Reapply, or accept offer to DO school?

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twhitfill

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So I'm in a bit of tricky situation...

I applied to all the Texas schools and only got accepted into UNTHSC-TCOM (an osteopathic school). I am working at Duke as a research technician, and I'm wondering if I should reapply or accept the offer? I'm planning on improving my application if I reapply (more shadowing, retake MCAT, etc...) and thought working at Duke would help?


I have nothing against pursuing a DO, but I think I'd like to get an MD to make it easier to specialize... If I decline the offer, would that hurt my chances next admissions round?

Thanks!
 
Sigh...here we go again. If you reject the offer and reapply, you may not be accepted anywhere in the future, especially as far as DO schools are concerned.

inb4 why did you apply to a school you didn't want to go to?
 
I expect some might be upset by your post and question why you even applied osteopathic if you had no intention of accepting. I, however, will remain silent and observe...
 
Do you honestly think you could get into a school that you would go to if you reapplied?? Or were you lucky to even get into any school? And yeah, I agree with the "why apply if you don't want to go" bit...
 
Ah I know, I know... Shame on me. I applied because it was part of Texas' central application service and I like the environment of the school, the philosophy of osteopathic medicine, the people, etc. But that was all before the Duke opportunity happened. Now I want a school focused a bit more on research, which isn't TCOM.
 
A slightly unrelated question, how much do DO make at an average? Thanks.
 
I would accept.

I'm not sure if declining a DO offer will affect MD admissions, but you never know if you will get another offer at all. Applying as a reapplicant can already be a disadvantage.

You will be fine going to a DO school, even if you want to specialize.
 
gettheleadout said:
Sigh...here we go again. If you reject the offer and reapply, you may not be accepted anywhere in the future, especially as far as DO schools are concerned.

inb4 why did you apply to a school you didn't want to go to?
Click to expand...

Such a strange SDN myth.
 
startswithb said:
Such a strange SDN myth.
Click to expand...
Adcoms will see an application marked as a reapp, and then they'll see an acceptance from the previous cycle. Just because the "myth" doesn't hold in 100% of cases, why would you want to risk them looking at it and saying "not worth interviewing to hear their excuse" and have your application thrown in the trash? I understand that OP wants to do more research and doesn't see that being possible at TCOM, but when he reapplies and doesn't get into any MD schools because he didn't improve his app enough/whatever other reason, he's risking not having DO as a fallback again.

Anybody remember if LizzyM has ever commented on this subject?
 
k12123 said:
A slightly unrelated question, how much do DO make at an average? Thanks.
Click to expand...

Slightly above minimum wage...but don't go into medicine for the money right?
 
twhitfill said:
Ah I know, I know... Shame on me. I applied because it was part of Texas' central application service and I like the environment of the school, the philosophy of osteopathic medicine, the people, etc. But that was all before the Duke opportunity happened. Now I want a school focused a bit more on research, which isn't TCOM.
Click to expand...

Rest assured that TCOM is at the pinnacle of DO education. Every year their board scores are #1, and If you do well there, you shouldn't have any problems specializing. They have research there if you are into that (the most of any DO school if I'm not mistaken), but honestly, performing research as a medical student is scant at best anyway. You are so busy doing classwork during the school year that summers are when most have to squeeze it in (some seem to manage balancing both during the year, which I cannot fathom).

But...f you think there is no way you would be happy there..I say decline the acceptance and reapply. There is no use in regretting your decision to attend a school just because you felt obligated to go.
 
twhitfill said:
So I'm in a bit of tricky situation...

I applied to all the Texas schools and only got accepted into UNTHSC-TCOM (an osteopathic school). I am working at Duke as a research technician, and I'm wondering if I should reapply or accept the offer? I'm planning on improving my application if I reapply (more shadowing, retake MCAT, etc...) and thought working at Duke would help?


I have nothing against pursuing a DO, but I think I'd like to get an MD to make it easier to specialize... If I decline the offer, would that hurt my chances next admissions round?

Thanks!
Click to expand...
Accept the offer then defer it for one year, then apply MD but it just wrong Man to apply DO in the first place since you had no intention going DO.
 
Accept and don't look back. I can see preferring MD to DO (I only ended up applying to MD), but, unless there's some specific thing you REALLY want to do for a year (and it doesn't sound like that's the case), there's really no good reason to put off medical school for a year.

Have fun.
 
you made a tactical mistake. you should have applied only MD the first time. if you got rejected (as is the case), then reapply to MD and DO. now, the problem is, there is no guarantee that you'll get into MD next year. and the one school that did take you - will probably not offer the acceptance again. this decision can impact your career. i say bite the bullet, take the safe route, and go to the DO school.
 
