reasons for applying osteo

[randallB]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Hi all,

I know I could probably find this on some old posts, but I like new things...I'm applying to all allopathic schools, but was just curious as to the reasons one would have to apply osteo instead. Everyone I've talked to at osteo schools loves it, and although I hadn't really considered it before, I'm wondering if I'm missing out on something here. Any thoughts are appreciated!

Thanks

 

[DD214_DOC]

Sorry, you're going to have to fill out your secondaries on your own.

 

[stoic]

Sorry, you're going to have to fill out your secondaries on your own.

LOL.

Apply to osteo schools if you like the philosophy. Though DO schools are traditionally a little easier to get into than MD schools, they make a poor backup plan for MD rejects who have no intrest in the DO differences.

 

[Buster Douglas]

...I'm applying to all allopathic schools, but was just curious as to the reasons one would have to apply osteo instead...

I don't think anyone would "have to apply osteo instead", but to state the obvious...

-People that apply DO are attracted to the idea that the DO degree will allow them to legally practice in any area of medicine the MD degree will.

-Applying DO, or just applying to more schools in general, increases your odds of becoming a physician.

-DO schools provide their students with an extra course in manual medicine (OMT).

 

[Robz]

BTW nice family guy quote on your sig 🙂

To me its short and simple....


I maximized my chances to practice medicine.

Thats it.

 

[raptor5]

For the OP, Apply to Osteo schools if that is what you want. I only applied to an Osteo school. If my grades and MCAT scores were stellar would that have changed things? Maybe. I was primarily interested in the Philly area. If I would have applied to all the schools in the area (Drexel, Jefferson, UMDNJ, Penn State, and UPenn) and received acceptance letters from all of them I might have chosen UPENN over PCOM and would have declined the other Allo schools even if I would have been accepted to them. Research Osteopathy if that is a path you might be interested in.

 

[BooneDoc]

I've only applied to Osteo schools because I prefer the philosophy associated with it. As a WV resident I would have a good chance of getting into WVU or MU, but my it isn't what I want. I would much rather go to WVSOM than settle for one of the two aforementioned. I'm not saying they are bad schools, just not a match for me.

 

[randallB]

Thanks! Sorry for the "have" mishap. I didn't mean to imply that it's a forced decision. I meant why would one choose to apply osteo instead. Thanks to those that figured out my thought process.

Ha, and thanks to the helpful first person to comment. I certainly don't need any help filling out the secondaries that I have yet to receive! I think it's pretty sad that people post asking what to put as their reason for entering the medical field, but to each his own.


Thanks again for the replies.

 

[PublicEnemy]

I don't think anyone would "have to apply osteo instead", but to state the obvious... QUOTE]

I think you read that line out of context. I don't think the OP was saying that anyone is forced to apply osteo. they just like using passive voice, splitting infinitives and dangling participles.

They weren't saying or implying someone has to apply osteo instead, they're looking for reasons why people do choose to apply osteo instead of allo.

Seems subtle. but an innocent statement was being attributed some undeserved tension.

it can be hard to tell what people are saying, there's no tone, we can only italicize a word here or there to indicate which word we're emphasizing and WE CAN USE CAPS TO YELL AT PEOPLE, but thats about it. tricky. good grammar helps a lot.

EDIT: Beaten to the punch by the OP.

 

[randallB]

I like my participles dangling...and infinitives were meant to be split 😴


Thanks for pointing out my mistake...I hope no one was offended. I asked about osteo because I obviously don't know a whole lot about it and have talked to a lot of friends who really like it. I sense a bit more frustration and lack of dedication from friends in allo, but maybe I have bitter friends.

Stats aren't a concern...but happiness is...if that makes any sense...I don't want to end up at Hopkins hating my life.

Thanks again

 

[PublicEnemy]

yeah, i think i know what you mean. i think your personal happiness can really be affected by the environment of the med school you choose to go to. i really believe this. i've seen some schools that have a really competetive, cut-throat mentality basically built in. students are like machines, and there appears to be less community. friends from other schools have told me they feel like their whole class is 1 big unit, always helping each other, looking out for each other. that can make a huge impact on both your happiness and your performance. so i think its nice to have options.

its true, med school is hard, and you have to work hard and get through it no matter where you go, but little things can make a difference.

why osteo? for the most part, same as why any school.
1. location, for me there are 2 osteo schools within 30min of me, 1 literally down the road.
2. what are you interested in? some people really like the osteopathic philosophy. some people really want to do primary care and think osteo gives them a little something extra.
3. are you a good fit there? are there students like you there, is it good that there are students not like you there, will you fit in, what about the facilities, rotation opportunities, match lists etc.

but as far as enviroment of each individual school, i think you'll find that even all the DO schools vary in terms of the competitiveness and sense of community.

if stats aren't a big issue and you're not too concerned, it's a luxury and i think you really get a chance to make a well-informed decision that's right for you.

 

[JMC_MarineCorps]

I maximized my chances to practice medicine.
Thats it.

Pure poetry Robz.

