This could be bad...

[Doc Henry]

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Simple question...

If you got into both, would you choose

a)your top choice DO school
b)Howard University MD school

I really hope I don't get attacked for this question. I'm not trying to bash either school. I just want to get an idea for what people think about Howard.

 

[Dr.Inviz]

Simple question...

If you got into both, would you choose

a)your top choice DO school
b)Howard University MD school

I really hope I don't get attacked for this question. I'm not trying to bash either school. I just want to get an idea for what people think about Howard.

i know nothing about Howard, however, it is a "black" school ... from what I hear, they arent exactly top-notch institutions (basing this off of what i hear about Meharry; however, have heard better things about Howard). Top DO choice depends on what that choice is. If its PCOM or CCOM or somethin like that, you may have a decision to make. Ultimately, it comes down to you wanting to be recognized as an MD or a DO, take your pick and stick to your guns either way.

 

[spicedmanna]

Simple question...

If you got into both, would you choose

a)your top choice DO school
b)Howard University MD school

I really hope I don't get attacked for this question. I'm not trying to bash either school. I just want to get an idea for what people think about Howard.

Do you mean this as a kind of survey? Well, if that's the case, then I would certainly choose to attend my top choice DO school. Howard is not a bad school, but I don't think it would be a good fit for me. I thought about applying there after shadowing a FP who attended that school. After some research, however, I chose not to apply there. I wouldn't hop over to Howard just because it offered an MD degree. I'd be quite happy with a decision to receive a DO degree from a school that I completely loved over a MD degree from a school that I don't necessarily like.

 

[NickRiviera]

This might not be exactly the answer you're looking for but I applied to both MD and DO schools. I ranked them together (personal rankings) and there were MD schools before DO schools. I think it's how you feel about DO and the separate schools. I've been to interviews where I was very unimpressed with a school, curriculum, students, etc.

 

[Doc Henry]

I have some MD schools ranked before DO schools as well. I just don't know if Howard should be one of them. I understand that it's hard to know for sure before an interview, but I wasn't even positive that I wanted to apply to Howard.

 

[AustinFinklea]

I would just hate living in D.C.

 

[DoctorMom78]

Duh! Top choice DO all the way baby!!!

I actually agree with what Dr. Inviz said as well.

 

[DropkickMurphy]

Howard.....

 

[HunterGatherer]

Some residencies will not even look at your application if you are a DO. If that bothers you then apply to Howard. There is no forum that will give you an unbiased opinion on this matter. Hopefully your final decision does not rest on the results of any of your polls.

I have some MD schools ranked before DO schools as well. I just don't know if Howard should be one of them. I understand that it's hard to know for sure before an interview, but I wasn't even positive that I wanted to apply to Howard.

 

[seabreeze811]

i would go for howard..plus living in DC would be AWESOME!!!

 

[AustinFinklea]

i would go for howard..plus living in DC would be AWESOME!!!

Have you ever lived there? Yeah, the tourist sites are cool, but.......

 

[ruck]

Absolutely.

Do you mean this as a kind of survey? Well, if that's the case, then I would certainly choose to attend my top choice DO school. Howard is not a bad school, but I don't think it would be a good fit for me. I thought about applying there after shadowing a FP who attended that school. After some research, however, I chose not to apply there. I wouldn't hop over to Howard just because it offered an MD degree. I'd be quite happy with a decision to receive a DO degree from a school that I completely loved over a MD degree from a school that I don't necessarily like.

 

[toothless rufus]

Some residencies will not even look at your application if you are a DO.

Is there any consensus on which programs those are? I want to start a "where not to bother applying" list early, lol!

 

[seabreeze811]

Have you ever lived there? Yeah, the tourist sites are cool, but.......

yeah i was living in the area and loved it that's why i said it was awesome...

 

[DropkickMurphy]

Have you ever lived there? Yeah, the tourist sites are cool, but.......

Then don't live IN the city. Most people who work or go to school there don't.

