Podiatry - DO degree after?

[VolibearMain]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Hey guys I posted a question similar to this on the MD thread, wasn't able to get a close enough answer but considering there are a few adcoms Ive heard of on here.

Long story short I am a first year podiatry student,
My undergrad cGPA was something like a 3.387 ~ 3.4 (I took a few cc classes since my gpa was last calculated and got an A and an A-).
I calculated my science gpa since that post its at a 3.3 as well. (I did take engineering/ higher level physics not sure if that counts for any consideration)
My unexpired MCAT is a 501 (January 2016)

After I finish podiatry school - would I be allowed to apply to the regular DO programs (with the exception of NOVA which has some special program for podiatry students)
Would they be able to consider my GPA here when I apply? Its pretty common for people at my school to get a 3.5-4.0

 

[bears1992]

Your pre-podiatry stats should have been good enough for most of DO schools. I'm not sure why you would want to finish Podiatry school and then start all over with DO. If everything went according to plan, you would have 500k+ in student debt after 8 years of medical school. Why not apply DO right now while you are currently enrolled in Podiatry school?

I've seen many posts on here from pharmacists/chiropractors/podiatrists asking the same question and the responses generally fall along the lines of "your professional degree is going to have very little affect on your application". You would probably need an adcom to comment on that aspect of it.

 

[Sculptura]

Excuse me, but why the **** would you get a DPM and then get a DO/MD? That's completely insane. Choose one or the other.

If you want to be a podiatrist, finish podiatry school. If you want to be an allopathic or osteopathic physician, then drop out of podiatry school as soon as possible and do an SMP and/or retake the MCAT.

 

[VolibearMain]

Your pre-podiatry stats should have been good enough for most of DO schools. I'm not sure why you would want to finish Podiatry school and then start all over with DO. If everything went according to plan, you would have 500k+ in student debt after 8 years of medical school. Why not apply DO right now while you are currently enrolled in Podiatry school?

I've seen many posts on here from pharmacists/chiropractors/podiatrists asking the same question and the responses generally fall along the lines of "your professional degree is going to have very little affect on your application". You would probably need an adcom to comment on that aspect of it.

I have an F on my transcript that I never retook (and i heard retakes arent being counted). It was a lab part of a course, I missed a lab when a parent passed away so it was an auto fail.
I might apply to DO programs towards the end of this year (with the hopes ) that they could atleast consider grades as a "medical student" early in May 2018 and if they say yes, then ill be out of here asap.

 

[Coltuna]

Your podiatry GPA will factor into your sGPA for DO schools.

 

[Sculptura]

I have an F on my transcript that I never retook (and i heard retakes arent being counted). It was a lab part of a course, I missed a lab when a parent passed away so it was an auto fail.

Strange story. Every university I've ever heard of allows students to take time off to grieve in situations like that.

 

[VolibearMain]

Excuse me, but why the **** would you get a DPM and then get a DO/MD? That's completely insane. Choose one or the other.

If you want to be a podiatrist, finish podiatry school. If you want to be an allopathic or osteopathic physician, then drop out of podiatry school as soon as possible and do an SMP and/or retake the MCAT.

Sounds silly yeah I know.
Well from my engineering degree and few months spent I absolutely hated my desk job after undergrad. I always enjoyed physicians and what they do etc. MD is no doubt out of question for me.
The MCAT I will need to study a year for, or atleast a few months, Ill retake it this summer during my break from May-August 1st (we have summer school but its only like a day a week).
an SMP is typically 2 years, sometimes one year, but if that goes south, or if I dont get in for x,y,z reason Im back at square one.
With podiatry atleast as time goes on I will be some kind of doctor at the time I graduate

 

[VolibearMain]

Strange story. Every university I've ever heard of allows students to take time off to grieve in situations like that.

Ill brag it loud and proud, Santa Clara University 🙂. I informed the professor about a week (my mom passed on finals week, we had spring break), I left the Saturday towards the end of spring break, and missed either Monday or Tuesday's lab cant remember) in advance that I would be making the trip to India in 72 hours (going, dropping my moms ashes off, and coming back), over the weekend. My passport expired while there, thanks to the indian consulate they let me in, but it took me two extra days. I ended up missing lab, emailing her, and her response was sorry but it would be unfair to other students.

 

[Prehealth1011]

.

 

[VolibearMain]

No. You'll be some kind of doctor at the time you finish residency. That's 7 years from now.
There are SMPs with good linkages that are 1 year long (Touro, VCOM, LECOM). Apply broadly to DO schools while you're in the SMP and you might even get in through AACOMAS while you're in the SMP based on your current stats. This whole project really shouldn't take more than a year. It's kind of pointless to stick around in Podiatry if your goal is to become a DO.

