Please, I really need some help

Answering your questions:

1) RESEARCH: A good generalization is that most state-supported schools have pretty-good research departments. So, in this case, I'm guessing UNT, UMDNJ, MSU, and OSU turn out the most research. (Anyone have any other schools to add to this list?) As for a residency in nephrology or surgery, who knows. If you feel you are pretty set on specializing or doing research, why not become an MD?

2) RESIDENCY PLACEMENT: I've only seen these on a few, rare occasions. Your best bet might be to contact the school's alumni association and see what they can do for you. I'm not sure how good of an indicator this is for school quality, however. Some osteopathic schools were founded with the sole purpose of identifying and accepting those students who want to practice in underserved areas. Thus, many of these students won't be applying for ultra-competitive residencies.

3) TOP 3 DO SCHOOLS: I wish the world was that simple. I am asked this question CONSTANTLY via e-mail. I tell everyone the same thing: Find the school that is best for YOU based on YOUR criteria, not someone else's. We can argue all day about how school X is better than Y, but it won't accomplish anything. Each school has its strengths and weaknesses. It is your responsibility as an applicant to assess each school on your own and come to your own conclusions. Don't shirk that responsibility and let someone else decide what is best for you.

4) DO/PhD PROGRAMS: I'll let one of the DO/PhD students answer this one as I don't know much about the medical-scientist training programs.

Good luck.

 

I know that Ohio University receives state funding and does a lot of research (or so they state in there promotional materials) and they have a DO/PhD program (which I wasn't interested in).