re-evaluating my options..serious

[docmayer]

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As a Canadian DO, I would be unable to match in an AOA program, thus ruling out most/any hope of matching into competitive specialties. I would have to complete an ACGME or dually-accredited residency. In addition to this, it must be an ACGME residency that sponsors an H1B visa. So as you can imagine my chances at specializing are for the most part gone.

In addition to this, for a DO to practice in Michigan (as I planned on), I have to complete an AOA internship. But wait a minute..I can't match into AOA residencies. So for me to practice in MI, I must complete an AOA internship, and then complete an ACGME residency that sponsors visa's.

It isn't only a matter of finding an acgme residency that will sponsor my h1b, but I have to match INTO this residency to begin with. 75% of DO's successfully match in ACGME residencies. Take this into account along with having to find one that will sponsor an H1B, your chances are hurt badly - I can say goodbye to specializing. Assume 1/2 (which is an over-estimate) of these acgme programs that DOs matching into actually sponsor the h1b, you can get a rough idea of my chances finding one...

DO school debt would run me up to 300K. There are many international (yes, I said it..) schools that are MUCH cheaper and have students successful match back into the US. By doing so, I would save a LOT of money, and essentially end up in the same specialty (most likely IM or FM due to limitations) and I would be able to practice in MI without wasting a year completing an AOA residency.

I am seriously having trouble deciding what to do. AS AN AMERICAN CITIZEN, GOING THE DO ROUTE IS NO DOUBT THE BEST OPTION. However, with my future goals, and me being a Canadian, I am unsure what is the best route OVERALL. And of course there is always the uncertainty of regulation changes in the future in regards to DO's/IMGs matching into acgme residencies.

Please don't start an IMG MD/DO debate, obviously DO is better option for any US citizen. But in my case, things are much different. I can also retake the MCAT and apply next year for MD schools.

Any USEFUL posts will be appreciated.

Corey

 

[NeuroLAX]

Wouldn't resolution 42 be applicable here? Correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[docmayer]

Wouldn't resolution 42 be applicable here? Correct me if I'm wrong.

You are correct, I forgot to include that. Thank you for bringing it up.

 

[AliceNWndrlnd]

Here is some information off of the AOA web-site. I would e-mail the contact person and see what you options are before you change your plans.


"Q: I want to enter into training and/or practice in Canada. Whom should I contact?

A: For information regarding training and/or practice in Canada, please contact Ted Findlay, DO, President, Canadian Osteopathic Association at [email protected], or contact the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the specific province."
Visa Information for the Osteopathic Profession

"​In 2009, the AOA received requests for assistance from several Canadian students completing their predoctoral education at colleges of osteopathic medicine in the US. The students had matched into residency training programs, but had been unable to secure J-1 visas, which would allow them to complete postdoctoral training in the United States before returning to Canada to establish their practices.

The students and the residency training programs into which they have been accepted have encountered difficulties with obtaining J-1 visas, which are handled through the ECFMG – the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates. ECFMG is granted the authority from the United States Department of State (DOS) to sponsor J-1 visas for international medical graduates.

In response to our students' concerns, AOA staff advocated for the students and spoke with the ECFMG staff, who committed to treating international students who graduate from AOA-accredited colleges of osteopathic medicine the same as international graduates of LCME-accredited allopathic medical schools for purposes of sponsoring J-1 visas. The AOA has worked with the ECFMG to prepare information for medical students concerning how to apply for US visas."

 

[docmayer]

Also, I do not plan on returning to Canada.

 

[cliquesh]

Also, I do not plan on returning to Canada.

Then why can you not do an AOA residency?

 

[docmayer]

Then why can you not do an AOA residency?

they dont sponsor visas to internationals..

 

[drshark]

Your gpa is veryyy competitive for MD programs, just a few more points on MCAT and you are a veryyy solid applicant.

 

[rzoo14]

Your gpa is veryyy competitive for MD programs, just a few more points on MCAT and you are a veryyy solid applicant.

I agree. A little improvement on your Verbal can mean a good number of MD interview invites.

 

[MedPR]

I don't know your story, but I just looked at your MDapps and all you have to do is retake the MCAT to get into MD.

MCAT: BS 12, PS 10, VR 6, Q
Overall GPA: 3.90
Science GPA: 3.92

Brief Profile:
~150 volunteer hours in ER
~80 hours physician shadowing
~100 hours tutoring
- a few university clubs (food-bank, shelter)
- fundraiser
- Research Assistant in developmental genetics

Retake it, apply MD next year, and don't bother with the hassle of being a Canadian DO. In fact, if you weren't a Canadian, you could probably sneak into an MD school this year even with the 6 on VR.

