Quick Questions about D.O

[WorldClassNeurosurgeon]

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Two quick questions :
1) do osteopathic doctors have a slightly more anatomy based schedule than MD since they focus more on bones,joints,etc?
2) why are D.O schools less competitive? They seem like a 10x better place to learn medicine

 

[DopaDO]

Very hard to take you seriously with that name.

1) you get essentially the same training in anatomy that you would get anywhere else. The only difference is that you learn OTM as well - it may help your anatomy skills slightly.

2) I'm a 4th year student and couldnt be happier with my decision. The only reason they are slightly less competitive is because you are given the initials DO instead of MD. DOs make the same and are the legal and professional equivalent of MDs. The only difference is the ability to perform otm if you desire.

 

[JimmyB123]

Very hard to take you seriously with that name.

1) you get essentially the same training in anatomy that you would get anywhere else. The only difference is that you learn OTM as well - it may help your anatomy skills slightly.

2) I'm a 4th year student and couldnt be happier with my decision. The only reason they are slightly less competitive is because you are given the initials DO instead of MD. DOs make the same and are the legal and professional equivalent of MDs. The only difference is the ability to perform otm if you desire.

Also another difference is that several specialities are basically impossible to get as a DO

 

[WorldClassNeurosurgeon]

I understand, i feel like D.O is more down to earth care, personal and good. Id want to work in a hospital though; im currently an undergraduate neuroscience student. I hope neuro and surgery are possible as a D.O

 

[JPickos9989]

I understand, i feel like D.O is more down to earth care, personal and good. Id want to work in a hospital though; im currently an undergraduate neuroscience student. I hope neuro and surgery are possible as a D.O

So DO's don't work in hospitals? Seriously, go do some serious reading and educate yourself about the field before posting non-sense like what you have been posting.

I agree that your username and your actual postings are polar opposites at this point.

It's called google and you really need to learn how to use it.

And to answer your question, there was a neurosurgery/neurology residency program recruiting at the medical school I attend, which is a DO school.

 

[DopaDO]

Also another difference is that several specialities are basically impossible to get as a DO

Disagree completely. Some may be slightly harder, but to say a field is impossible is wrong. This is a mantra that has been repeated numerous times on sdn and it drives me nuts. There are DOs in every field of medicine that have done AOA and ACGME residencies. Yes being a DO may put you a little behind for some specialties, but if you are a good applicant (good steps + research + great letters) you will match. Many DO students do not have good applications - they don't take usmle/they do poorly, they don't get involved in research, and their letters may be good in terms of language but are from a nobody. If your app = average MD student app for that specialty you will match. I'll admit you may have to apply to few more programs, but that's nbd.

 

[coolingglasses]

as I drift further and further from being pre-med, the assumptions about being a DO become increasingly humorous

 

[JPickos9989]

Also another difference is that several specialities are basically impossible to get as a DO

Disagree completely. Some may be slightly harder, but to say a field is impossible is wrong. This is a mantra that has been repeated numerous times on sdn and it drives me nuts. There are DOs in every field of medicine that have done AOA and ACGME residencies. Yes being a DO may put you a little behind for some specialties, but if you are a good applicant (good steps + research + great letters) you will match. Many DO students do not have good applications - they don't take usmle/they do poorly, they don't get involved in research, and their letters may be good in terms of language but are from a nobody. If your app = average MD student app for that specialty you will match. I'll admit you may have to apply to few more programs, but that's nbd.

Completely agree with Dopa. There isn't a field that is impossible for a DO to get into. It is all about how much work you put into it and how proactive you are about your future career. Some specialties are harder for DO's to get into, derm, ortho, and plastics come mind, but none of them are an absolute impossibility. Yes, there are plenty of programs that won't even consider a DO, but there isn't a field that 100% will not consider a DO, look at the NRMP PD data that was posted elsewhere on SDN.

In general, I would venture that many individuals in the DO realm had instability in their early academics, are changing careers, or have a difficult background that prevented them from obtaining the stats necessary for MD. Is there anything wrong with that? Not at all, but osteopathic schools are generally more forgiving of individuals with a shaky academic background who showed their ability later on down the line. If you are looking for somewhere where you aren't an MCAT score and a pair of GPA's, then the DO route is more suited for you. What you do once you get to a DO school determines where you go in the future as I'm sure plenty of people slack off in medical school but still turn out to be physicians.

 

[D4C]

Completely agree with Dopa. There isn't a field that is impossible for a DO to get into. It is all about how much work you put into it and how proactive you are about your future career. Some specialties are harder for DO's to get into, derm, ortho, and plastics come mind, but none of them are an absolute impossibility. Yes, there are plenty of programs that won't even consider a DO, but there isn't a field that 100% will not consider a DO, look at the NRMP PD data that was posted elsewhere on SDN.