To the OP - although it is very early into my career (haven't even started class yet), my experience has been that osteopaths (the few that I have had the pleasure of talking with) are much more at ease...that is, they make me feel more comfortable just being who I am rather than feeling that I have to "prove" my worthiness (even as a fledgling).

I think there is a lot to be said for this, because we all know that most doctors are compassionate towards their patients, but are they equally as accepting of thier colleagues? The answer is no, and I think osteopaths are a bit more "loose," but in now way less qualified, which makes them more "real" to me.

Alot of people don't want to be real, they prefer to be God-like, which is fine too...we need a bit of everything in this world and there is room for these types...I just know what makes me more comfortable, and since you (the OP) questioned your potential happiness at JHU, then you are seriously considering (as you should be) what will and what makes you comfortable.

Just some food for thought. Good luck. You'll do well.

 

[kahoo99]

My stats are pretty good, and I've applied to both. I'm committed to going to the school that feels the best--in terms of support etc for the students. There are some differences between the two types of programs ideologically but only sometimes. Residency is often the same and it can become difficult to continue to uphold the osteopathic philosophy while in that setting(according to the DO I've been shadowing). That being said the students seem to be happier at DO schools, maybe less stress.

I've done a lot of research and talked to a lot of people, and especially in some MD programs the two philosphies are merging. Obviously, not the OMM aspect--although Harvard does offer a seminar on it.

 

[Buster Douglas]

...I think you read that line out of context. I don't think the OP was saying that anyone is forced to apply osteo. they just like using passive voice, splitting infinitives and dangling participles.

They weren't saying or implying someone has to apply osteo instead, they're looking for reasons why people do choose to apply osteo instead of allo.

Seems subtle. but an innocent statement was being attributed some undeserved tension....

randallB-

No offense intended, none taken. 🙂

 

[San_Juan_Sun]

Hi all,

I know I could probably find this on some old posts, but I like new things...I'm applying to all allopathic schools, but was just curious as to the reasons one would have to apply osteo instead. Everyone I've talked to at osteo schools loves it, and although I hadn't really considered it before, I'm wondering if I'm missing out on something here. Any thoughts are appreciated!

Thanks

Apply to osteo schools if you don't think you'll get into alopathic schools. Just make sure you know where osteopathy is coming from.

As always, I'd advise applicants to consider the Big 3 when it comes to application time:

1. Your stats (And be objective here. Everyone thinks they have great ECs and letters.)
2. Location: where do you want to live, and what factors influence this decision?
3. $$$

After that assesment, then things like "DO or not DO?" should come into play. (Unless being "holisitc" is you're life's quest or something. But if you were this way, you wouldn't be ansking your question.)

Good luck.

 

[DORoe]

To be perfectly honest I applied DO due to a large amount of contact with DO's that encouraged me to give it a look. I have went to DO's all of my life. From my ped's doctor to my orthopedic surgeon and have been happy with all of them. I also applied based on location. When applying I knew that going across country was not something that I was very interested in. I like Ohio and enjoy being able to come home to visit friends and family at any time I feel the need. It also helps that I am going to a state school (OUCOM) where the tuition is reasonable. I guess more than anything it came down to what Robz wrote. I just wanted to be a doctor and the DO route offered me more of a chance to do that.

 

[Ypo.]

I don't think anyone would "have to apply osteo instead", but to state the obvious... QUOTE]

I think you read that line out of context. I don't think the OP was saying that anyone is forced to apply osteo. they just like using passive voice, splitting infinitives and dangling participles.

They weren't saying or implying someone has to apply osteo instead, they're looking for reasons why people do choose to apply osteo instead of allo.

Seems subtle. but an innocent statement was being attributed some undeserved tension.

it can be hard to tell what people are saying, there's no tone, we can only italicize a word here or there to indicate which word we're emphasizing and WE CAN USE CAPS TO YELL AT PEOPLE, but thats about it. tricky. good grammar helps a lot.

EDIT: Beaten to the punch by the OP.

WOW, you must have scored really high on the written section of the MCAT. I'm impressed, seriously- no sarcasm here.

 

[Ypo.]

I'm sorry if this is getting a little off track- but I think the reason that some pre-allopathic students have negative attitudes about osteopathic schools is because its often introduced like this "If you don't get into medical schools here you could also apply to schools in the caribbean or osteopathic schools" Which to a person with a huge ego (or who is trying to salvage what self-esteem they have left) can sound like-'this is a second-rate last chance option that the person is mentioning to me as a consolation in case I am "not good enough" to get into a "real" medical school.'

This as a matter of fact is what THREE of my professors said to me when i said I was applying to medical school- can you believe it?

To get back on track- Once i shadowed some DO's and investigated osteopathic medicine- I became convinced that osteopathic schools tend to produce better, more humanistic physicians - because of their holistic philosophy and maybe because their medical students tend to be more humble and less egotistical. Their education is on equal footing with MDs and they get the additional training in OMM.

And there is nothing wrong with getting help writing your essays.

My 10 cents.

