Really wanting to go DO

[sotash]

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So, I have definitely decided that I want to go D.O. over M.D.... for the most part. There's still a part of me that thinks signing "M.D." would be kinda cool... BUT, I love the idea of having a more personal relationship with my future patients.
I was just wondering... would it be better for me to apply to both allopathic and osteopathic schools, or, since I do want to go D.O., just osteopathic? Nobody likes to play second fiddle... I'm just wondering if it's a gamble.

Thank you for the input!!! 🙂

 

[scpod]

...BUT, I love the idea of having a more personal relationship with my future patients

Becoming a DO won't give you a more personal relationship with your patients. It will simply give you another tool to help with diagnosis and treatment, OMT. You can have a great relationship with your patients as either an MD or DO. If you want to be a DO apply to DO. If it doesn't matter to you, apply to both.

 

[bth7]

So, I have definitely decided that I want to go D.O. over M.D.... for the most part. There's still a part of me that thinks signing "M.D." would be kinda cool... BUT, I love the idea of having a more personal relationship with my future patients.
I was just wondering... would it be better for me to apply to both allopathic and osteopathic schools, or, since I do want to go D.O., just osteopathic? Nobody likes to play second fiddle... I'm just wondering if it's a gamble.

Thank you for the input!!! 🙂

I'm certainly supportive of your desire to go to a DO school, since I'm a D.O. student myself. However, the idea that D.O.'s have "more personal" relationships with the patients in comparison with M.D.s is . . . ridiculous.

You might want to do some reading into this topic.
Here's some places to start:
Osteopathic medicine in the United States
A comparison of patient visits to osteopathic and allopathic general and family medicine physicians
The Paradox of Osteopathy
Comparison of osteopathic and allopathic
Other references

Hope this is helpful information.

bth

 

[sexyman]

I don't know scpod, when my DO pcp does my physical she spends more time on my hernia test. Just joking.

You might change your mind several times from now until matriculation, play it safe and apply to schools that you are interested in whether they be DO or MD.

 

[J1515]

There's still a part of me that thinks signing "M.D." would be kinda cool...

Am I the only one that chuckled when I read this?

 

[JaggerPlate]

Apply both. I think it's great you are set on DO, but remember that they are slightly different paths to an idential end; 'doctor.' You increase your chances of that final goal by applying to both, and you can have a great relationship with your patients regardless.

 

[Tamburlaine]

Hi guys, perhaps a tad bit off topic, but I'd like to repost it for our brave new explorer.


Embrace It
Embrace what osteopathic medical philosophy has to offer its inquirers and students!

OK, I can understand being torn between the two--in other words, pursuing the DO route with your nose tightly clipped between your fingers. You've encountered some prejudice, you've got an MD in the family sending those bad vibes your way.

But now, you will, god willing, become a DO. Embrace it. You're education will be different, and you will be around practioners who are more primary care focused. It's OK--in fact, I think it's a great thing. They're people who think hard about patients and the most appropriate way to treat them, given all the available tools. Plus, you'll be taught how the musculoskeletal system can be used to relieve patients of different sorts of pain. A.T. Still--not the myth, the guy who though up osteopathy--was very suspicious of overeliance on meds. Now, wholesale denial of the usefulness of meds is, of course, criminal, but remembering that some disorders, such as--but of course--lower back pain can be treated without meds. Also, physical diagnosis is a very important tool because it allows the physician to figure out which tests to order. Lastly, primary care is not a latrine to pee in, or snipe at, as 3/4 of med students like to do--no doubt with a tear driping down their cheek as their vision of a jet-black convertible mercedes turns into a jetta--but the soul of the medical system. And our primary care here in the US is among the worst of advanced nations. Primary care is an art and science all its own, and osteopathic medicine is based on it. It's a different approach to med education that can potentially give you more tools as a primary care doc and give you a deeper connection to patients. Embrace it, don't tolerate it.