 

[TerpDO]

I actually applied to Howard last cycle and was really reluctant to go. I actually did not even hear any decision from them until late, late summer (after i have already submitted my ACCOMAS and about 1 month before classes were to begin). Anyways I did not get in, by that time I already gave up hope anyways. But in the following months I interviewed at several D.O. schools and really enjoyed those interviews. Even if I did get in Howard, after I submitted my ACCOMAS my plan was to "defer" a year so I could see if I would be accepted into any of the D.O. schools as I felt closer to the osteopathic principles. Anyways it all worked out for me since I am excited about attending a D.O. school this fall as opposed to being reluctant and somewhat dreading it. Bottom line is to follow your own instincts, yeah a few years ago I definitely would have gone to Howard over any D.O. school because it is an allopathic program, in fact I would have gone Carribbean allo over D.O. as well, but if I did do that I probably would not be having as good of a time in med-school as I anticipate I will. If I learned anything now it is that M.D. = D.O. and location of school and your personal preference should be your top priorities. By asking this question we assume you aren't in love with Howard so why take the chance? Good luck choosing and let us know what you decide. And if you decide wrong then let us know how much your life sucks in a few months ( just kidding).

 

[HunterGatherer]

you should always apply to your top choices. even if a residency never matched a DO it does not mean there is a policy against DOs or if there is a policy that it will never change.

Is there any consensus on which programs those are? I want to start a "where not to bother applying" list early, lol!

 

[toothless rufus]

you should always apply to your top choices. even if a residency never matched a DO it does not mean change is impossible.

Yeah, good advice! Thanks!

 

[Marthea007]

DO, as I have no desire to go MD.

 

[sunnyjohn]

Okay,

I really thought about pulling out the gas can, kindling and "kewl" lighter iIgot for my B-day and setting this thread ablaze.

Instead I will exercise restraint and give the OP the benefit of the doubt that he/she had no nefarious intent when starting this thread.

Howard has a long reputation of educating doctors who go on to work in underserved areas. Howard Med alumni run the gamut- AA, SE Asian, White, Latino, etc. Yes, the student body does have a greater percentage of students of African decent, but its demographics have subtle shifted in the last few years.

Does Howard have it's problems? Heck yeah! But the new blood they added to the administrative arm has gone a LONG way in improving things for medical students on the campus.


What would I do? I'd pick the school offering the BEST education AND the best financial aid package (before loans).

That is all.

 

[Marthea007]

Okay,

I really thought about pulling out the gas can, kindling and "kewl" lighter iIgot for my B-day and setting this thread ablaze.

Instead I will exercise restraint and give the OP the benefit of the doubt that he/she had no nefarious intent when starting this thread.

Howard has a long reputation of educating doctors who go on to work in underserved areas. Howard Med alumni run the gamut- AA, SE Asian, White, Latino, etc. Yes, the student body does have a greater percentage of students of African decent, but its demographics have subtle shifted in the last few years.

Does Howard have it's problems? Heck yeah! But the new blood they added to the administrative arm has gone a LONG way in improving things for medical students on the campus.


What would I do? I'd pick the school offering the BEST education AND the best financial aid package (before loans).

That is all.

<3 Sunny.

Also, why should other peoples opinions matter when it comes to you deciding where you want to go? Just cause someone won't go to a school I'm interested in won't make me not want to go there. I think a lot of this is just you finding out what you really want to do.

 

[slinkeyooo]

Got into meharry and dcom, Im choosing DCOM.... they seem to have a much better program set up and it just seems to offer a much better education...

 

[DropkickMurphy]

For all of you who have to go DO and those who go to MD schools that aren't coveted but still are better options:

You could have to go to the Caribbean.

 

[sunnyjohn]

For all of you who have to go DO and those who go to MD schools that aren't coveted but still are better options:

You could have to go to the Caribbean.

DKM,

You are a mess!

Give up the pre-med nonsense and go into comedy writing.

 

[DropkickMurphy]

DKM,

You are a mess!

