I've been following this thread, and thought that I would chime in! Before I do however, I feel that I should make a few disclosures:
1. I am a fourth year M.D. med. student who is currently applying for a psychiatry residency.
2. I chose M.D. over D.O. for a very pragmatic reason. Primarily, I must admit, I chose M.D. because, as an in-state student, my tuition is very affordable--especially when compared to what I would have had to pay as an out-of-state student at the D.O. schools to which I applied (Tulsa and Kansas City).
That having been disclosed, let me assure you that there will always be people with small minds in any profession--even medicine! I have friends who have failed their USMLEs and, inevitably, have to deal with their own limitations (i.e. they're not so perfect, after all). I always remind them that, at the end of it all, they "...will still be a DOCTOR! No need to justify yourself to ANYONE." The same is true for DOs. You're going to be doctors. Screw anyone who questions you're letters--you'll never get the approval of such insecure people!
Now to my point: DOs and MDs are equal in the eyes of the law! Medical professionals are aware of that fact. Yes, there are a@#hole MDs--I know many. However, most MDs are good people, and they could care less if their co-workers are MD, DO, IMG, FMG or anything else. They want co-workers who work hard, love their job, and are collegial. Therefore, I applaud your choice of DO and wish all of you the same success that I wish my MD peers.
If I ever work with any of you, I hope that you will see me as a good physician, and not just as another arrogant MD pr@ck in a white coat.
Best wishes,
mosche