 

[docmayer]

F%#K...i'm so lost as to what to do....i could retake and try getting into MD but that would put me a year behind assuming I get accepted DO this year. I also was studying for a retake at the beginning of the summer but quit because I was applying DO..but now its a different story...hate this

Would it be bad to defer an acceptance 1 year (assuming I get into MSUCOM), retake the MCAT, and try for MD in the mean time? Or is this violation of some laws or something? Sorry if that came off as conceited.

 

[NeuroLAX]

F%#K...i'm so lost as to what to do....i could retake and try getting into MD but that would put me a year behind assuming I get accepted DO this year. I also was studying for a retake at the beginning of the summer but quit because I was applying DO..but now its a different story...hate this

I didn't see that you had your MDapps profile... you have rock star GPAs. Many people here would kill to be in your position, Canadian or not. Do what you will, but I think you could get in somewhere, MD or DO. If not, retake the MCAT and improve your verbal score, then you'd be a strong candidate for MD. Moving on...

 

[docmayer]

I didn't see that you had your MDapps profile... you have rock star GPAs. Many people here would kill to be in your position, Canadian or not. Do what you will, but I think you could get in somewhere, MD or DO. If not, retake the MCAT and improve your verbal score, then you'd be a strong candidate for MD. Moving on...

So you think I should take an acceptance this year (DO) if I get one as oppose to taking a year off, improving mcat, and applying md?

 

[HalfListic]

If you'd like to go primary care, apply this cycle and don't worry.

If you want to specialize, take the year off for improvement and go MD
If possible. Don't make the mistake of thinking a year is a long time...I've heard all the arguments and they all stink. Take the time to get what you want out of the rest of your life.

And good luck

 

[NeuroLAX]

If you'd like to go primary care, apply this cycle and don't worry.

If you want to specialize, take the year off for improvement and go MD
If possible. Don't make the mistake of thinking a year is a long time...I've heard all the arguments and they all stink. Take the time to get what you want out of the rest of your life.

And good luck

+10000. I assume you're mainly taking a jab at the "one year attending salary" argument.

 

[docmayer]

thanks guys. As far as deferring an acceptance and trying for md in the meantime, is that legal? lol

 

[psychgirrrl]

I am pretty sure it is legal, but I think your status as accepted at a DO school will be made available for all schools to see and from what I've been told, medical schools are not particularly fond of "stealing" students away from other programs. You can take your chances!

I am sorry about the visa situation, it makes everything so complicated!

 

[drshark]

simple solutions, marry medpr 🙂

 

[docmayer]

simple solutions, marry medpr 🙂

I may try finding a US citizen on here to marry and apply for all AOA programs 🙄

 

[drshark]

be willing to buy me a lambo and we'll talk... lol

 

[docmayer]

be willing to buy me a lambo and we'll talk... lol

lol, sure. after i match into AOA ortho/anes/rads and make 250k +/year😳

 

[NeuroLAX]

be willing to buy me a lambo and we'll talk... lol

I'm diggin your style 👍

Would you settle for a GT-R? Or is it Lambo or no go?

 

[HalfListic]

+10000. I assume you're mainly taking a jab at the "one year attending salary" argument.

Yes...such a ridiculous argument, and used by relatively sane people too.

 

[MedPR]

I'm diggin your style 👍

Would you settle for a GT-R? Or is it Lambo or no go?

GT-R for me. I don't care about anything else that can be bought for under $300k.

 

[NeuroLAX]

Yes...such a ridiculous argument, and used by relatively sane people too.

I know 😕

GT-R for me. I don't care about anything else that can be bought for under $300k.

The GT-R is currently my dream car 😍. Some day...

 

[MedPR]

I know 😕



The GT-R is currently my dream car 😍. Some day...

Same here. I'd rather spend $150k in mods for my GT-R (not body kits or other lame stuff like that) than buy a $250k car. It's also incredibly practical for a high performance car.

 

[MedPR]

be willing to buy me a lambo and we'll talk... lol

"I'm not shallow, but I'll marry you for a lambo"

Say what? 😛

 

[rzoo14]

Since we're speaking about cars. I recently watched Mission Impossible 4 and the BMW caught my eye (no idea why it was in india though). BMW i8 couple, priced between 175k-250k.

[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=itOiD5Q1pnU[/YOUTUBE]

 

[drshark]

actually I do want to start off small with like an M3, then move to GT-R, and then a murcielago once i'm well established. lol

 

[drshark]

"I'm not shallow, but I'll marry you for a lambo"

Say what? 😛

you're only my friends bc you're shallow 😛

 

[MedPR]

actually I do want to start off small with like an M3, then move to GT-R, and then a murcielago once i'm well established. lol

Why? GT-R > Murci.