I understand, and if I talked to you about a month ago, then this would have been very useful, at this point, I would have to wait for the next SMP, 2018-2019, and start school (maybe) by 2019 August.
I was thinking of just applying straight out of podiatry school, (4 years)
-BTW for podiatry you dont "need" a residency" just school, to be able to perform as a podiatrist non surgically.
Or now that someone mentioned it, with my podiatry grades at the end of this year. (which in reality we take courses very similar if not the same as most other medical students)

Thanks for your input though.

 

[Sculptura]

Ill brag it loud and proud, Santa Clara University 🙂. I informed the professor about a week (my mom passed on finals week, we had spring break), I left the Saturday towards the end of spring break, and missed either Monday or Tuesday's lab cant remember) in advance that I would be making the trip to India in 72 hours (going, dropping my moms ashes off, and coming back), over the weekend. My passport expired while there, thanks to the indian consulate they let me in, but it took me two extra days. I ended up missing lab, emailing her, and her response was sorry but it would be unfair to other students.

You should get in touch with the university and file for a retroactive grade change (perhaps from "F" to "W"). Different universities have different procedures for this; at SCU, you have to formally request an exemption from standard grading policy, I think.

You have an extremely compelling case, in my opinion, because (1) it involves the death of a close family member, and (2) there is a religious/spiritual aspect to it (delivery of ashes).

 

[Prehealth1011]

.

 

[VolibearMain]

You should get in touch with the university and file for a retroactive grade change (perhaps from "F" to "W"). Different universities have different procedures for this; at SCU, you have to formally request an exemption from standard grading policy, I think.

You have an extremely compelling case, in my opinion, because (1) it involves the death of a close family member, and (2) there is a religious/spiritual aspect to it (delivery of ashes).

I really really appreciate it, I promise I did everything in my power to do exactly what you asked. Our dean(s) are incredibly useless, they didnt comply with their own policy. My father hired a lawyer at this point (who just milked us for 35 k and said its either sue or leave it)

 

[Sculptura]

I really really appreciate it, I promise I did everything in my power to do exactly what you asked. Our dean(s) are incredibly useless, they didnt comply with their own policy. My father hired a lawyer at this point (who just milked us for 35 k and said its either sue or leave it)

That's messed up. SCU has an obligation to fully accommodate its students' faith-related and mental health needs.

 

[JDsfloatingheadDr]

Ill brag it loud and proud, Santa Clara University 🙂. I informed the professor about a week (my mom passed on finals week, we had spring break), I left the Saturday towards the end of spring break, and missed either Monday or Tuesday's lab cant remember) in advance that I would be making the trip to India in 72 hours (going, dropping my moms ashes off, and coming back), over the weekend. My passport expired while there, thanks to the indian consulate they let me in, but it took me two extra days. I ended up missing lab, emailing her, and her response was sorry but it would be unfair to other students.

Man I'm shocked this was the case at Santa Clara. In my experience the faculty and admin were very compassionate when it came to these sorts of things, it just doesn't sound like them. I'm so sorry you had this kind of experience.

If you want to become a do/md, I think you should absolutely cut your losses now. Withdraw from the school, study for the MCAT, gain some clinical experience, and apply next cycle. Make sure you have completed all of the science pre-reqs, your GPA as it stands now is fine so you shouldn't have to pursue a post-bac. Those are my two cents.

 

[VolibearMain]

Man I'm shocked this was the case at Santa Clara. In my experience the faculty and admin were very compassionate when it came to these sorts of things. I'm so sorry you had this kind of experience.

If you want to become a do/md, I think you should absolutely cut your losses now. Withdraw from the school, study for the MCAT, gain some clinical experience, and apply next cycle. Make sure you have completed all of the science pre-reqs, your GPA as it stands now is fine so you shouldn't have to pursue a post-bac. Those are my two cents.

I am strongly considering this but I have a feeling do schools will just be like why did you leave your program, whats the guarantee that you will stay in ours
On top of that, maybe I am genuinely too stupid for the new MCAT, maybe I wont get a very high score again
My plan for now is to continue this year- (my family has already invested 30+ thousand dollars on this program between my car, tuition, etc), and during the summer retake the MCAT, apply etc.

 

[JDsfloatingheadDr]

I am strongly considering this but I have a feeling do schools will just be like why did you leave your program, whats the guarantee that you will stay in ours
On top of that, maybe I am genuinely too stupid for the new MCAT, maybe I wont get a very high score again
My plan for now is to continue this year- (my family has already invested 30+ thousand dollars on this program between my car, tuition, etc), and during the summer retake the MCAT, apply etc.

