Questions

[smsc2009]

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I am a High School student (Sophmore) intrested in either a PharmD. or MD/DO. I grew up watching my family work in medicine (MD) so I assume that's where it comes from. I am having trouble understanding the difference between an MD/DO. I understand they are both Doctors of Medicine. I would like to apply to both MD/DO Schools to improve chances of getting accepted into a school. My top choices are Western (DO), NYCOM (DO) and Georgetown University (MD) I would like to complete a recidency in Internal Medicine or Anesthesiology. Can I get a recidency in Anesthesiology if I am a DO? I understand it is sometimes difficult to find recidencies in certain areas. I know I am in a MD forum so I will get bias answers. If I choose MD/DO I plan on going to a 4 year University and majoring in Chemistry, however I may go to a Community College for a certain time to help raise grades. Of course if I choose Pharmacy I hope to get into a 6 year program.

PS: I have posted this in the DO forum as well to get answers from both sides. (I hope this is not against the rules)

 

[braluk]

It is against the forum rules to double post. You're going to hear this from everyone- so I might as well tell you now

1) Don't worry about medical school now in High school unless you intend to attend a 7 year combined BA/MD program. I dont think you are given that you still have a wide range of your future career possibilities. Start researching about medical schools during your sophomore year of college and then start worrying between sophomore and junior year when you prepare to take your MCATs, and start applying for medical school.
2) There are no major differences between DO/MD in terms of practice- they will do the same exact things. Granted you'll learn a few things extra in DO that no one practices anyways when they become a clinician. The only difference are the numbers required to get in (with traditional allopathic averages higher than those of DO), but this may jsut be a reflection of what each type of school looks into (numbers vs. student's story and background). PharmDs are completely differnt than MD/DOs. You can do a residency in anesth if you are DO although the number of available spots are admittedly smaller than being an MD. And even then its pretty competitive given the lifestyle factors.

 

[DocOB]

I am a High School student (Sophmore) intrested in either a PharmD. or MD/DO. I grew up watching my family work in medicine (MD) so I assume that's where it comes from. I am having trouble understanding the difference between an MD/DO. I understand they are both Doctors of Medicine. I would like to apply to both MD/DO Schools to improve chances of getting accepted into a school. My top choices are Western (DO), NYCOM (DO) and Georgetown University (MD) I would like to complete a recidency in Internal Medicine or Anesthesiology. Can I get a recidency in Anesthesiology if I am a DO? I understand it is sometimes difficult to find recidencies in certain areas. I know I am in a MD forum so I will get bias answers. If I choose MD/DO I plan on going to a 4 year University and majoring in Chemistry, however I may go to a Community College for a certain time to help raise grades. Of course if I choose Pharmacy I hope to get into a 6 year program.

PS: I have posted this in the DO forum as well to get answers from both sides. (I hope this is not against the rules)

Actually, I think it was wise to post in both. You will find that the answers you will get will vary considerably between the two. I apllied to both DO and MD. Indeed, a DO can do anything an MD can do. What you may find is that they are two different ways to get to what you want to do. There are pros and cons for both.

Before worrying about which you should pursue and getting into the things that have triggered so many flame wars on this site, you should just focus on high school for now. At some point before college, try to figure out whether you want pharm or medicine. If it is indeed medicine, then worry about DO or MD, and even then, you have plenty of time to decipher. Once in college, you will have more opporunity to gain exposure to decide for yourself first hand on what you like best, and not have to rely on an array of diverse answers from some blog.

Irregardless, right now the best thing you can do is soak up your sciences like a sponge. Take any upper level science class that is offered.

 

[DocOB]

whoops, didn't know it was against the rules to post in both, seems like a silly rule. Oh well, my bad for condoning it and warping his young mind.