Another realistic answer is as follows:
The process by which you apply to residencies from a MD or DO school is analogous. The only difference is that DOs have their own set of residencies to which DOs are only eligible (at least, at this point in time..). DOs can enter the match for these DO residencies as well as for the MD residencies. However, it is important to realize that the DO Match comes first. Thus, if you match DO, you are required to drop out of the MD match. Thus, often times DO students elect to only participate in the MD match. The quality of DO residencies varies greatly, and you should be aware that DO and MD residencies in large metropolitan areas at large academic centers often provide a wider breadth of experience as compared to those in rural areas in smaller hospitals.
You should also consider that MD residencies often look favorably at taking both the MD and the DO licensure exams (USMLE AND the COMLEX, respectively). This has become a source of contention, because many DO-powers-that-be believe that it isn't necessary to take the USMLE. As an MS-1 I don't pretend that I know either way... If you elect to take the USMLE to gain a competitive advantage and to be on an indisputable even playing with allopathic students, keep in mind that you will be
paying to take both exams.
Ultimately, there are DOs in every specialty and there are very few closed doors to DO students. I briefly spoke with a cardio fellow from a large academic hospital who informed me that in his IM program, half of the chief residents were DO students...
One negative aspect is that there aren't as many subspecialty DO fellowships. For certain fellowships/residencies (rad onc) you will HAVE to apply MD.
Not even sure what the original question was anymore... hope I covered most of the bases.
Something else to consider is that DO schools are going to want to know that you have demonstrated an interest in osteopathic medicine. It would be a good idea to contact a local osteopathic physician to gain shadowing experience...
