Shadowed a DO this weekend ....

[DD214_DOC]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

... and I'm not even going to waste the money I was going to use to apply to MD schools. I have to say, I was pretty sure I was going this route before I shadowed, now I'm 100% confident. The physician I spent the day with was absolutely adored by both patients and staff, and I really could see a hint of difference in the way he approached his patients compared to the way the MDs I have shadowed do. Whether or not this is attributed to training or personality, I don't know.

My interested in family medicine has also been piqued. I look forward to applying to DO schools and joining the ranks of you fine people.

On a personal note, one of the largest reasons for my decision to pursue an osteopathic education was the people. I can't stand most pre-MD students and a lot of MD students. However, I have never met a pre-DO person or DO student I didn't like.

 

[wholehealth]

Hey, great post, I know what you mean. I only applied to DO schools as well....for many reasons. One thing that struck me during my shadow experiences is that ALL of the nurses in the office send their family members to the DO I shadow even if he is not the doctor they work for. I think that says a lot about the quality of care from people who are most intimate with the practice. (It is group practice 4 MD's and 1 DO)
Plus, all of his patients say that he is the best doctor they have ever been to, and some refuse to be treated by anyone but him. I think it is more than just personality, although his is amazing, he said that when he went through school (graduated 1987) that there was a huge difference in the osteopathic hospitals. Unfortunately, many are not in operation anymore. North Carolina is not specifically DO friendly, but the patients sure see the difference. Good luck on all of your future endeavors!

 

[Fenrezz]

Originally posted by JKDMed
However, I have never met a pre-DO person or DO student I didn't like.

Better stay away from OSU, in that case.

Just kidding. It's great that you had that experience, as I had one kind of similar. The DO I shadowed was awesome. He went out of his way to let me shadow him in his office and the hospital, as well as teach me things about medicine before I was even accepted anywhere. He was a big part of my decision to take only my DO secondaries seriously.

 

[Amy B]

Glad you had a great time and learned all about why DO's are the best😛 😀 😀 😀

 

[Teufelhunden]

I'm glad you had a positive shadowing experience. But remember....that's one doctor. You will find wonderful DOs and MDs out there who have excellent rapport with their patients, etc. However, you will also find MDs and DOs who have the bedside manner of a cardboard box.

The degree doesn't determine this, the person does.

Don't limit your options.

 

[DD214_DOC]

The only downside is that he hasn't responded to the emails he asked I send, with my transcript and stuff. I'm hoping he's just busy 🙁

 

[NDESTRUKT]

Teufelhunden is right. It's all about personality. DO's and MD's have the similar education and because of that, what sets one apart would be their personality.

In general, DO's are more down to earth people - approachable and don't think they're God. However, there are those who are a$$holes too...so don't generalize. Life boils down to personality, not degree.

DO's that work their butt off and do a great job get the respect - it goes for everyone. Respect is often earned, not given freely.

I'm glad your decision going DO has been strengthened; however, be assured that most pre MD and MD's aren't reflective of SDN's members. Also, many of those lame-o pre MD people never make it in...which thankfully cuts out many of the jerk ones.