 

[littlealex]

What? I really don't see the difference between DO and MD. Both emphasizes patient autonomy and good bedside manners. The only real difference I can see is the DO-specific techniques, which many DO don't practice but it really is an extra tool that may come in quite handy sometimes.

By all means apply to both DO and MD, and just pick the school that you feel the most comfortable at.

 

[Tamburlaine]

There is a real problem with the quality of primary in this country, a real problem. Patients aren't getting treated well in the system; they don't like their primary care doctors; they don't feel listened-to; their care isn't coordinated between specialists; docs aren't taking into consideration how psychological factors influence people's experience of disease and recovery, how family history and experience can affect their treatment. Care, in general, is neither personal nor personalized enough.

Many DO schools understand that primary care is an undernourished and underappreciated, but vital art and science. The notion that "all the medical schools in the U.S. produce great primary care docs" is simply false and reflects a rather insensivite ignorance of the plethora of Americans getting poor primary care. Pre-meds and critics of DO's don't take into sufficient account the importance of of not seeing a patient as a symptom needing certain technology and treament, but as a large story whose real treatment and healing will involve an interaction with that person's mind, history, family, beliefs about health and medicine, doctors and treatment, and an examination of that person's job, relationships, and nutrition. The idea is not to identify probable disease, prescribe, send to specialist, and never see them again. It's to see them through the problem, through the treatment, through the period of healing, and afterwards, all the while perfecting the care and hearing their voice. It takes time to develop these skills. Being a provider and treating patients is not "easy as pie" and really for the folks who aren't cut out to be radiologists.

Primary care is more complicated and requires more dedication than people give it credit for, and DO's understand this. The notion that primary care education is elementary and therefore easy to acquire is simply false. Perhaps the biggest difference setting DO's apart from their counterparts is that they have unique primary care training and philosophy.

Also, in truth, most of these ideas come striaght from a book by an MD Cornell family med professor named Eric Cassells. I think it's called Primary Care Education.

The MD/DO equation movement ought to make sure it understands osteopathic philosophy and the condition of the country's primary care before denying the existence of difference among all med schools.

Not to mention all recent analysis of the flaws in the U.S. health care system point to both inadequate supply and quality of our primary care. DO's, since the inception of their trade, have been committed to primary care. And now they are positioned to fill the huge void of providers in the system.

We are nowhere near the healthiest nation in the world. And it's obvious to anyone who cares to think about it that this is because we don't adequately help patients deal with temptations, illnesses, and hazards that pervade their lives.

 

[Boner]

Perhaps the biggest difference setting DO's apart from their counterparts is that they have unique primary care training and philosophy.

No we don't. There's nothing special about our training that sets us apart from MDs, other than OMM.

 

[HillMill]

Schools really liked that I only applied to d.o. Schools and showed a true committment to the field and the current goal of many d.o. Schools to train more primary care physicians. Just something to think about.

 

[sotash]

Schools really liked that I only applied to d.o. Schools and showed a true committment to the field and the current goal of many d.o. Schools to train more primary care physicians. Just something to think about.

Thank you for telling me that. That's what I was asking!

Not for people to tell me that I have "ridiculous" notions. 🙁

 

[bth7]

Not for people to tell me that I have "ridiculous" notions. 🙁

I'm sorry if I was my comments were untowards. I certainly wasn't intending it as a criticism of you; I was only responding to the notion that D.O.'s have more personal relationships with their patients.

Similarly, Tamburlaine seems to think I'm criticizing osteopathic medicine or osteopathic philosophy. I'm not. I think osteopathic medicine is great and I agree with his/her statement that we've got some serious problems with primary care in this country.

However, I take issue with statements like the following.

DO's, since the inception of their trade, have been committed to primary care. And now they are positioned to fill the huge void of providers in the system."

This simply isn't true. Some people like to repeat this idea that osteopathic medicine is somehow the champion of primary care in the United States. But repeating something does not make it true. There is no evidence to support this statement, and quite frankly its misleading. The overwhelming majority of primary care physicians in this country are M.D.'s. Many of those physicians are just as dedicated to the importance of primary care and the health and well-being of their patients as their D.O. colleagues.

