Osteopathic Questions...

[GAdoc]

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I'm currently a pre-med. I've applied to four allopathic programs and one osteopathic program. I've been accepted to the osteopathic program I applied to. Being a DO as opposed to an MD is not an issue for me, in fact, I think many view it as an asset. However, if med school is med school, then before I sink that much time and money into an osteopathic education I want to make sure I have realistic expectations. So if anyone is bored and wants to wade through some of these questions, I'd appreciate it!

I realize I could search the AOA website for hours to try to find this info. but many of you have probably already had these questions.

If one attends an allopathic school, usually, USMLE I and II are required to graduate. Then, the graduate hopes to match into a categorical residency in his/her chosen specialty. Usually, the USMLE III is take after the internship year. This allows the resident to apply for a licence to practice in his/her state. At the completion of residency, board certification exams are usually taken by the governing body of the respective specialty. Board certification is not required to practice medicine, but if a good job is desired (and for insurance purposes) it is usualy necessary.

If one attends an osteopathic school, the COMLEX I and II are required for graduation. Then, the AOA usually recommends a rotating internship as opposed to a categorical residency. From what I understand, it is possible to match an allopathic categorical residency and skip the rotational year....IF the intern does not plan on practicing in one of five states that require the year.
1. Is this correct?
2. Say you match into an osteo. rotating internship...do you then have to re-enter the match the following year to get a residency in the specialty you desire? If you want an osteo. residency to you HAVE to do the rotating year?
3. Is the COMLEX III taken after the rotating year? Which exam is taken if you enter a categorical allopathic residency- USMLE III or COMLEX III?
4. If you complete an allopathic residency are you certified by AMA boards? I mean, if you're a D.O. surgeon who's met the requirements can you put FACS after your name?
5. Sometimes you see D.O.'s say that they are AOA members. Is the rotating internship required to attain this status?
6. How do hospital privaledges work? I mean, if I'm a cardiothoracic surgeon and a D.O. will I be able to practice in any hospital or only D.O. hospitals? Who makes the decision?

 

[Flea girl]

If one attends an osteopathic school, the COMLEX I and II are required for graduation. Then, the AOA usually recommends a rotating internship as opposed to a categorical residency. From what I understand, it is possible to match an allopathic categorical residency and skip the rotational year....IF the intern does not plan on practicing in one of five states that require the year.
1. Is this correct?

Yes and no. First of all you can go to an allopathic program for residency and then petition for your intern yr to count as the rotating internship. This is what I plan on doing. But for some that requirement is not a big issue.

2. Say you match into an osteo. rotating internship...do you then have to re-enter the match the following year to get a residency in the specialty you desire? This again depends. For a number of specialites you need a prelim or transitional yr; ie GAS, RADS, Path, Psych, ENT, OPTHO, URO, just to name a few. So, if you plan wisely you can match into both programs the same year. If you want an osteo. residency to you HAVE to do the rotating year? That is yes, as far as I know. There are also "linked" and "fast track(ie FP, OB, IM)" programs that combine everything( TY and advanced) or count your rotating year as your intern year.

3. Is the COMLEX III taken after the rotating year?
Usually, sometime during your intern year.

Which exam is taken if you enter a categorical allopathic residency- USMLE III or COMLEX III?
As as DO You need to take COMLEX 3 to be fully licensed. Regardless, of type of program you go to.

4. If you complete an allopathic residency are you certified by AMA boards? I belive so, because you do the AGME residency. If I am wrong some one please speak up. But that is what I was told. I mean, if you're a D.O. surgeon who's met the requirements can you put FACS after your name?
If you are eligable to sit for their boards you can.

5. Sometimes you see D.O.'s say that they are AOA members. Is the rotating internship required to attain this status? Again can do the petition.

6. How do hospital privaledges work? I mean, if I'm a cardiothoracic surgeon and a D.O. will I be able to practice in any hospital or only D.O. hospitals?
I believe that you would not have any problems as long as you are board certified or board eligable DO or MD does not make a difference. This is what my surgical attending told me( He is an MD).

Hope this helps! If I am wrong on anything someone speak up!