You're definitely not too stupid for the MCAT, stay positive and stay focused. If you want to pursue an MD/DO degree you'll have to be ok with taking some risks.

 

[DexterMorganSK]

If you think you can manage As and Bs then continue with Pod school for the year, otherwise, I say, drop out right now. It seems like you are not concentrating on your courses as much right now and this will only lead to either low grades or failures. It sucks to be in debt but its better than risking (if any) chance you might have for DO schools by either low grades in Pod school or be dismissed.

The last thing you want is to fail a course or get a C in an 11 credit class since all of this will be factored in your sci-GPA for DO schools. If you're applying for an SMP, I do not think you need to retake the MCAT. If so, apply to VCOM/LECOM asap for the 2018 cycle. If you want to apply to DO schools directly, then you will have to retake, probably in Jan and hope for the best.

It's kind of sad that you did not know that a Pod must complete a 3-4 year surgical residency to practice since you are attending a Pod program right now. Also, your sudden switch from Pod to DO will be questioned on your decision skills.

Last, point don't rush into making a decision. Make sure you know why you want to make the switch and look at the overall picture. Whatever decision you make, stick to it.

In either case, good luck!

@Goro, your thoughts? Thank you.

 

[dial1010usa]

Why don't you email all the DO schools you are interested? Tell them the same story. If you feel like you won't be happy by becoming DMP then its better to finish first year. Sign up for that class the one you failed lab in. SMP might be a better route. What state are you in?

 

[VolibearMain]

If you think you can manage As and Bs then continue with Pod school for the year, otherwise, I say, drop out right now. It seems like you are not concentrating on your courses as much right now and this will only lead to either low grades or failures. It sucks to be in debt but its better than risking (if any) chance you might have for DO schools by either low grades in Pod school or be dismissed.

The last thing you want is to fail a course or get a C in an 11 credit class since all of this will be factored in your sci-GPA for DO schools. If you're applying for an SMP, I do not think you need to retake the MCAT. If so, apply to VCOM/LECOM asap for the 2018 cycle. If you want to apply to DO schools directly, then you will have to retake, probably in Jan and hope for the best.

It's kind of sad that you did not know that a Pod must complete a 3-4 year surgical residency to practice since you are attending a Pod program right now. Also, your sudden switch from Pod to DO will be questioned on your decision skills.

Last, point don't rush into making a decision. Make sure you know why you want to make the switch and look at the overall picture. Whatever decision you make, stick to it.

In either case, good luck!

@Goro, your thoughts? Thank you.

Not struggling.
Knew pod had a 3 year residency for surgery post graduation
Also knew about 5 states that do not require it
Doing better than most of my class.
Not taking loans out

SMP is 1-2 years like I Said, with podiatry if I dont get into a DO school I can still finish podiatry and apply to the DO/ Pod program in florida after, apply to MD schools after, or just finish residency and practice.

 

[VolibearMain]

Why don't you email all the DO schools you are interested? Tell them the same story. If you feel like you won't be happy by becoming DMP then its better to finish first year. Sign up for that class the one you failed lab in. SMP might be a better route. What state are you in?

Thanks. Thats my plan, finish pod year 1 with as many A's as I can get. 25 people /100 had A's last year so getting a 3.5 or higher shouldnt be too hard.
Take the MCAT, and apply in May/June to DO schools

 

[GypsyHummus]

Eh, I would ride out this year at pod school and see how it goes. You have a bronze ticket right now trying to trade up for silver. There is nothing wrong with that, but it is a very big risk. What happens if you get stuck on a waitlist with no acceptance and you snuffed your nose at podiatry?

Your MCAT is about at schools matriculation average, which means there are people who have lower scores than you as well as higher scores. What makes you so special? Your science GPA is also below average.

The best path foreword would be to ride out this year and apply to post bacc programs with a gaurenteed acceptance at the end. You are throwing too much away to just be anouther average applicant.

 

[VolibearMain]

Eh, I would ride out this year at pod school and see how it goes. You have a bronze ticket right now trying to trade up for silver. There is nothing wrong with that, but it is a very big risk. What happens if you get stuck on a waitlist with no acceptance and you snuffed your nose at podiatry?

Your MCAT is about at schools matriculation average, which means there are people who have lower scores than you as well as higher scores. What makes you so special? Your science GPA is also below average.

The best path foreword would be to ride out this year and apply to post bacc programs with a gaurenteed acceptance at the end. You are throwing too much away to just be anouther average applicant.

This is close to almost exactly what I am going to do.
I am going to ride this year out, most likely my GPA will rise just based on how easy the load is 1st semester, and how many people do well at my school.
Still waiting for an adcom's opinion take but, I believe the GPA from this year would be counted towards my science GPA. I havent looked into next semester but this semester we are taking like 26 hours worth of credits. Which if I can perform well is a huge GPA booster.
And retake the MCAT this summer of course during my less/load.