Even if every osteopathic medicine student entered primary care (only around 55-60% actually do) they would still only make up 25% of the primary care physician workforce. In Texas for example, there are 10,761 allopathic primary care physicians, and 1123 osteopathic physicians (link). While osteopathic physicians did enter primary care at a higher rate, their contribution to the overall supply is still a small fraction. Even more alarming, the percentage of osteopathic students who choose primary care is declining rapidly. (link)

The organizations that are addressing the issue of the primary care shortage in the United States are not osteopathic or allopathic. They are simply primary care focused, regardless of degree-type (MD, DO or IMG). Organizations like the Robert Graham Center or the American Academy of Family Physicians, the latter of which has more members (MD & DO) dedicated to primary care than the entire membership of the American Osteopathic Association, only around half of whom are primary care physicians.

It's wonderful that many D.O.'s choose to enter primary care. But this doesn't somehow negate the fact that most primary care physicians in this country are M.D.'s.

Continuing to fantasize about some ineffable difference between allopathic and osteopathic medicine is a massive waste of time. Yes, the allopathic and osteopathic professions have different histories and different traditions, but they receive the same training and certainly are equally committed to health care.

Perhaps other developed nations have more comprehensive health care systems because their med students do not waste their time arguing over some ridiculous notion that one kind of med school or one kind of medical degree is better than the other.

Let's stop promoting misinformation which obfuscates the real issues of the primary care health shortage. Let's start talking about how to improve access to care, eliminate health care disparities, expand insurance coverage for more Americans, improve the quality of training and numbers of primary care physicians in this country, regardless of what the letters after their name are.



bth

Reference
Osteopathic Physicians and the Family Medicine Workforce

 

[RySerr21]

I'm sorry if I was my comments were untowards. I certainly wasn't intending it as a criticism of you; I was only responding to the notion that D.O.'s have more personal relationships with their patients.

Similarly, Tamburlaine seems to think I'm criticizing osteopathic medicine or osteopathic philosophy. I'm not. I think osteopathic medicine is great and I agree with his/her statement that we've got some serious problems with primary care in this country.

However, I take issue with statements like the following.



This simply isn't true. Some people like to repeat this idea that osteopathic medicine is somehow the champion of primary care in the United States. But repeating something does not make it true. There is no evidence to support this statement, and quite frankly its misleading. The overwhelming majority of primary care physicians in this country are M.D.'s. Many of those physicians are just as dedicated to the importance of primary care and the health and well-being of their patients as their D.O. colleagues.

thats because an overwhelming majority of physicians OVERALL are MDs. what is it like 5% of practicing physicians are DOs? you need to look at it comparatively, which you are not doing.

Even if every osteopathic medicine student entered primary care (only around 55-60% actually do) they would still only make up 25% of the primary care physician workforce. In Texas for example, there are 10,761 allopathic primary care physicians, and 1123 osteopathic physicians (link). While osteopathic physicians did enter primary care at a higher rate, their contribution to the overall supply is still a small fraction. Even more alarming, the percentage of osteopathic students who choose primary care is declining rapidly. (link)

again, you can't just compare numbers. how many total allopathic physicians are there in texas? how many total osteopathic? then out of those numbers you can look at % of primary care physicians. i imagine your results will be quite different than what you are showing right now. your statement about MD being more represented than DOs may be true once you look at the numbers comparatively (although i would surprised) but the way you show the #s now is misrepresenting the data.

It's wonderful that many D.O.'s choose to enter primary care. But this doesn't somehow negate the fact that most primary care physicians in this country are M.D.'s.

see above.

Continuing to fantasize about some ineffable difference between allopathic and osteopathic medicine is a massive waste of time. Yes, the allopathic and osteopathic professions have different histories and different traditions, but they receive the same training and certainly are equally committed to health care.

Perhaps other developed nations have more comprehensive health care systems because their med students do not waste their time arguing over some ridiculous notion that one kind of med school or one kind of medical degree is better than the other.

