A couple of things to consider when applying to Ortho as a DO. . .
Unlike other "competitive" programs that are difficult to match into, there are huge risks taken by DO applicants when they apply to ortho. Consider the fact that most DO Ortho programs are not "linked" with the internship year, and most DO ortho programs tend to fill the internship class with more interns interested in orhtopedics than there are residency positions to fill. This means that on day 1 of the internship, there will probably be 50 - 100% more interns (all very good on paper, hard workers, and well studied in orhto) than residency positions. The appliant must first apply to the internship, then hope to out perform (or outlast) the other orhto wanna-be's. Next, because the AOA match occurs prior to the AMA match, if you match with an AOA internship, you are taken out of the MD match. I guarantee if you are even remotely competitive for DO orthopeidics, you WILL match with at least one AOA internship that has an ortho residency to offer. I believe this is a huge factor in filling DO internships that otherwise would not fill. This is where life for the DO ortho "intern" becomes scary. If you are one of those who gets the internship, but does not match at your hospital's program, you can either apply to other orhto residency spots (but if you apply MD, you will have to repeat the internship, which is a very bitter thought and can cause funding problems ) or you can scramble for something in another specialty. When applying to other programs you are competing against other "in-house" interns who have worked their cans into the ground trying to out-do each other. If you cannot walk on water, you might as well save the $$, and vacation days (only get 10/year) instead of flying all over the upper midwest in hopes of getting that one spot. If you choose to pursue another field, consider that most of them are already filled with PGY1 people linked to the rest of the residency. Or if you go for something MD, remember that your internship will most likely not count. This really leaves finding an unfilled FP or IM DO residency to jump into.
Though it is true that there are options for DOs who want to do Ortho, every choice you make will close many other doors of opportunity. There is no way to put your "eggs" into more than "one basket." If you want ortho, you must put it all on the line, and go for it 100%, remembering that there is a real possibilty that after residency spots are finally given out, you may be left at the table, holding the check with nothing to show for it.
Also keep in mind that because programs are small (1-3 residents per year) DO ortho program directors are hesitiant to select interns who they do not know. This means you must use your elective time to go to audition rotations, and hope you look good for the 10 minutes of spotlight time you might get.
I got lucky. But I feel that I need a consult from GI now for my bleeding ulcer. I feel for those who gave it their all, and are now left out of the fun. Good Luck all you DOs who want to do Ortho!