In general, I would venture that many individuals in the DO realm had instability in their early academics, are changing careers, or have a difficult background that prevented them from obtaining the stats necessary for MD. Is there anything wrong with that? Not at all, but osteopathic schools are generally more forgiving of individuals with a shaky academic background who showed their ability later on down the line. If you are looking for somewhere where you aren't an MCAT score and a pair of GPA's, then the DO route is more suited for you. What you do once you get to a DO school determines where you go in the future as I'm sure plenty of people slack off in medical school but still turn out to be physicians.

It should also be mentioned that matching those specialties is unrealistic for a large portion of MD grads too.

 

[JPickos9989]

It should also be mentioned that matching those specialties is unrealistic for a large portion of MD grads too.

Absolutely true

 

[wjs010]

second part of your assumption (or troll post) is wrong...we don't focus "more" on that. There's variation as to how long the anatomy course runs from school to school, but that's it. The only difference between going to a DO or MD school (for pre clinical years) is that you will take one extra class at DO, which is OMM...that's pretty much it. Don't worry, wherever you end up, it'll be hard as **** no matter what.

 

[nontrad78]

OP,
some of your recent posts indicate a severe lack of understanding of the profession you're about to enter. I think many (myself included) have assumed you are lazy, immature, inconsiderate, and just plain ignorant. Another possibility is that you are not from the United States, which would explain your understandable ignorance of american medical professions/education. If this is the case, let me be the first to apologize for not being more helpful. Are you new to the United States and trying to get a better understanding of the profession for your application?

 

[IslandStyle808]

as I drift further and further from being pre-med, the assumptions about being a DO become increasingly humorous

.

 

[IslandStyle808]

as I drift further and further from being pre-med, the assumptions about being a DO become increasingly humorous

I don't think you should base your assumptions off this guy, he seems like an outlier... 🙄

Been a while coolingglasses, how's KCOM treating you (I think it's KCOM)?

 

[costales]

So DO's don't work in hospitals? Seriously, go do some serious reading and educate yourself about the field before posting non-sense like what you have been posting.
I agree that your username and your actual postings are polar opposites at this point.

OP sounds more like PrettyCrappyTroll.

 

[JimmyB123]

Disagree completely. Some may be slightly harder, but to say a field is impossible is wrong. This is a mantra that has been repeated numerous times on sdn and it drives me nuts. There are DOs in every field of medicine that have done AOA and ACGME residencies. Yes being a DO may put you a little behind for some specialties, but if you are a good applicant (good steps + research + great letters) you will match. Many DO students do not have good applications - they don't take usmle/they do poorly, they don't get involved in research, and their letters may be good in terms of language but are from a nobody. If your app = average MD student app for that specialty you will match. I'll admit you may have to apply to few more programs, but that's nbd.

There's no way that if your app as a DO = average MD student app, that you will match that speciality in that program. You probably have to be way above the MD average.

 

[Awesome Sauceome]

Very hard to take you seriously with that name.

1) you get essentially the same training in anatomy that you would get anywhere else. The only difference is that you learn OTM as well - it may help your anatomy skills slightly.

2) I'm a 4th year student and couldnt be happier with my decision. The only reason they are slightly less competitive is because you are given the initials DO instead of MD. DOs make the same and are the legal and professional equivalent of MDs. The only difference is the ability to perform otm if you desire.

Haha not to be mean, but I was thinking the exact same thing.

 

[Promethean]

There's no way that if your app as a DO = average MD student app, that you will match that speciality in that program. You probably have to be way above the MD average.

If your heart is set on a particular specialty, you had better be way above average no matter the letters after your name. If you love something, pour your heart into it and get where you are trying to go. If you think that a merely average MD is going to waltz into a competitive specialty based on their degree, you may be in for an unpleasant surprise.

 

[darklabel]

It should also be mentioned that matching those specialties is unrealistic for a large portion of MD grads too.

True, but not everyone wants to do those things.

Its insane sometimes that SDN assumes every medical student wants ROADS. Tons of students are happy with going to Peds/IM/FM/Pscyh etc.

If your heart is set on a particular specialty, you had better be way above average no matter the letters after your name. If you love something, pour your heart into it and get where you are trying to go. If you think that a merely average MD is going to waltz into a competitive specialty based on their degree, you may be in for an unpleasant surprise.

Depends what you mean by competitive specialty. An average MD student who scores average on the boards and has nothing spectacular can still match into a plethora of specialties. For instance, neurosurgery, plastics, derm, optho, urology, Cardiovascular Integrated and Rad Onc may be a stretch, but a ton of other specialties are still available to them in some pretty solid programs, such as Gen Surg, Radiology, Gas, university IM programs, EM, etc. I don't know if an average DO student would have the same specialties open to them, but I would assume so when you account for both AOA and ACGME.