Let's stop promoting misinformation which obfuscates the real issues of the primary care health shortage. Let's start talking about how to improve access to care, eliminate health care disparities, expand insurance coverage for more Americans, improve the quality of training and numbers of primary care physicians in this country, regardless of what the letters after their name are.

agreed.

 

[MaximusD]

Thank you for telling me that. That's what I was asking!

Not for people to tell me that I have "ridiculous" notions. 🙁

DO/MD all the same. OMM is great, although I wish that there wasn't some of the old BS dogma in it, but aside from that the difference between DO/MD is negligible at best.

If there is any unquantifiable difference between the two, I would have to say it is that DO students are often Type A/B hyphenates, making them more personable in general. Combine that with schools that are not research oriented and you have a more relaxed, sociable student body combined with professors who are actually there to teach students rather than publish their next study in a medical journal... (not that they don't do that, its just not the emphasis)

This is the atmosphere at PCOM. I'm not going to say everyone loves each other in our classes -- that would be a lie. Rather, most students get along and work together without much of a sense of competition. The professors are frequently speaking with students in both professional and casual contexts, proactively seeking to better our understanding of medicine and the subject matter in our coursework.

I can't help but think that this plays a major part. I think it plays a larger part than a 2-hour class that I go to every Tuesday... OMM is great bc it breaks down that "doctor-patient" barrier allowing the 'doctor' to have hands-on contact with the 'patient'.

Just something I was thinking about...

ANYWAY, directed to the OP:

Are you doing the USAF HPSP if you get in to med school?

 

[bth7]

thats because an overwhelming majority of physicians OVERALL are MDs. what is it like 5% of practicing physicians are DOs? you need to look at it comparatively, which you are not doing.

Yes, this is certainly true. And this is exactly my point. I'm responding to the Tamburlaine claim that DO's are "now positioned to fill the huge void of providers in the system." How exactly are 10% of physicians going to fill this huge void? My point is that while DO's will certainly help, but this notion of an "osteopathic solution" that the solution to the primary care health care shortage is preposterous. Any solution to this workforce gap will necessarily be made up of MD & DO physicians, and frankly many times more MD physicians than DO physicians.

Additionally, this notion that the solution to the primary care shortage problem is osteopathic philosophy, falls apart in when confronted with the yearly decreasing percentage of osteopathic students choosing primary care fields. (link)

again, you can't just compare numbers. how many total allopathic physicians are there in texas? how many total osteopathic? then out of those numbers you can look at % of primary care physicians. i imagine your results will be quite different than what you are showing right now. your statement about MD being more represented than DOs may be true once you look at the numbers comparatively (although i would surprised) but the way you show the #s now is misrepresenting the data.

How exactly am I misrepresenting the data? As I stated, osteopathic students enter primary care at a higher rate. But when you look at the numbers, two things become obvious.
#1 The rate is not so dramatically higher. In Texas (to be consistent) about 40% of MD physicians are in primary care. While around 60% of DO physicians are. (link) 40% versus 60% ? And for new physicians entering the workforce, the difference is even less.
#2 Even with this higher rate, the osteopathic contribution in terms of overall numbers is small.

Again my overall point is that one can't simply make whatever claim about osteopathic medicine one wishes, without any evidence to support your claims. "We have closer relationships with our patients." "We treat the whole patient." "We are the answer to the primary care crisis in America."

These are ridiculous statements. Just as ridiculous as saying "MD schools are better. MD physicians are smarter. DO physicians couldn't get into to regular med school."

I believe there are a few people on both sides of this equation that want to continue this silly turf war. Their strategy is to continuously exaggerate the few very small differences between MD and DO schools and physicians. Often at the expense of telling the whole story, or even the truth.

I respond because, (which we seem to agree upon) this "osteopathic medicine is different" enterprise is a massive waste of time and energy. Let's talk about the problems and the solutions which will surely emerge from the now fully realized climate of cooperation and equality between the allopathic and osteopathic worlds. Let's stop making meaningless claims that "our team" is somehow better.

