to the school of your choice. Good Luck !!!!