Ill never quit and go to a post bacc, for two reasons
1. Like you said people have lower and higher mcats
2. I could not get in and be back at podiatry, at least here I can continue this degree and have something at the end (and yes I will do a residency if DO/MD options fail)
3. Theres a good amount of people in my current class with masters and post bacc degrees who wanted to go to other programs but also got stuck in pod, dont want to be them again.

 

[GypsyHummus]

Why don't you want to be a podiatrist?

This is close to almost exactly what I am going to do.
I am going to ride this year out, most likely my GPA will rise just based on how easy the load is 1st semester, and how many people do well at my school.
Still waiting for an adcom's opinion take but, I believe the GPA from this year would be counted towards my science GPA. I havent looked into next semester but this semester we are taking like 26 hours worth of credits. Which if I can perform well is a huge GPA booster.
And retake the MCAT this summer of course during my less/load.

Ill never quit and go to a post bacc, for two reasons
1. Like you said people have lower and higher mcats
2. I could not get in and be back at podiatry, at least here I can continue this degree and have something at the end (and yes I will do a residency if DO/MD options fail)
3. Theres a good amount of people in my current class with masters and post bacc degrees who wanted to go to other programs but also got stuck in pod, dont want to be them again.

 

[VolibearMain]

Why don't you want to be a podiatrist?

I don't mind being a podiatrist. If I quit at medical school completely I would be a mechanical/ bioengineer. I am not a fan of desk jobs, but I would rather be another kind of doctor.
I would prefer to have more options available to me, like internal medicine (hospitalist) , where I have full control over basic care and can refer to a specialist if needed.
Ive heard again and again podiatry is really disrespected in many states, especially outside of the midwest
Ive been poking around on the forums, and some guy mentioned 70 k + small bonus as his starting salary out of residency (sorry this is just wrong, 4 years of school + 3 years of residency) , middle school teachers make more than that in my town.
Your options as a podiatrist can be limited. Everyone at my school wants to get into surgery, it seems not everyone will be able to. There will be a lot of just wound care. The podiatrist I shadowed was just trimming nails, literally all day, with the occasional wart. I think podiatry school is slightly easier than medical school but in either case we still spend too much time and effort to just be trimming nails.
And then job opportunities, if I pick something like internal medicine, I can probably find a job in any state, any city, almost any hospital (I might have to wait it out a year or two). I could also specialize and make more than what I would get in podiatry.
Finally, one thing Ive always wanted to do, is be a physician, (eventually) working for a device company, developing new devices. I already have 2 patents, and 4 pending. It would be a good opportunity to use engineering and medicine to reach patients beyond just the clinic. And from research, I haven't seen any podiatrists hired full time (or any medical device companies) that focus on podiatry

 

[En3rgy]

Why don't you want to be a podiatrist?

Why aren't you pursuing the DO route anymore?

Did you matriculate to a podiatry school?

Just curious, by the way. I've seen you around on the Pre-DO forums for quite some time now.

 

[VolibearMain]

Why aren't you pursuing the DO route anymore?

Did you matriculate to a podiatry school?

Just curious, by the way. I've seen you around on the Pre-DO forums for quite some time now.

I know this isnt directed at me but ill jut throw this out there. There are alot of people who chose different fields for many reasons. I have a friend who gave up VCOM for kent podiatry. Personally I would have loved to go to VCOM.
A few other who chose podiatry because this was their only option.
At western (when I interviewed), at Kent, there are a few Caribbean - > podiatry transfers.
I guess it's personal preference. A lot of my peers had good experiences with podiatry and the pods they shadowed dealt with a lot of cooler trauma cases (gunshot wounds, fractured ankles etc),

 

[GypsyHummus]

Those are valid concerns about the profession.

As far as the total control over patients, specialists certainly don't and for family med and internal while it sounds nice to medically manage the patients, there are a lot of non compliant patients that will just make you frustrated. With podiatry, if someone has a problem, you can generally fix it, which is nice.

As for podiatry being disrespected, that is getting better. I view the podiatry autonomy as DOs in the 50s. There are still doctors that view DOs as inferior docs, but that doesn't seem to stop the DO students, it shouldn't stop the pods. As of right now, I would think that pods are very respected in the medical community.

For the salary, have you taken a look at the average salary in the area you want to practice like Salary.com? Podiatrists can make a very nice living, and I do not know a single one who is pulling in at least 100K after taxes. There are certainly offers for 70K, but just don't take those. A couple of the doctors I personally know were offered 65K/year. You know what they did? Called up a hospital close by and made the case for podiatry services, now they are making 150K/year. Im sure there are people offering that for family med docs too.