Also, to say you will be above average beforehand is easier said than done since you'll be in a much smaller pool of highly motivated and smart individuals who will also try their damndest as well.

 

[DopaDO]

There's no way that if your app as a DO = average MD student app, that you will match that speciality in that program. You probably have to be way above the MD average.

Whats your source? Are you a resident? It says your pre-med… Huge problem with SDN is that it's littered with pre-meds who don't know what they are talking about and just perpetually repeat the same falsehoods that they've seen other pre-meds (who also didn't know what they were talking about) had posted before. It's an endless cycle of the blind leading the blind.

Im a 4th year going through it RIGHT now. I think I know what I'm talking about. People on SDN blow this so far out of proportion. If you are average (for that specialty) as a DO, you will get interviews and you will have a shot to match. Yes it's a little harder as a DO, just like it's harder as a grad from Howard versus a grad from Hopkins. It's definitely doable.

 

[DoctorSynthesis]

Whats your source? Are you a resident? It says your pre-med… Huge problem with SDN is that it's littered with pre-meds who don't know what they are talking about and just perpetually repeat the same falsehoods that they've seen other pre-meds (who also didn't know what they were talking about) had posted before. It's an endless cycle of the blind leading the blind.

Im a 4th year going through it RIGHT now. I think I know what I'm talking about. People on SDN blow this so far out of proportion. If you are average (for that specialty) as a DO, you will get interviews and you will have a shot to match. Yes it's a little harder as a DO, just like it's harder as a grad from Howard versus a grad from Hopkins. It's definitely doable.

Interesting people on pre allo forum made it seem very different. I told them to talk to a DO student but they seem to think they know better about DO issues even though they haven't been to DO schools.

 

[Bill Brasky]

There's no way that if your app as a DO = average MD student app, that you will match that speciality in that program. You probably have to be way above the MD average.

 

[WorldClassNeurosurgeon]

You know, there are some great people on this website who are very helpful and kind. And yet, there are others on this website who are rude & constructing arguments out of nothing, like my name, or how much I know? Like wth. No i'm not from another country & sorry I don't know 100% of everything like all of you, but to bash on a forum over it? Like seriously. This is a forum for questions & educational help & guidance. I hope that you who show your true colors on this website don't actually become doctors, because you are the reason that we get those rude doctors that care more about their ego than the patient. I respect D.O because of it's philosophy on patient care. So great, you got the best of me because I didn't know what you did on a specific subject in the medical field. I know about what I am doing, but I don't know 100% . So congratulations, go throw yourself a party for being so smart. Sometimes results are always what matters. Gl with your career with that crappy attitude. I'm glad I have self-respect and respect for others.

 

[nontrad78]

You know, there are some great people on this website who are very helpful and kind. And yet, there are others on this website who are rude & constructing arguments out of nothing, like my name, or how much I know? Like wth. No i'm not from another country & sorry I don't know 100% of everything like all of you, but to bash on a forum over it? Like seriously. This is a forum for questions & educational help & guidance. I hope that you who show your true colors on this website don't actually become doctors, because you are the reason that we get those rude doctors that care more about their ego than the patient. I respect D.O because of it's philosophy on patient care. So great, you got the best of me because I didn't know what you did on a specific subject in the medical field. I know about what I am doing, but I don't know 100% . So congratulations, go throw yourself a party for being so smart. Sometimes results are always what matters. Gl with your career with that crappy attitude. I'm glad I have self-respect and respect for others.

You came on and asked everyone for help on some things that someone with your aspirations and credentials needs to be able to acquire on their own. You responded to this information in ways that showed how little you know about a very serious profession you are looking to enter. Your name indicates you have very high goals, which will require a dedication and doggedness that you have not exhibited to anyone one on these forums. You basically wanted to capitalize on the work that most everyone else has done on their own.

Good luck to you.

 

[JPickos9989]

You know, there are some great people on this website who are very helpful and kind. And yet, there are others on this website who are rude & constructing arguments out of nothing, like my name, or how much I know? Like wth. No i'm not from another country & sorry I don't know 100% of everything like all of you, but to bash on a forum over it? Like seriously. This is a forum for questions & educational help & guidance. I hope that you who show your true colors on this website don't actually become doctors, because you are the reason that we get those rude doctors that care more about their ego than the patient. I respect D.O because of it's philosophy on patient care. So great, you got the best of me because I didn't know what you did on a specific subject in the medical field. I know about what I am doing, but I don't know 100% . So congratulations, go throw yourself a party for being so smart. Sometimes results are always what matters. Gl with your career with that crappy attitude. I'm glad I have self-respect and respect for others.

I agree with nontrad here.