For med students applying to schools now, the relevant information to know is that allopathic and osteopathic schools both offer you an excellent opportunity to become a physician.

bth

 

[RySerr21]

Yes, this is certainly true. And this is exactly my point. I'm responding to the Tamburlaine claim that DO's are "now positioned to fill the huge void of providers in the system." How exactly are 10% of physicians going to fill this huge void? My point is that while DO's will certainly help, but this notion of an "osteopathic solution" that the solution to the primary care health care shortage is preposterous. Any solution to this workforce gap will necessarily be made up of MD & DO physicians, and frankly many times more MD physicians than DO physicians.

Additionally, this notion that the solution to the primary care shortage problem is osteopathic philosophy, falls apart in when confronted with the yearly decreasing percentage of osteopathic students choosing primary care fields. (link)

How exactly am I misrepresenting the data? As I stated, osteopathic students enter primary care at a higher rate. But when you look at the numbers, two things become obvious.
#1 The rate is not so dramatically higher. In Texas (to be consistent) about 40% of MD physicians are in primary care. While around 60% of DO physicians are. (link) 40% versus 60% ? And for new physicians entering the workforce, the difference is even less.
#2 Even with this higher rate, the osteopathic contribution in terms of overall numbers is small.

Again my overall point is that one can't simply make whatever claim about osteopathic medicine one wishes, without any evidence to support your claims. "We have closer relationships with our patients." "We treat the whole patient." "We are the answer to the primary care crisis in America."

These are ridiculous statements. Just as ridiculous as saying "MD schools are better. MD physicians are smarter. DO physicians couldn't get into to regular med school."

I believe there are a few people on both sides of this equation that want to continue this silly turf war. Their strategy is to continuously exaggerate the few very small differences between MD and DO schools and physicians. Often at the expense of telling the whole story, or even the truth.

I respond because, (which we seem to agree upon) this "osteopathic medicine is different" enterprise is a massive waste of time and energy. Let's talk about the problems and the solutions which will surely emerge from the now fully realized climate of cooperation and equality between the allopathic and osteopathic worlds. Let's stop making meaningless claims that "our team" is somehow better.

For med students applying to schools now, the relevant information to know is that allopathic and osteopathic schools both offer you an excellent opportunity to become a physician.

bth

you don't see how this is misrepresenting? to first say that " in texas there are 10,761 allopathic primary care physicians, and 1123 osteopathic physicians" w/o mentioning that "In Texas (to be consistent) about 40% of MD physicians are in primary care. While around 60% of DO physicians are." the two comments tell very different stories, especially to someone who doens't know anything about the number of MDs and DOs.

beyond that, i understand what you were getting at in response to the other person's statement and I agree w/ pretty much everything you are saying. my point was to be more careful when quoting statistics.

 

[bth7]

you don't see how this is misrepresenting? to first say that " in texas there are 10,761 allopathic primary care physicians, and 1123 osteopathic physicians" w/o mentioning that "In Texas (to be consistent) about 40% of MD physicians are in primary care. While around 60% of DO physicians are." the two comments tell very different stories, especially to someone who doens't know anything about the number of MDs and DOs.

beyond that, i understand what you were getting at in response to the other person's statement and I agree w/ pretty much everything you are saying. my point was to be more careful when quoting statistics.

Cool.

 

[VALSALVA]

Thank you for telling me that. That's what I was asking!

Not for people to tell me that I have "ridiculous" notions. 🙁

Maybe ridiculous was the wrong choice of word seeing as that you took it personally. However, in and of itself, that word does a fine job of describing your original notion. Being a D.O. does NOT afford any doctor a better relationship with his/her patients. Did someone tell you this? What you contribute to your doctor/patient relationship is entirely up to you and your natural interpersonal skill. Of course, if you do end up becoming an osteopathic radiologist or pathologist, then all this is moot!

 

[sotash]

ANYWAY, directed to the OP:

Are you doing the USAF HPSP if you get in to med school?

That's what I'm shooting for! I'm being competed for a pre-med slot this semester, so we'll see what happens. How do you like going through the USAF so far?