The reason why you shadow Pods that trim nails all day is two fold: There is a lot of money to be made in it because many docs find it "Beneath them" to do it, and also, the pods practicing didn't have to complete a 3 year surgical residency. The pod training is standardized and I think it will only help the profession get better.

For the job portion, once you are done with a residency and are board certified, I doubt that you will be unemployed. I have probably met 20 pods, and only one was unemployed, and that was because he did not pass his board.

For your last point about designing devices, that is deff something the podiatry can give to you. There is a ton of biomechanics in the foot and ankle, and it is often neglected.

These points are not to imply that your goal is silly, but I just wanted to bring up some arguments for you to chew on for a bit. You also won't have the midlevel encroachment problem that a lot of primary care docs are going to face in the next 5 years. Not a lot of NPs wanting to do diabetic foot and ingrown toenail care.

I don't mind being a podiatrist. If I quit at medical school completely I would be a mechanical/ bioengineer. I am not a fan of desk jobs, but I would rather be another kind of doctor.
I would prefer to have more options available to me, like internal medicine (hospitalist) , where I have full control over basic care and can refer to a specialist if needed.
Ive heard again and again podiatry is really disrespected in many states, especially outside of the midwest
Ive been poking around on the forums, and some guy mentioned 70 k + small bonus as his starting salary out of residency (sorry this is just wrong, 4 years of school + 3 years of residency) , middle school teachers make more than that in my town.
Your options as a podiatrist can be limited. Everyone at my school wants to get into surgery, it seems not everyone will be able to. There will be a lot of just wound care. The podiatrist I shadowed was just trimming nails, literally all day, with the occasional wart. I think podiatry school is slightly easier than medical school but in either case we still spend too much time and effort to just be trimming nails.
And then job opportunities, if I pick something like internal medicine, I can probably find a job in any state, any city, almost any hospital (I might have to wait it out a year or two). I could also specialize and make more than what I would get in podiatry.
Finally, one thing Ive always wanted to do, is be a physician, (eventually) working for a device company, developing new devices. I already have 2 patents, and 4 pending. It would be a good opportunity to use engineering and medicine to reach patients beyond just the clinic. And from research, I haven't seen any podiatrists hired full time (or any medical device companies) that focus on podiatry

 

[GypsyHummus]

No, I was accepted to pod school, but ended up turning them down. Don't get me wrong, podiatry is an amazing field with a very bright future, and I certainly would not have a problem with being one, but I did not want to do surgery in residency. With podiatry, its basically 3 years of a surgical residency

If it were between Pod vs Caribbean, I would take pod 100% of the time. At least with pod school a majority of the students end up being doctors and surgeons.

Why aren't you pursuing the DO route anymore?

Did you matriculate to a podiatry school?

Just curious, by the way. I've seen you around on the Pre-DO forums for quite some time now.

 

[VolibearMain]

Those are valid concerns about the profession.

As far as the total control over patients, specialists certainly don't and for family med and internal while it sounds nice to medically manage the patients, there are a lot of non compliant patients that will just make you frustrated. With podiatry, if someone has a problem, you can generally fix it, which is nice.

As for podiatry being disrespected, that is getting better. I view the podiatry autonomy as DOs in the 50s. There are still doctors that view DOs as inferior docs, but that doesn't seem to stop the DO students, it shouldn't stop the pods. As of right now, I would think that pods are very respected in the medical community.

For the salary, have you taken a look at the average salary in the area you want to practice like Salary.com? Podiatrists can make a very nice living, and I do not know a single one who is pulling in at least 100K after taxes. There are certainly offers for 70K, but just don't take those. A couple of the doctors I personally know were offered 65K/year. You know what they did? Called up a hospital close by and made the case for podiatry services, now they are making 150K/year. Im sure there are people offering that for family med docs too.

The reason why you shadow Pods that trim nails all day is two fold: There is a lot of money to be made in it because many docs find it "Beneath them" to do it, and also, the pods practicing didn't have to complete a 3 year surgical residency. The pod training is standardized and I think it will only help the profession get better.

For the job portion, once you are done with a residency and are board certified, I doubt that you will be unemployed. I have probably met 20 pods, and only one was unemployed, and that was because he did not pass his board.

For your last point about designing devices, that is deff something the podiatry can give to you. There is a ton of biomechanics in the foot and ankle, and it is often neglected.

These points are not to imply that your goal is silly, but I just wanted to bring up some arguments for you to chew on for a bit. You also won't have the midlevel encroachment problem that a lot of primary care docs are going to face in the next 5 years. Not a lot of NPs wanting to do diabetic foot and ingrown toenail care.

