If you look at DO matches into Neurosurgery programs and other highly competitive specialties, you'll see that a limited number, or much less match because there are less AOA residencies, and it's more difficult for a DO to match into an AAMC residency.
For example, Neurological Surgery had 12 Spots, and the AAMC residency had 180-something spots, and not one D.O. matched into the Allopathic program (Yes there are AOA residencies in Neurosurg but 12 openings seems like a very minute amount to count on)
Please correct me if i'm wrong, but the statistics i've come across show a pretty decent discrepancy between allopathic and osteopathic medical students.
I know this from personal knowledge, but i'll post some sources for clarification,
Doctor Bob.
http://www.nrmp.org/data/resultsanddatasms2012.pdf
If you will scroll down to
Figure 4 on the PDF, you will see the discrepancy I had previously noted.
All Applicants: Around 70%
Allopathic: >80%
Osteopathic: High 60's, low 70%
US International Graduates: 60%
Non-US International Graduates-60%
There is a notable difference in the Allopathic Applicant and Osteopathic Applicant graduates
Allopathic: 4000
Osteopathic: 550
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Also say, my comrade were interested in Neurosurgery. All the neurosurgery residency positions were filled (12 spots his year for AOA). His only hope would be to match into match into an AAMC Neurosurgery Residency. Let's see his chances:
# of total residents- 1096
% USMDs- 88%
% IMGs- 11%
% osteopathic graduates <1%
Data adapted from Brotherton S, Etzel S. Graduate medical education, 2009 - 2010. JAMA 2010; 304(11): 1255 - 1270.
Of course, you will be a Physician either way, but if you were in love with a specialty, why not give yourself the best shot? Imagine if you were in love with Urology, and you were a good enough student to match into a AOA residency, but you had to succumb to the fact that there weren't as many spots as say, AAMC residencies? You would be in a deep pile of ____
Note- These are my interpretations and rough estimations based on these calculations and the information the National Resident Matching Program has disclosed with to the public
I hope this explains my reasoning.
If you can otherwise prove this evidence, or my thinking faulty, please elaborate and if appropriate and feasible, please provide sources to the information provided. It would be greatly appreciated from
Doctor Bob or anyone else that has a take on the matter.