 

[MaximusD]

That's what I'm shooting for! I'm being competed for a pre-med slot this semester, so we'll see what happens. How do you like going through the USAF so far?

As an APPLICANT for the 3-yr program, I like it so far 🙂 Just interviewed on Saturday and I go for MEPS (the physical) on Wednesday. I'm told the physical sucks bc you're there with enlists and get treated the same. (17/18 y/os being yelled at like kids..)

I won't get mad if they treat me like that I just wont care and will be LESS inclined to listen. Thats just how I get when people treat me like dirt...

 

[sotash]

As an APPLICANT for the 3-yr program, I like it so far 🙂 Just interviewed on Saturday and I go for MEPS (the physical) on Wednesday. I'm told the physical sucks bc you're there with enlists and get treated the same. (17/18 y/os being yelled at like kids..)

I won't get mad if they treat me like that I just wont care and will be LESS inclined to listen. Thats just how I get when people treat me like dirt...

Unfortunately, that's just how the military in general is... hurry up and wait... get talked to like ****. It happens. I went through DoDMERB... that physical sucked ***. It took forever, and they'll disqualify you for anything. Don't tell them about allergies... stupid things like aches and pains you had years ago... just small things that don't affect you now.
Good luck!
Maybe we can keep in touch! 🙂

 

[fabu1ous]

I think you should apply to wherever you feel are going to increase your chances of becoming a physician. I don't think DO or MD can determine for you the type of doctor you will become, that has to come from you.

That being said, I think DO has a unique advantage that although there are some that may not be knowledgeabe about the profession, that can actually work in our favor. I think that there are many people who have had negative experiences with a doctor who may be looking for something different than what they're used to, and we have the opportunity to reaffirm what being a physician is supposed to be about-- willing to listen, good bedside manner, willing to search for underlying causes to illness rather than just treating symptoms, and knowledgable about the most recent tx options. Ofcourse an MD is in the same exact position to do the same, but they don't have the cool D.O. after their name that could (symbollically anyway) represent the opportunity for a change from the norm.

 

[hermit]

As an APPLICANT for the 3-yr program, I like it so far 🙂 Just interviewed on Saturday and I go for MEPS (the physical) on Wednesday. I'm told the physical sucks bc you're there with enlists and get treated the same. (17/18 y/os being yelled at like kids..)

I won't get mad if they treat me like that I just wont care and will be LESS inclined to listen. Thats just how I get when people treat me like dirt...

You're going to love the military.

 

[MaximusD]

Unfortunately, that's just how the military in general is... hurry up and wait... get talked to like ****. It happens. I went through DoDMERB... that physical sucked ***. It took forever, and they'll disqualify you for anything. Don't tell them about allergies... stupid things like aches and pains you had years ago... just small things that don't affect you now.
Good luck!
Maybe we can keep in touch! 🙂

I've been told much of this by my recruiter. I have allergies on my forms, so I won't mention them again. Thanks for the heads-up.

 

[MaximusD]

You're going to love the military.

I don't mind being yelled at by people who are older than me or are of higher rank. It's when some dumb-**** enlist on a power trip thinks they can scream at me that will bug the hell out of me... particularly since I'm still a civilian.

PS medical corps isn't like this on all accounts. No one screams orders at doctors unless they REALLY **** up. I think you are grasping at something here that is a non-issue. Plenty healthcare professionals don't like the military, but most of it is due to bureaucracy and loss of career autonomy -- not being yelled at to get in line.

 

[sotash]

I don't mind being yelled at by people who are older than me or are of higher rank. It's when some dumb-**** enlist on a power trip thinks they can scream at me that will bug the hell out of me... particularly since I'm still a civilian.

PS medical corps isn't like this on all accounts. No one screams orders at doctors unless they REALLY **** up. I think you are grasping at something here that is a non-issue. Plenty healthcare professionals don't like the military, but most of it is due to bureaucracy and loss of career autonomy -- not being yelled at to get in line.