Thanks for the response.
You added some new information I do not know so I appreciate it.

So with podiatry I would imagine many of our patients are going to be diabetic- as I saw in all my interviews/ tours at pod school /clinics. I would imagine many diabetics are at that point because of non compliance/ neglect of their own body

Respect varies place to place, Im a coastal guy, I still think its a long way to go. Not something I really want to deal with (but this isnt the main issue)

150 is better than 70 k but honestly, coming from silicon valley most of my friends are making 90-100 straight out of undergrad as engineers. 150 isnt that much of a huge jump. The pod who trimed nails was from Scholl, and he only made 175 k a year after co-owning a practice for 10 years with his buddy. (And he did do a residency, just only got a chance to do surgery like once a month)
The other pod, I shadowed (only met him for two hours) made 400 k with his own private clinic and was paying his employee podiatrists (qty 4) only 90 k a year) IN SILICON VALLEY.
Nail trimming generates money but its still very boring for me. Not something I would want to spend 7 years doing when I could just go be a boring engineer and make the same amount by the time I graduate.
Jobs are available but not as available as internal medicine. with internal medicine I can do a lot more (Go to asia and africa and volunteer), work on a cruise ship, join the CIA, work as a hospitalist, not to mention internal medicine salaries are MUCH higher (like 200-250 starting). Potential to specialize in another field Ive always been interested in- > cardiology or neurology.
I know you could design devices but there arent very many companies focused on it, and business ventures arent my interest. If ill be taking any financial risks, itll be in the stock market following warren buffet.

 

[En3rgy]

If it were between Pod vs Caribbean, I would take pod 100% of the time. At least with pod school a majority of the students end up being doctors and surgeons.

If I couldn't get into a US MD or DO school, then I would choose the Caribbean over Podiatry. The Caribbean is a viable option for those who have an upward trend in their recent grades (but low overall cGPA/sGPA that disqualifies them from US MD and DO schools) and a solid MCAT score. However, an individual would have to be fine with going into either FM/IM/Peds, as those are the specialties they'll most likely match in.

 

[GypsyHummus]

With the diabetics, there is at least something that you can do for them in the wound care department. I would imagine for an internal med doc it would get hard to try and get them to reverse it and them not be able to do so.

Yeah, the coasts have a long way to go. I would think Cali would be ok respect wise since they have 2 pod schools there, one being apart of the DO school

Silicon Valley is rather ridiculous cost wise. 100K is considered poor there. 100K out in flyover country gets you a lot more.

You don't have to trim nails if you don't want to if it bothers you. As an internal medicine guy, your gonna have to do boring stuff like physicals, blood exams, explaining urine exams, and the like.

Internal Med will make more than pod initially and if you do a fellowship much more too. Now, if you go family med, you could expect to cap out around 200K, 300K if you are really grind, the same as a pod.

Thanks for the response.
You added some new information I do not know so I appreciate it.

So with podiatry I would imagine many of our patients are going to be diabetic- as I saw in all my interviews/ tours at pod school /clinics. I would imagine many diabetics are at that point because of non compliance/ neglect of their own body

Respect varies place to place, Im a coastal guy, I still think its a long way to go. Not something I really want to deal with (but this isnt the main issue)

DO will have more practice rights than Pod outside of the USA, but there are countries out there that do not accept DOs as medical providers. Just something to keep in mind if you would like to do some traveling while practicing.

Yeah, if you want to be a cardio or neuro guy, go for it! Just remember to keep in mind that Pod schools accepted you for a reason, and that a bird in the foot is worth 2 in the bush.

150 is better than 70 k but honestly, coming from silicon valley most of my friends are making 90-100 straight out of undergrad as engineers. 150 isnt that much of a huge jump. The pod who trimed nails was from Scholl, and he only made 175 k a year after co-owning a practice for 10 years with his buddy. (And he did do a residency, just only got a chance to do surgery like once a month)
The other pod, I shadowed (only met him for two hours) made 400 k with his own private clinic and was paying his employee podiatrists (qty 4) only 90 k a year) IN SILICON VALLEY.
Nail trimming generates money but its still very boring for me. Not something I would want to spend 7 years doing when I could just go be a boring engineer and make the same amount by the time I graduate.
Jobs are available but not as available as internal medicine. with internal medicine I can do a lot more (Go to asia and africa and volunteer), work on a cruise ship, join the CIA, work as a hospitalist, not to mention internal medicine salaries are MUCH higher (like 200-250 starting). Potential to specialize in another field Ive always been interested in- > cardiology or neurology.
I know you could design devices but there arent very many companies focused on it, and business ventures arent my interest. If ill be taking any financial risks, itll be in the stock market following warren buffet.