 

[San_Juan_Sun]

To get back on track- Once i shadowed some DO's and investigated osteopathic medicine- I became convinced that osteopathic schools tend to produce better, more humanistic physicians - because of their holistic philosophy and maybe because their medical students tend to be more humble and less egotistical.

With all due respect, this is absolute garbage. Honestly, how many DOs do you know? And MDs? And how can you deduce the humility of thousands of doctors from shadowing a few of them for a few hours?

Most MDs care that you (as a DO) are a good doc. Two initials mean very little if you're great, or a menace. But categorizing MDs based on minor observations of STUDENTS doesn't help DOs out at all.

And there is nothing wrong with getting help writing your essays.

There's help.... and then there's the "Hey guys, what are some of the reasons you chose to go DO because I just got my secondary from ...." kind of help. It happens a lot on this board, and it's at least a little disingenuous.

 

[Ypo.]

Hey San Juan Sun,
I've shadowed lots of MDs in my life, including my mom, have several friends who are osteopathic students and several friends who are allopathic students, have also worked for a year around an MD and had a DO as a personal physician- and I tell you from my experiences DOs are way more comfortable talking with and touching their patients and the patients love it. THis has nothing to do with the letters behind their name, and I'm not saying that there are not wonderful MDs out there, all I said was that OM schools tend to produce more humanistic physicians. I think this is because the schools themselves tend to be less competetive and more accepting of nontraditional students- but read some of the posts above for other possible reasons.
I'm sorry if this opinion offends you, but I have had a lot of experience with MDs and I can tell just from your response that you are an egotistical preallopathic student. I bet a pre-DO wouldn't get offended. No, just kidding, but I bet that made you mad again, right?
I'm not knocking your choice- and I agree that whether you go the MD or DO- if you make a conscious decision to be a humble and compassionate doctor, you will be. But I still think think its easier to become that type of doctor in an osteopathic school, in general.

 

[San_Juan_Sun]

I'm sorry if this opinion offends you, but I have had a lot of experience with MDs and I can tell just from your response that you are an egotistical preallopathic student. I bet a pre-DO wouldn't get offended.

There's another leap to a ridiculous conclusion. Egotistical? Maybe, I guess. But a preallopathic student? I'm a DO student. Are you a student yet?

Leave the nonsense about DO schools turning out more humanistic physicians alone. It has little to do with the school of choice, and a lot more to do with the person. If you're a DO student, you should know this already, and if you're a pre-DO, I hope you learn quickly. Good luck.

 

[1viking]

Right on, SJS! We need more respect for all parties amongst the premies. They will learn, however, while at school not to be such a putz.

 

[Ypo.]

SJS-
I still think you are reading more into my statement than is there.
As I said in my last post- I agree that if someone makes the decision to be a humble and compassionate doctor- they will be. I don't need to be in medical school to know that.
I'm not trying to turn this into DO versus MD thread- FYI I applied to both DO and MD schools and will make my decision based on how I like the environment of the school- assuming I get more than one choice. I'm also not trying to knock MD's in anyway or try to make DOs look like they are so much better. I totally agree with you that the main factor determining what type of physician you will be is yourself. But, I still think (notice the think there) that DO graduates tend to be more humanistic and less competetive.

Here are some of the reasons behind my opinion that DO schools tend to produce humanistic/compassionate physicians:
-The DO schools I have investigated place more weight on volunteer service and other life experiences (other than research) than do MD schools-therefore the type of students that go to DO schools are inclined towards community service and compassionate causes to begin with.
-DO schools are better at realizing that there are other, more important factors that determine a person's ability to become a good physician than GPA and MCAT scores, and they wisely use this in determining who to accept.
-The weeding-out process that allopathic schools use is in my opinion faulted because 1)you don't have to be a genius to be a doctor (gasp!) and even if you score a 21 on the MCAT, if you did alright in your science classes then you can get through medical school just fine and become a good doctor. 2)This means that a lot of people with 25 on their MCAT and 3.3 GPA who have many of the important qualities of a doctor get rejected on that basis- even though they are smart enough for med school. And SURPRISE- many of these compassionate, service-oriented, good communication and teaching skills- pre-med students go to OSTEOPATHIC schools (and become graduates of osteopathic schools). So maybe its not that DO schools tend to produce more humanistic physicians- but that they tend to attract more humanistic students to begin with.

So, I'm sorry if I offended you- I really didn't mean to, but this is just my opinion. No doubt that since I am just a pre-med student - no one will weigh this "garbage" opinion very heavily. Since you have all the answers and are infinitely wiser than me because you are over the fence and in medical school- then do me a favor- why don't you use some of that wisdom, lose the hostility, and just let this poor, dumb pre-med student figure it out on her own. No doubt once I get into medical school I will know it all just like you. 😉

P.S. When you respond to my quotes, perhaps it would be good if you posted the whole quote-and not just pieces of it-such as the "just kidding" part. (although I understand it would be much harder for you to rebut). Seriously, though-I meant no offense.

 

[PACtoDOC]

If you want to hear about some truly remarkable stories from DO students, head over to our web page listed below. The stories speak for themselves.