I am really trying to understand...


1. The texas application is seperate from the AMCAS, and the AACOMAS application so unless it is a texas school how is he automatically labeled a reapplicant?

2. If DO and MD is equal in residencies why then are DO's taking the USMLE's trying to get MD residencies?

I applied to MD and DO if I would not have gotten into MD I would have gladly went to DO, but that is just me. Why is it wrong for the OP to change his mind? If he is going to go through the stress of applying to MD residencies as a DO why not just wait another year and apply to MD?
 
livedie said:
I am really trying to understand...


1. The texas application is seperate from the AMCAS, and the AACOMAS application so unless it is a texas school how is he automatically labeled a reapplicant?
Click to expand...

University of North Texas Health Sciences Center. UNTHSC-TCOM.
 
livedie said:
I am really trying to understand...


1. The texas application is seperate from the AMCAS, and the AACOMAS application so unless it is a texas school how is he automatically labeled a reapplicant?

2. If DO and MD is equal in residencies why then are DO's taking the USMLE's trying to get MD residencies?

I applied to MD and DO if I would not have gotten into MD I would have gladly went to DO, but that is just me. Why is it wrong for the OP to change his mind? If he is going to go through the stress of applying to MD residencies as a DO why not just wait another year and apply to MD?
Click to expand...

I think you're right, and DO and MD are not equal in residencies, I don't think anyone would argue that. DOs technically have more options than MDs because they have all the AOA options, so they're less likely to get completely shut out (they'll at least match to a primary care residency), but I think some ACGME programs definitely have some lingering bias against DOs. Add to that the fact that most DOs have to take the COMPLEX and the USMLE... talk about lame... and I see several clear reasons to prefer the MD if you're not inclined towards OMT.

The rough thing is Texas schools WILL see that he applied and declined, and in-state tuition at texas med schools is a thing of beauty. It's a rougher path and a tough decision to take the DO acceptance, but I think it's the smart choice here. Plus it's the 100,000 dollar mistake, sooner you start the sooner you get paid.
 
DoktorB said:
Rest assured that TCOM is at the pinnacle of DO education. Every year their board scores are #1, and If you do well there, you shouldn't have any problems specializing. They have research there if you are into that (the most of any DO school if I'm not mistaken), but honestly, performing research as a medical student is scant at best anyway. You are so busy doing classwork during the school year that summers are when most have to squeeze it in (some seem to manage balancing both during the year, which I cannot fathom).

But...f you think there is no way you would be happy there..I say decline the acceptance and reapply. There is no use in regretting your decision to attend a school just because you felt obligated to go.
Click to expand...

Not to mention that TCOM students pass the USMLE at a higher rate than many of the Texas MD schools...
 
I think you have to be honest with yourself. Did you get any interviews at Texas MD programs or not? If not, it would take something big to boost your application. Unless you bombed your MCAT the first time, you probably aren't going to score that much higher the second time around. Shadowing will do absolutely nothing to help your standing.

If you have some killer research in the works, and think you will get something published, then that could certainly help. But if shadowing and retaking the MCAT is your only plan, I would definitely not risk losing your spot in a DO program.
 
twhitfill said:
Ah I know, I know... Shame on me. I applied because it was part of Texas' central application service and I like the environment of the school, the philosophy of osteopathic medicine, the people, etc. But that was all before the Duke opportunity happened. Now I want a school focused a bit more on research, which isn't TCOM.
Click to expand...

You can always spend several years as postdoc at some other larger research schools once you finish residency. This would mean, however, that you would more likely spend your time as a researcher than a physician although you can change your mind later, if you don't mind the financial burden.

I think you are only all over "Duke" because you started working there and thought, "Man, I can see myself go to this school!" But, here's the reality check for you - you had zero MD acceptance. So, for you to think that you can somehow get into Duke next year, well, that's likely not going to happen.

I also think that you won't be able to adequately respond to Adcom's question of, "So, what made you want to suddenly give up DO's philosophy and now go more towards research-oriented medical school? If you like research much and rejected DO offer, how about you just go to grad school instead? Eh? No, "PhD" and "DO" don't sound good like "MD" to you?"

--> Rejection.
 
The TCOM class of 2010 also achieved a 93.7% percent pass rate on the USMLE Step I, which is above the national average of 92.9% for performance on the USMLE I by all test-takers.

There's that for the national average.. you can search through all the Texas schools if you want
 
vivalavie said:
I think you're right, and DO and MD are not equal in residencies, I don't think anyone would argue that. DOs technically have more options than MDs because they have all the AOA options, so they're less likely to get completely shut out (they'll at least match to a primary care residency), but I think some ACGME programs definitely have some lingering bias against DOs. Add to that the fact that most DOs have to take the COMPLEX and the USMLE... talk about lame... and I see several clear reasons to prefer the MD if you're not inclined towards OMT.