 

[VolibearMain]

With the diabetics, there is at least something that you can do for them in the wound care department. I would imagine for an internal med doc it would get hard to try and get them to reverse it and them not be able to do so.


Internal Med will make more than pod initially and if you do a fellowship much more too. Now, if you go family med, you could expect to cap out around 200K, 300K if you are really grind, the same as a pod.

Thats basically the bottom line for me man. So (if I am allowed to) I will still do some kind of DO/MD after I Graduate at the very latest. The earning potential is 2 -3 X what pods would make

 

[JDsfloatingheadDr]

I realize this won't be the most productive comment; however, you didn't really think this whole DPM thing through before you started your program did you?

By staying in your program you're setting yourself up for 7 more years of schooling and a bunch of debt, its ridiculous man. Especially if you're so early into your program.

 

[VolibearMain]

I realize this won't be the most productive comment; however, you didn't really think this whole DPM thing through before you started your program did you?

By staying in your program you're setting yourself up for 7 more years of schooling and a bunch of debt, its ridiculous man. Especially if you're so early into your program.

I did man, and Im trying not to repeat myself,
Getting into DO is a 50/50. Getting a good mcat score is about a years work.
I have to emphasize I am not taking out loans.
And I will apply to DO/MD schools at the end of this year (in this case the grades as a medical student) will affect my GPA [positively]
And I will apply again senior/ 4th year
And if I am rejected both times, I will still graduate, still have a residency (hopefully lol), And still become a podiatrist and give up the MD.DO thing. In my mind, this is a safer route, and better than any SMP

 

[VolibearMain]

If I couldn't get into a US MD or DO school, then I would choose the Caribbean over Podiatry. The Caribbean is a viable option for those who have an upward trend in their recent grades (but low overall cGPA/sGPA that disqualifies them from US MD and DO schools) and a solid MCAT score. However, an individual would have to be fine with going into either FM/IM/Peds, as those are the specialties they'll most likely match in.

I would never recommend a Carribbean school to anyone. Typically people with good MCAT's will get into DO schools.
My family co-owns one of the schools, I have cousins, friends, etc who are currently at the programs, and I even spent 6 months there as an offline student tagging along with my cousin in classes.
The course material of the Carribbean is beyond insane. You literally cannot spend time to go to subway without regretting it because of how much material they shove down your throats. No matter what the schools say, Attrition is very high, and don't think its because people are stupid or didn't pay attention, the schools will raise standards, passing grades, and difficulty until they meet their quota for rotations. take sgu for example its 1000 students per semester, 2000 per year. Only about 1000 make it to rotations, and then 800 or less (as days go by) will get a very basic residency.

With podiatry your in an American program, close to guaranteed residency these days, almost no attrition.
Further more in the carribbean, there is no leeway, fail one exam get a total course percentage less than 75 % (and believe it or not 80% is the average grade for people who do get residencies) youre kicked out, and done, almost no other school, including carribbean schools will ever take you back.

 

[GypsyHummus]

Well, if you truely don't have to care about the debt, I'd recommend going into the Nova DPM/DO link program. It's for people who graduate from DPM school.

Thats basically the bottom line for me man. So (if I am allowed to) I will still do some kind of DO/MD after I Graduate at the very latest. The earning potential is 2 -3 X what pods would make

 

[VolibearMain]

Well, if you truely don't have to care about the debt, I'd recommend going into the Nova DPM/DO link program. It's for people who graduate from DPM school.

I found a thread about it, ill email them in december. But the thread was saying something about it not being eligible to apply for residencies and its just the DO title (could just be a SDN rumor) . It actually works well for me because I would love to be in Florida, (And get my degree)

 

[En3rgy]

I would never recommend a Carribbean school to anyone. Typically people with good MCAT's will get into DO schools.
My family co-owns one of the schools, I have cousins, friends, etc who are currently at the programs, and I even spent 6 months there as an offline student tagging along with my cousin in classes.
The course material of the Carribbean is beyond insane. You literally cannot spend time to go to subway without regretting it because of how much material they shove down your throats. No matter what the schools say, Attrition is very high, and don't think its because people are stupid or didn't pay attention, the schools will raise standards, passing grades, and difficulty until they meet their quota for rotations. take sgu for example its 1000 students per semester, 2000 per year. Only about 1000 make it to rotations, and then 800 or less (as days go by) will get a very basic residency.

With podiatry your in an American program, close to guaranteed residency these days, almost no attrition.
Further more in the carribbean, there is no leeway, fail one exam get a total course percentage less than 75 % (and believe it or not 80% is the average grade for people who do get residencies) youre kicked out, and done, almost no other school, including carribbean schools will ever take you back.