Give up the pre-med nonsense and go into comedy writing.

See....OMM has its uses!

 

[NickRiviera]

See....OMM has its uses!

Haha, funny, where did you find that image?

 

[DropkickMurphy]

Haha, funny, where did you find that image?

I found it randomly on the internet a few days ago.....

 

[NickRiviera]

Ah, I should spend more time in front of the computer. I swear I've seen most of your images on someone's blog before. Good finds.

 

[Dr.Inviz]

Got into meharry and dcom, Im choosing DCOM.... they seem to have a much better program set up and it just seems to offer a much better education...

Nashville would actually have gotten you better rotations. However, I have heard from many Docs that Meharry is crap. DCOM isnt exactly a for-sure thing either. That decision is a crapshoot and comes down to you wanting a DO or an MD. I will not reveal my personal choice in this situation ...

 

[dr.kicia]

Simple question...

If you got into both, would you choose

a)your top choice DO school
b)Howard University MD school

I really hope I don't get attacked for this question. I'm not trying to bash either school. I just want to get an idea for what people think about Howard.

a)
Even if i would get 45 on the MCAT and was able to be accepted to any MD program i please, i would choose DO anyways.
The reason is----> manipulation it's fascinating.

 

[DropkickMurphy]

The reason is----> manipulation it's fascinating.

To each and to their own, but I guess it's just like any other fringe element.....it interests some people.

 

[Dr.Inviz]

a)
Even if i would get 45 on the MCAT and was able to be accepted to any MD program i please, i would choose DO anyways.
The reason is----> manipulation it's fascinating.

Thats like a chick sayin shes goin for a certain team because the colors are cute ... or the mascot is cute ... pretty dumb ...

 

[Lals]

you should always apply to your top choices. even if a residency never matched a DO it does not mean there is a policy against DOs or if there is a policy that it will never change.

I agree, however I too am curious as to what these so-called 'untouchable' residency programs are for D.O.s, as all other things being equal, I was quite charmed with NYCOM (not so much the cost, admittedly, but I could make it work.) While I don't really have any interest in Pediatric Neurosurgery, I am quite interested in areas such as Radiology and Dermatology, which I realize will be rather competitive regardless of where I go.

 

[TerpDO]

Thats like a chick sayin shes goin for a certain team because the colors are cute ... or the mascot is cute ... pretty dumb ...

no, manipulation is very fascinating. One of my good friends who "ended" up going to Kirksville for med-school loves the emphasis on OMT that the school provides and talks highly of it. He is very proud to have learned something in the FIRST semester of med-school that he can already apply (though still limited) to healing people. And didn't I read somewhere that some ivy league med-school students or alums are taking courses on OMT because they are interested in it and they are not getting the opportunity to learn it as part of the traditional curriculum at their allopathic school?

dumb? I would say no. Calling girls "chicks?" well that's kinda dumb, like you know?

 

[Taus]

Thats like a chick sayin shes goin for a certain team because the colors are cute ... or the mascot is cute ... pretty dumb ...

well I guess you can put me in that category....everyone knows I went to psu b/c of the nittany lion mascot....

Don't act so shocked that some people are actually excited about learning manipulation or that it was a big reason for going DO for some people (as it was for me and still is after almost 2 years of it)

 

[TerpDO]

I agree, however I too am curious as to what these so-called 'untouchable' residency programs are for D.O.s, as all other things being equal, I was quite charmed with NYCOM (not so much the cost, admittedly, but I could make it work.) While I don't really have any interest in Pediatric Neurosurgery, I am quite interested in areas such as Radiology and Dermatology, which I realize will be rather competitive regardless of where I go.