The rough thing is Texas schools WILL see that he applied and declined, and in-state tuition at texas med schools is a thing of beauty. It's a rougher path and a tough decision to take the DO acceptance, but I think it's the smart choice here. Plus it's the 100,000 dollar mistake, sooner you start the sooner you get paid.
Click to expand...


I am sorry but I was not clear. I know ALL the Texas schools will know that he is a reapplicant, but I was referring to the schools that use AMCAS or AACOMAS. I was assuming that the OP wanted to leave Texas, and apply to other schools.
 
twhitfill said:
So I'm in a bit of tricky situation...

I applied to all the Texas schools and only got accepted into UNTHSC-TCOM (an osteopathic school). I am working at Duke as a research technician, and I'm wondering if I should reapply or accept the offer? I'm planning on improving my application if I reapply (more shadowing, retake MCAT, etc...) and thought working at Duke would help?


I have nothing against pursuing a DO, but I think I'd like to get an MD to make it easier to specialize... If I decline the offer, would that hurt my chances next admissions round?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

You could get into an allopathic program next year. You also might not. If I were in your exact situation I would accept the DO offer, because if I didn't I would feel like I was pissing away a good year of my life just to get to the same place anyway.

So far this thread is ripe with people who don't know what they're saying when it comes to specializing as a DO. There are DO's in every specialty. Yes you have to take both sets of boards. Yes, a higher percentage of allopathic students pass the USMLE than osteopathic students. This second point doesn't really matter, because if you want to specialize you shouldn't think about just passing the boards, you need to score significantly higher than a simple pass, and that is on YOU way more than it is on your school. As far as taking both exams, personally I'd rather do that than sit out a year.
 
twhitfill said:
So I'm in a bit of tricky situation...

I applied to all the Texas schools and only got accepted into UNTHSC-TCOM (an osteopathic school). I am working at Duke as a research technician, and I'm wondering if I should reapply or accept the offer? I'm planning on improving my application if I reapply (more shadowing, retake MCAT, etc...) and thought working at Duke would help?


I have nothing against pursuing a DO, but I think I'd like to get an MD to make it easier to specialize... If I decline the offer, would that hurt my chances next admissions round?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

I'd probably accept. UNTHSC is one of the better DO schools. If you'd been accepted to a ****ty DO school, I'd say reapply. But TCOM is a really solid program.
 
denco88 said:
The TCOM class of 2010 also achieved a 93.7% percent pass rate on the USMLE Step I, which is above the national average of 92.9% for performance on the USMLE I by all test-takers.

There's that for the national average.. you can search through all the Texas schools if you want
Click to expand...
just confirmed it at their site. that is really impressive.👍
 
twhitfill said:
So I'm in a bit of tricky situation...

I applied to all the Texas schools and only got accepted into UNTHSC-TCOM (an osteopathic school). I am working at Duke as a research technician, and I'm wondering if I should reapply or accept the offer? I'm planning on improving my application if I reapply (more shadowing, retake MCAT, etc...) and thought working at Duke would help?


I have nothing against pursuing a DO, but I think I'd like to get an MD to make it easier to specialize... If I decline the offer, would that hurt my chances next admissions round?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

Hey OP, congrats on your acceptance!

That said - think of WHY you really want to reapply. I maybe wrong, but I don't think DOs really have a disadvantage when it comes to specializing, unless its a super competitive specialty which is why you don't see many DO dermatologists. Besides that, if your set on specializing in something else, then I wouldn't say DO is a bad option.

If your looking for research, I can see where attending an MD school might help with that. it boils down to you.

If your just set on being a doctor, then I would go with the DO option, if you want to get more involved in research, then wait and apply for MD again - though its a lot more work. Filling out apps, retaking MCAT - so really decide if you want to go through all that again.

Good luck.
 
denco88 said:
The TCOM class of 2010 also achieved a 93.7% percent pass rate on the USMLE Step I, which is above the national average of 92.9% for performance on the USMLE I by all test-takers.

There's that for the national average.. you can search through all the Texas schools if you want
Click to expand...

Not to be a downer, but that is not very impressive. This is showing passing statistics, not exam performance. Of course they will have a higher average when you include all test takens (foreign med students, all DO programs, etc). Step 1 is pretty easy to pass, and failing it would more or less keep you out of any competitive residency. 6% is a pretty high failure rate.

EDIT:
Damn, didn't realize how many ppl fail Step 1.
95% pass rate avg for MD schools
77% for DO's.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Yes, throw away an acceptance you already hold for an acceptance you might (probably won't) get next year.
 