I believe the saying goes "hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard." I have no doubt you are a smart individual to be in the studies you are pursuing as an undergraduate, but it would behoove you to simply read information already made available to you through various sources before asking questions like you have asked. If you simply googled your questions, you would be able to find the information you are looking for and more. Being able to seek out your own information and answers before turning to individuals with questions is a tool you will need throughout life.

 

[Uafl112]

I understand, i feel like D.O is more down to earth care, personal and good. Id want to work in a hospital though; im currently an undergraduate neuroscience student. I hope neuro and surgery are possible as a D.O

I shadowed a DO neuosurgeon so its definitely not impossible.

 

[Theseus]

You know, there are some great people on this website who are very helpful and kind. And yet, there are others on this website who are rude & constructing arguments out of nothing, like my name, or how much I know? Like wth. No i'm not from another country & sorry I don't know 100% of everything like all of you, but to bash on a forum over it? Like seriously. This is a forum for questions & educational help & guidance. I hope that you who show your true colors on this website don't actually become doctors, because you are the reason that we get those rude doctors that care more about their ego than the patient. I respect D.O because of it's philosophy on patient care. So great, you got the best of me because I didn't know what you did on a specific subject in the medical field. I know about what I am doing, but I don't know 100% . So congratulations, go throw yourself a party for being so smart. Sometimes results are always what matters. Gl with your career with that crappy attitude. I'm glad I have self-respect and respect for others.

Welcome to the internet.

 

[Mad Jack]

Two quick questions :
1) do osteopathic doctors have a slightly more anatomy based schedule than MD since they focus more on bones,joints,etc?
2) why are D.O schools less competitive? They seem like a 10x better place to learn medicine

1) I would say it's pretty likely that we receive a more thorough anatomy education, simply because we're constantly reinforcing everything with OMM and you have to know the origins, insertions, innervation, blood supply, lymphatic drainage, and function of every muscle you perform OMM on. We just get a lot more repetition in the anatomy realm, basically, and there's a lot of emphasis on things that would otherwise just be lists of rote facts on the MD side of things.

2) They aren't a better or worse place to learn medicine, it just depends on what you're into. If you want to be a specialist, MD is generally the way to go. If you are down with the DO philosophy and aspire to some of the less competitive specialties or primary care, DO is fine. If you don't know, it's always generally better to go MD just because of the doors it opens.

 

[coolingglasses]

I don't think you should base your assumptions off this guy, he seems like an outlier... 🙄

Been a while coolingglasses, how's KCOM treating you (I think it's KCOM)?

SDN is a goofy place sometimes

you're not terribly far off lol. I survived first year, so that's a plus. anxiously fighting my way towards the end of this block so I can kick off fall break

You know, there are some great people on this website who are very helpful and kind. And yet, there are others on this website who are rude & constructing arguments out of nothing, like my name, or how much I know? Like wth. No i'm not from another country & sorry I don't know 100% of everything like all of you, but to bash on a forum over it? Like seriously. This is a forum for questions & educational help & guidance. I hope that you who show your true colors on this website don't actually become doctors, because you are the reason that we get those rude doctors that care more about their ego than the patient. I respect D.O because of it's philosophy on patient care. So great, you got the best of me because I didn't know what you did on a specific subject in the medical field. I know about what I am doing, but I don't know 100% . So congratulations, go throw yourself a party for being so smart. Sometimes results are always what matters. Gl with your career with that crappy attitude. I'm glad I have self-respect and respect for others.

if you can't handle this frankly minor ribbing on SDN, med school is going to be a very rude awakening for you. certainly there are people on here whose attitudes leave a lot to be desired, but nothing about this thread indicates it. nor does it indicate how they actually deal with their patients.

There's no way that if your app as a DO = average MD student app, that you will match that speciality in that program. You probably have to be way above the MD average.

tight resume, playa

 

[WorldClassNeurosurgeon]

Oh, I can handle it . And it's defintiely not everyone, I just have people throwing out terms like "You don't know anything about the profession, blahblah" . Like that makes no sense. I know plenty about it, and I work hard studying every single day I wake up. I work my ass off & I am a neuroscience major. I have a good idea of what D.O is versus MD. I was just asking a simple question. It doesn't mean I don't know anything about what I am doing. I have seen people discuss topics of things such as tiers. If they don't exist, fine. It doesn't matter. I don't care about it, I am just saying -- People shouldn't be on here for bashing when we're all suppose to be working towards the same goal. We're on a team. Part of being a great physician is leadership & driving others to greatness, as well as yourself.

 

[WorldClassNeurosurgeon]

I asked a question about their curriculum - lmao not like I don't know what I am doing at all.

 

[CUNYguy]

Let's defuse this.

Nontrad was just saying that you can get your answers by reading instructions from AACOM/AACOMAS, and you can google answers.

He apologized in his initial post.

But yea.. Aacom.org 😉


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