Plus, M3s are only like $25k less than GT-Rs. Might as well hold out 🙂

 

[MedPR]

you're only my friends bc you're shallow 😛

Yea, your avatar is super hot.

 

[docmayer]

Audi r8 = WINNING

 

[rzoo14]

Realistically speaking, I'd start off with an audi s5. Sexy car and not many on the road. Its starts off around 50k.

 

[MedPR]

Audi r8 = WINNING

GT-R > V10 R8. Next? 🙂

 

[MedPR]

Realistically speaking, I'd start off with an audi s5. Sexy car and not many on the road. Its starts off around 50k.

Yea, the S5s are nice. I'm going to buy something practical and relatively cheap like a camry during residency and hang on to that probably until I can buy a GT-R. I have a '08 G37S coupe now, but the thing is so impractical I'm sure I'll get rid of it during or maybe even before med school.

 

[HalfListic]

Audi r8 = WINNING

Im actually with the Mayer here...the R8 has style for miles.

 

[MedPR]

Im actually with the Mayer here...the R8 has style for miles.

It's a nice looking car, but I can't see myself spending ~$100k on anything but a GT-R.

 

[drshark]

R8 is definitely an option, although i really like the fisker karma, eco friendly and sexy? hell yes, plus they are not common at all

 

[rzoo14]

It's a nice looking car, but I can't see myself spending ~$100k on anything but a GT-R.

+1. Well, I can't really see myself ever spending more than 100k on a car. Unless I'm making one of those top specialty money. Even then. No.

 

[MedPR]

R8 is definitely an option, although i really like the fisker karma, eco friendly and sexy? hell yes, plus they are not common at all

Yea Fiskers are ok too.

 

[psychgirrrl]

+1. Well, I can't really see myself ever spending more than 100k on a car. Unless I'm making one of those top specialty money. Even then. No.

I would just travel. Hopefully I will live somewhere where I don't have to drive a car, I hate driving.

 

[HalfListic]

R8 is definitely an option, although i really like the fisker karma, eco friendly and sexy? hell yes, plus they are not common at all

Yes!! Such a smooth look and def not going to be seen everywhere...pretty cool option

 

[MedPR]

Yes!! Such a smooth look and def not going to be seen everywhere...pretty cool option

I've seen more Fiskers (2) and R8s (4 V8s, 1 V10) than I've seen GT-Rs (1). Just saying. I'd like to buy a Carrera GT.

 

[SLC]

I'm diggin your style 👍

Would you settle for a GT-R? Or is it Lambo or no go?

That car is mine!

It's the only car I really covet at this point in time. And I'm a huge Ferarri fan so I think that says a lot. Such an amazing vehicle!

Edit: I could hold my nose and take a Porsche 911GT2

 

[MedPR]

That car is mine!

It's the only car I really covet at this point in time. And I'm a huge Ferarri fan so I think that says a lot.

Same here. If I could have a F40 or a 288 GTO I would probably cry.

 

[Ost3oclast]

I'd have to say a lambo gallardo. Or a corvette zr1. Those things are ******* mean.

 

[drshark]

Yes!! Such a smooth look and def not going to be seen everywhere...pretty cool option

definitely! The noble M600 is soooo sexy also! omg I want so many cars lol I'm obsessed with sports cars and going fast 🙂 vrooom vrooom

 

[SLC]

Same here. If I could have a F40 or a 288 GTO I would probably cry.

So no lie, one of the OBGyn's that I used to work with had invested in an exotic car rental company in Vegas. When it didn't pan out he was left with a Corvette ZO6, Porsche 911Carerra 4S, and a Ferarri 360 Modena. He hates the Vette, says the Ferrari feels like a bomb (afraid it's going to have a major breakdown everytime he drives it) and loves the Porsche. He says it's good enough to be a daily driver.

He used to bring the Ferarri to work every once in a while, I never did get him to let me take a ride in it.

 

[NeuroLAX]

definitely! The noble M600 is soooo sexy also! omg I want so many cars lol I'm obsessed with sports cars and going fast 🙂 vrooom vrooom

I must say you have exquisite taste in exotics lol.

I have seen two Fiskers and both times I was like, "wait... what the hell was that?" Then I remember: Maserati-looking car that's not a Maserati = Fisker Karma

All this talk about cars makes me reminisce about high school and how my friends and I used to go to all the car shows in town. I haven't hung out with car enthusiasts in a looong time ;(