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Question - Can a Post-Residency DO run a research lab?
- Thread starter TalinAagam
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DO = MD. They are allowed to do exactly the same stuff, with the DO also allowed to practice OMT. That being said, its probably harder for the average DO to run their own labs than the average MD, because the average DO probably has less opportunities/experience in medical research.
Now if a DO has a lot of lab experience, publications, went to a competitive ACGME academic residency, and was actively involved in medical research in the desired field, I don't see why they wouldn't be able to run a research lab in an academic institution. Also, I'm pretty sure in areas with a high DO population and a lot of academic research attached to their DO institutions, DOs are running research labs 😉.
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Check this link and physician out. Pretty awesome neuroscience research institute. He's also a practicing neurosurgeon.
http://www.northshorelij.com/cushing-neuroscience-institute/our-physicians/salvatore-insinga-do
http://www.northshorelij.com/cushing-neuroscience-institute/our-physicians/salvatore-insinga-do
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If you can show that you have a good publication record, and a grant history as well, then eya, getting a faculty job as a PI is possible.
A post residency doc with a DO.
are these guys able to get faculty jobs as MDs have? are DO able to get their own lab running if they wish to in the future?
NO.
is there anything a DO is "not" allowed or maybe have a hard time doing post residency that maybe an MD is allowed to do?[/QUOTE]
A post residency doc with a DO.
are these guys able to get faculty jobs as MDs have? are DO able to get their own lab running if they wish to in the future?
NO.
is there anything a DO is "not" allowed or maybe have a hard time doing post residency that maybe an MD is allowed to do?[/QUOTE]
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The short answer is, yes you can run a research lab. The long answer, it is unlikely that you will.
It is unlikely not just because of the degree difference. First off, you'll face the same challenges most MDs do, which involve diminished time for research. That translates to low number of publications and grants and lower quality of research (not because you'll do things incorrectly but rather an important project can take a PhD 2-3 years full-time work, which you will not likely have). Also, like any MD, you're unlikely to end up in a top residency/fellowship.
Then comes the DO part. One thing is that most DO schools don't have big research institutions attached to them, so research becomes that much more scarce and something you'll have to leave elective time for. Second, DO students are very unlikely to go to any top residency despite grades, although some instances of Anesthesiology at Dartmouth and other top schools have been seen. This also translates to less likelihood of a top fellowship, especially a research fellowship. Again, publication, grant history, etc. will suffer.
Finally, the most important reason of all: money. What you make as a PI can be, at minimum, about 100k a year LESS than being a physician. Considering student loans and all other associated stress to become a PI, forget it.
If you honestly want to be a PI, get a PhD degree. If not, consider applying to DO/PhD programs, but keep in mind that UMDNJ, MSU, OSUCOM, OUCOM and TCOM are hardly known for being top research institutions. Nevertheless, it's the best way to get there as a DO.
It is unlikely not just because of the degree difference. First off, you'll face the same challenges most MDs do, which involve diminished time for research. That translates to low number of publications and grants and lower quality of research (not because you'll do things incorrectly but rather an important project can take a PhD 2-3 years full-time work, which you will not likely have). Also, like any MD, you're unlikely to end up in a top residency/fellowship.
Then comes the DO part. One thing is that most DO schools don't have big research institutions attached to them, so research becomes that much more scarce and something you'll have to leave elective time for. Second, DO students are very unlikely to go to any top residency despite grades, although some instances of Anesthesiology at Dartmouth and other top schools have been seen. This also translates to less likelihood of a top fellowship, especially a research fellowship. Again, publication, grant history, etc. will suffer.
Finally, the most important reason of all: money. What you make as a PI can be, at minimum, about 100k a year LESS than being a physician. Considering student loans and all other associated stress to become a PI, forget it.
If you honestly want to be a PI, get a PhD degree. If not, consider applying to DO/PhD programs, but keep in mind that UMDNJ, MSU, OSUCOM, OUCOM and TCOM are hardly known for being top research institutions. Nevertheless, it's the best way to get there as a DO.
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Get a PhD. Most med students don't go to med school to play with rats.
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Thanks a lot for the answers, Im just curious, thats all.
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No DO's can't. however, if we want to take on a leadership postion in a research lab, we ARE allowed to run the janitorial services for labs
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I hear this will only be possible after the residency merger. In the meantime we can be assistants to the janitorial manager.
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No, assistant janitorial manager
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I'm so glad you asked this question. I've been thinking about this for the longest time and I have my own pet theory.
I think it really depends on your research experience. Conventional wisdom states that DOs don't stress research as much as MDs, and as such their academic qualifications are somewhat more limited than your typical allopathic doctor. With that said, I truly believe that if you dedicate yourself to research and academic success, you have equal qualifications to MDs to academic positions. I really believe this. I have met numerous osteopathic academic faculty at hospitals. It's beautiful.
I think it really depends on your research experience. Conventional wisdom states that DOs don't stress research as much as MDs, and as such their academic qualifications are somewhat more limited than your typical allopathic doctor. With that said, I truly believe that if you dedicate yourself to research and academic success, you have equal qualifications to MDs to academic positions. I really believe this. I have met numerous osteopathic academic faculty at hospitals. It's beautiful.