To get to the desired status of military physician, you will have to go through training wherein NCOs and/or peers will be on your case, whether in charge or not. Furthermore, enlistees know the military down to the grit... and by grit... I mean ****. They get it all, and they have your back. They can make you or break you. Don't underestimate their abilities simply because their stripes don't look quite as cool as a butter-bar (*chuckle*). Which, btw, signify that you don't know crap. 2LTs, whether prior-e or not, get talked down to regardless. It's the bottom of the officer chain. Even physicians that have the respectable Cpt rank are going to be talked down to at some point because they can't always be in practice! Gotta come out sometime. 🙂

 

[Whaty]

Back to what the OP was intersted in knowing. I really think its a plus if you know you want "D.O." and choose to only apply to DO schools. I only applied DO and the admissions really like that fact.

I am not sure on this idea in my head but im going to say it anyways OMT can be used as an alternate modality for some things like pain and I feel its another way to connect to a patient. The physical contact I think makes them feel like your doing more for them even if the OMT doesn't work hehe.

 

[ScootDoc]

So, I have definitely decided that I want to go D.O. over M.D.... for the most part. There's still a part of me that thinks signing "M.D." would be kinda cool... BUT, I love the idea of having a more personal relationship with my future patients.
I was just wondering... would it be better for me to apply to both allopathic and osteopathic schools, or, since I do want to go D.O., just osteopathic? Nobody likes to play second fiddle... I'm just wondering if it's a gamble.

Thank you for the input!!! 🙂

You are right. Your MD counterparts never have personal relationships with their patients..........Perfect reason to choose the DO path.

**Scootdoc hangs his head in shame knowing that because he chose an MD school over DO he'll never have any sort of relationship with his patients**

Somebody slap this guy/gal!!!

Did the new MCAT scores come in as of late? Why have so many people recently had this same epiphany?

Nottin' but love, PEACE!

SCOOTDOC

 

[ScootDoc]

Back to what the OP was intersted in knowing. I really think its a plus if you know you want "D.O." and choose to only apply to DO schools. I only applied DO and the admissions really like that fact.

I am not sure on this idea in my head but im going to say it anyways OMT can be used as an alternate modality for some things like pain and I feel its another way to connect to a patient. The physical contact I think makes them feel like your doing more for them even if the OMT doesn't work hehe.[/QUOTE]

I love honesty. I can't help but respect you now.

 

[TheLegendofEdel]

Back to what the OP was intersted in knowing. I really think its a plus if you know you want "D.O." and choose to only apply to DO schools. I only applied DO and the admissions really like that fact.

I am not sure on this idea in my head but im going to say it anyways OMT can be used as an alternate modality for some things like pain and I feel its another way to connect to a patient. The physical contact I think makes them feel like your doing more for them even if the OMT doesn't work hehe.

I love the concept of OMT and that's my main reason for going DO. I'm also quite skeptical on how much OMT can actually help a patient. From what people say, it can help cure all sorts of ailments, but honestly, I really don't see how. I guess that's why I'm a pre-med who is going to DO school next year to find out more.

 

[sotash]

You are right. Your MD counterparts never have personal relationships with their patients..........Perfect reason to choose the DO path.

**Scootdoc hangs his head in shame knowing that because he chose an MD school over DO he'll never have any sort of relationship with his patients**

Somebody slap this guy/gal!!!

Sarcasm and ugliness is never necessary.😡

 

[TexasTriathlete]

As an athlete and strength coach, I can tell you with 100% certainty that soft tissue manipulation and manual therapy is legitimate and has its place in mainstream medicine.

What I'm not sure of is if it should be taught in med school, or if it should be left to the PT's, S&C coaches, and chiropractors. I know there is a lot more to OMM than just the stuff I have done, and I am curious about it.

I am looking forward to learning OMM, but mostly for personal reasons. I do, however, have enough advance knowledge of the usefulness of similar techniques to keep an open mind to its application in my future practice of medicine. How much I use it will depend on what kind of medicine I go into and what I find to be useful in that area.