Decline, there are plenty of people on the wait-list who would kill to go to Tcom. Be a good sport and make one of those people's dream come true.
 
cowme said:
Not to be a downer, but that is not very impressive. This is showing passing statistics, not exam performance. Of course they will have a higher average when you include all test takens (foreign med students, all DO programs, etc). Step 1 is pretty easy to pass, and failing it would more or less keep you out of any competitive residency. 6% is a pretty high failure rate.

EDIT:
Damn, didn't realize how many ppl fail Step 1.
95% pass rate avg for MD schools
77% for DO's.
Click to expand...

That's actually from a few years ago... last year's stats looked like this

Overall pass rates for first time USMLE Step 1 test takers are: 92% for U.S. M.D. medical school graduates, 81% for U.S. D.O. osteopathic medical school graduates, and 73% for international medical school graduates.

but you are definitely right about overall score.
 
No. D.O's aren't real doctors. If your a D.O. everyone is going to look down and laugh at you. I have a 2.7 GPA and may not seem like I know what I'm talking about but TRUST ME I do--even more so than the medical students on here! Don't listen to all these people telling you take the backdoor option of getting a D.O. It's MD or you're a failure.

[/Etzio]


In seriousness, take the D.O acceptance. You're very fortunate to have one.
 
you'd be crazy to not take it with texas tuition rates!
 
Regardless of the outcome of this debate, I do have an objectively answerable question:

Can MD schools see your DO acceptances? I thought the AMCAS and AACOMAS systems were completely isolated from one another.

If you choose to respond, could you please mention your source of information?

Thanks
 
aSagacious said:
Regardless of the outcome of this debate, I do have an objectively answerable question:

Can MD schools see your DO acceptances? I thought the AMCAS and AACOMAS systems were completely isolated from one another.

If you choose to respond, could you please mention your source of information?

Thanks
Click to expand...

Its not AACOMAS or AMCAS... its TMDSAS so yes
 
JonnyL said:
No. D.O's aren't real doctors. If your a D.O. everyone is going to look down and laugh at you. I have a 2.7 GPA and may not seem like I know what I'm talking about but TRUST ME I do--even more so than the medical students on here! Don't listen to all these people telling you take the backdoor option of getting a D.O. It's MD or you're a failure.

[/Etzio]


In seriousness, take the D.O acceptance. You're very fortunate to have one.
Click to expand...
🙁 I miss you, Etzio. This whole thread would have transformed into an incoherent flame war by now if he were still with us. RIP, 2/5/2011, never forget.

P.S.-what happened to all that talk about how easy it is to get a new IP address? come on Etz you inferiority complex ridden shell of a man, step up your game :laugh:
 
vivalavie said:
🙁 I miss you, Etzio. This whole thread would have transformed into an incoherent flame war by now if he were still with us. RIP, 2/5/2011, never forget.

P.S.-what happened to all that talk about how easy it is to get a new IP address? come on Etz you inferiority complex ridden shell of a man, step up your game :laugh:
Click to expand...

Did he really get banned? Epic!
 
aSagacious said:
Valid point, but that was not my question...
Click to expand...

Well I though you were actually asking in context of the OP...

But in that case, no they can't... the only problem I see is in places like UMDNJ, where they may have some crossover of professors between the three schools.
 
JonnyL said:
No. D.O's aren't real doctors. If your a D.O. everyone is going to look down and laugh at you. I have a 2.7 GPA and may not seem like I know what I'm talking about but TRUST ME I do--even more so than the medical students on here! Don't listen to all these people telling you take the backdoor option of getting a D.O. It's MD or you're a failure.

[/Etzio]


In seriousness, take the D.O acceptance. You're very fortunate to have one.
Click to expand...
Etzio is back from the dead:scared: :scared:. D.O's are gonna suffer his wrath 😱 and all shall beg for mercy in vain:boom:
 
cowme said:
Not to be a downer, but that is not very impressive. This is showing passing statistics, not exam performance. Of course they will have a higher average when you include all test takens (foreign med students, all DO programs, etc). Step 1 is pretty easy to pass, and failing it would more or less keep you out of any competitive residency. 6% is a pretty high failure rate.

EDIT:
Damn, didn't realize how many ppl fail Step 1.
95% pass rate avg for MD schools
77% for DO's.
Click to expand...

Dont be ignorant. The Osteopathic medical schools prepare their students for the COMLEX. Many of the students take the USMLE's just to take it without even studying for it, thus the lower pass rate.
 
And be another year away from your goal of becoming a PHYSICIAN? No thanks....
 
i really dont care what you do. i really dont care
 
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