Dear Lals, just some advice and pls. take it with a grain of salt because I haven't started school yet and I haven't gone through applying to residency. Don't already close doors that you even haven't got the chance to open yet. By referring to any residency as "untouchable," you already are limiting yourself to the type of Dr. that you will become. It's akin to thinking.. I'm at a D.O. school, it is nearly impossible to match into a Derm program as a D.O. (as history has shown) so I may as well get straight B's and just pass the boards so I can comfortably match in a primary care program. Why would you do such a thing? If you wouldn't then just aim to get into your top choice school and plan on doing your best. I know people who have rocked the boards and while they still decided that they want to do peds, at least they have an excellent shot at the top programs or the location they want. First things first, get into the school where you feel you will come out the best prepared to move onto residency and then work your ass off and then see which residency programs you will be suitable for. Good luck!

 

[Lals]

Dear Lals, just some advice and pls. take it with a grain of salt because I haven't started school yet and I haven't gone through applying to residency. Don't already close doors that you even haven't got the chance to open yet. By referring to any residency as "untouchable," you already are limiting yourself to the type of Dr. that you will become. It's akin to thinking.. I'm at a D.O. school, it is nearly impossible to match into a Derm program as a D.O. (as history has shown) so I may as well get straight B's and just pass the boards so I can comfortably match in a primary care program. Why would you do such a thing? If you wouldn't then just aim to get into your top choice school and plan on doing your best. I know people who have rocked the boards and while they still decided that they want to do peds, at least they have an excellent shot at the top programs or the location they want. First things first, get into the school where you feel you will come out the best prepared to move onto residency and then work your ass off and then see which residency programs you will be suitable for. Good luck!

I was being facetious with the term 'untouchable' (which I thought was indicated with the brackets well enough). Poor word choice perhaps, however, I was merely referencing the following:

Originally Posted by HunterGatherer:
Some residencies will not even look at your application if you are a DO.

...and trying to get an idea of what those residencies might be.

 

[dr.kicia]

Thats like a chick sayin shes goin for a certain team because the colors are cute ... or the mascot is cute ... pretty dumb ...

why wanting to learn something extra that may one day help your patients would be considered a dumb reason to go DO
I love the idea of manipulation, i saw how it works, i totally belive in it and want to learn it. Why would that be dumb?

 

[Kuba]

Thats like a chick sayin shes goin for a certain team because the colors are cute ... or the mascot is cute ... pretty dumb ...

thats the stupidest thing Ive heard. why the hell else would you choose DO over MD if OMM is a stupid reason.

 

[HunterGatherer]

you would have to look into each residency forum and search the DO match threads. A hospital could have DOs in their primary care, anesthesiology, and other programs but their other programs have a reputation for not interivewing DOs.

It could easily be that they get few DO applications each year because of this stigma and creates a self perpetuating cycle.

For a very competitive residency DOs do match into radiology quite well compared to the other competitive residencies.

There are DO derm programs. And I think about 2-5 DOs match into MD Derm programs each year.

Originally Posted by HunterGatherer:
Some residencies will not even look at your application if you are a DO.

...and trying to get an idea of what those residencies might be.

 

[DragonWell]

Don't act so shocked that some people are actually excited about learning manipulation or that it was a big reason for going DO for some people (as it was for me and still is after almost 2 years of it)

Ditto that! OMM is the main reason I went DO. One of our profs just presented the case of a patient who presented to the ER with acute onset of left arm numbness and tingling radiating into the neck. The patient was admitted for r/o CVA and scheduled for a neuro consult and probably an MRA, echo and multiple other labs. After talking to the patient a bit more, our prof found out the patient had a history of military service and had previously experienced similar symptoms on the opposite side of his body for which he had seen several neurologists with no relief.

After a little palpation and a couple orthopedic tests, our prof treated the patient with HVLA and MFR. The patient's symptoms were GONE. Diagnosis : TOS.

Just an anecdotal story, and of course, an MD could have just as easily put the pieces together, but it does illustrate that as DOs, we do sometimes have a unique and valuable perspective.

 

[MaximusD]

well I guess you can put me in that category....everyone knows I went to psu b/c of the nittany lion mascot....

