allendo said:
I have no idea what I will choose to practice most likely a primary care specialty . I just want to know that I will be able to do a residency in four years. It scared me that D.O. residencies could possibly go under and leave us out to dry. When people talk of this downfall how soon will it come if ever?? I will be a first year in the fall and really don't want the system to fall while in school.
You need to ask some serious questions to the people at the school (wherever) you are starting. Otherwise ask some practicing physicians what they think about your DO degree. Look in your local phone book and find some local DO or MD and ask them about it.
Everything these guys have said I can vouch for except the dental thing which may be true.
DO degree is outstanding for:
FP, IM, OBGYN, IM subspecialties, Anesthesiology, PM&R, ER
DO degree is less competitive in allopathic (MD):
General surgery, plastic surgery, Cardiovascular surgery, urology, radiology
dermatology
NOTE
😛lease notice that I said LESS COMPETITIVE, not impossible.
If you get your degree, and smoke your boards, you have a solid chances for:
General surgery, urology, and radiology.
The others are extremely competitive, and you may have to resort to DO residency programs to go into those specialties.
Please remember these are my opinions only and are based on my experiences.
Good luck!