Attrition is supposed to be high. They don't have enough clinical rotation spots for everyone. The Caribbean admits many students who simply don't have the work ethic nor capacity to succeed in such a high-stress and high-pressure environment. SGU doesn't admit 1000 students per semester. They admit around 800 students for their August class, and around 500 students for their January class. Nobody knows the exact percentage of students who make it to rotations.

Certainly, I would recommend an individual try their best to get accepted into a US MD or US DO school -- but if that isn't possible after multiple cycles, then the Caribbean is still a viable option, if one is confident in their abilities and has shown proven academic success (strong upward trend in their upper-level science grades and a solid MCAT score). Nobody is forcing anyone to go to the Caribbean. It's a decision that the students there have made themselves. Nobody is going to hold their hand there either. The rate of success is going to be highly individualistic.

 

[VolibearMain]

Attrition is supposed to be high. They don't have enough clinical rotation spots for everyone. The Caribbean admits many students who simply don't have the work ethic nor capacity to succeed in such a high-stress and high-pressure environment. SGU doesn't admit 1000 students per semester. They admit around 800 students for their August class, and around 500 students for their January class. Nobody knows the exact percentage of students who make it to rotations. Nobody is forcing anyone to go to the Caribbean. It's a decision that the students there have made themselves. Nobody is going to hold their hand there either. It's a second chance to become a physician.

Certainly, I would recommend an individual try their best to get accepted into a US MD or US DO school -- but if that isn't possible after multiple cycles, then the Caribbean is still a viable option, if one is confident in their abilities and has shown proven academic success (strong upward trend in their upper-level science grades and a solid MCAT score).

I went to SGU buddy, I watched the class ticker for remote responses click to 1027, but you know, keep believing what ever they tell you on the website.

 

[bears1992]

I went to SGU buddy, I watched the class ticker for remote responses click to 1027, but you know, keep believing what ever they tell you on the website.

Wait, you went to SGU? Did you go from MD to DPM?

 

[VolibearMain]

Wait, you went to SGU? Did you go from MD to DPM?

Not really, like I said, I sat in on classes for 6 months as an un-enrolled student (my cousin went there).

 

[bears1992]

Not really, like I said, I sat in on classes for 6 months as an enrolled student (my cousin went there).

Were you an accepted student? I think this is very different if you have already matriculated into a medical school. DO schools ask on their app if you have every been dismissed/withdrawn from a medical school. Not sure if I would drop DPM until you get an acceptance to DO/MD.

 

[VolibearMain]

Were you an accepted student? I think this is very different if you have already matriculated into a medical school. DO schools ask on their app if you have every been dismissed/withdrawn from a medical school. Not sure if I would drop DPM until you get an acceptance to DO/MD.

I was accepted but I didnt pay tuition or anything (and I Was accepted into all the carribbean schools and DPM schools I applied to) I went there to see how it would work out and to take a break after undergrad. (literally a 6 month vacation/ unofficial post bacc). So when I apply to DO/MD schools I would only have to say I withdrew from DPM (if I did). But I wont withdraw until I get an acceptance anyway. And that wont be for another year at minimum. Im mainly interested in applying after my DPM.

 

[VolibearMain]

Keep in mind that even for the Florida program, you need to be a licensed DPM first. In other words, you can't enrol yourself in the program straight from 4 years of Podiatry school.

Thanks for letting me know, this is new information, honestly if that was the case, it would probably be easier to get a podiatry job at a medical school/ hospital , and buttkiss the dean while youre there to let you in

 

[GypsyHummus]

The Dpm/do degree would then allow you to medically manage patients.

I think that's the best step foreword and the less risky path. You still get the pod degree, DO degree, and you can be an internet who also does podiatry problems. You would make a ton of money as a internal Med doc who works with feet. You could open up your own woundcare center and work on the whole body

Thanks for letting me know, this is new information, honestly if that was the case, it would probably be easier to get a podiatry job at a medical school/ hospital , and buttkiss the dean while youre there to let you in

 

[VolibearMain]

The Dpm/do degree would then allow you to medically manage patients.

I think that's the best step foreword and the less risky path. You still get the pod degree, DO degree, and you can be an internet who also does podiatry problems. You would make a ton of money as a internal Med doc who works with feet. You could open up your own woundcare center and work on the whole body

Im keeping all my options open as of now, and will apply this summer like planned. It would be cool to be both but just doing math (Im 22 now). I would be 26 at grad, 29 post residency, 32 post DO grad, and 35 post internal medicine, that would be wayy too much for me and I would just stick to podiatry in the beginning .