Don't act so shocked that some people are actually excited about learning manipulation or that it was a big reason for going DO for some people (as it was for me and still is after almost 2 years of it)

WE ARE!

 

[MaximusD]

..... Penn State!

Anyhoo, I think that there are plenty of reasons to choose DO over MD aside from OMM... location, better reputation, etc... I've been told by a few prestigious docs that PCOM has a better reputation on the east coast than other lower-tier MD schools. Food for thought...

 

[DropkickMurphy]

why the hell else would you choose DO over MD

I can't figure out why anyone would do that regardless if they had an actual chance to choose.

 

[Kuba]

..... Penn State!

Anyhoo, I think that there are plenty of reasons to choose DO over MD aside from OMM... location, better reputation, etc... I've been told by a few prestigious docs that PCOM has a better reputation on the east coast than other lower-tier MD schools. Food for thought...

those are differences between schools. In those cases you are choosing between schools not degrees.

 

[Dr.Inviz]

thats the stupidest thing Ive heard. why the hell else would you choose DO over MD if OMM is a stupid reason.

time for a quick reading comprehension check??

check dr. kicia's post, it said, even if she made a 45 ... she'd choose DO or MD ... BECAUSE manipulation=fascinating ... wtf?

I am pretty sure that 99% of the ppl who post on the pre-osteo forum (INCLUDING YOU) would go MD over DO if you had a 45 and a good GPA ... I am pretty sure OMM would be a for-sure after-thought once you got into that sweet top-tier allo med school ... dont be so naive as to think you and the others on here would still go for DO (BECAUSE OF THE OMM) if given that chance to go to a top-tier MD with those sweet stats. your post was quite frankly the dumbest post ever, even trolls apparently have some sort of purpose behind their posts, and often are hilarious in their intent, too.

 

[Kuba]

time for a quick reading comprehension check??

check dr. kicia's post, it said, even if she made a 45 ... she'd choose DO or MD ... BECAUSE manipulation=fascinating ... wtf?

I am pretty sure that 99% of the ppl who post on the pre-osteo forum (INCLUDING YOU) would go MD over DO if you had a 45 and a good GPA ... I am pretty sure OMM would be a for-sure after-thought once you got into that sweet top-tier allo med school ... dont be so naive as to think you and the others on here would still go for DO (BECAUSE OF THE OMM) if given that chance to go to a top-tier MD with those sweet stats. your post was quite frankly the dumbest post ever, even trolls apparently have some sort of purpose behind their posts, and often are hilarious in their intent, too.

I never said I wouldnt go MD. go back through my posts and you will see I am not one of those people that says they would go DO and only DO. HOWEVER, there ARE people who would not go MD over DO and they have amazing stats (look up Boner on here this cycle.) OMM is a very legitimate reason to choose osteopathy, considering it is the only major difference, and by calling it superficial you disrespected drkicia and her career goals... so excuse me for offending you by calling your post stupid.

added note: look at my stats and experiences and you will see that if I just raised my gpa slightly with some more courses (which I already did actually) I could probably get into multiple allo schools next cycle... BUT I dont want to waste a year, I genuinely want to learn OMM, and I love the atmosphere at the osteopathic schools.

 

[MaximusD]

those are differences between schools. In those cases you are choosing between schools not degrees.

point duly noted

my point is that choosing an institution solely for a couple of letters is bad policy... concrete differences are something i can get on board with..

 

[dr.kicia]

time for a quick reading comprehension check??

check dr. kicia's post, it said, even if she made a 45 ... she'd choose DO or MD ... BECAUSE manipulation=fascinating ... wtf?

I am pretty sure that 99% of the ppl who post on the pre-osteo forum (INCLUDING YOU) would go MD over DO if you had a 45 and a good GPA ... I am pretty sure OMM would be a for-sure after-thought once you got into that sweet top-tier allo med school ... dont be so naive as to think you and the others on here would still go for DO (BECAUSE OF THE OMM) if given that chance to go to a top-tier MD with those sweet stats. your post was quite frankly the dumbest post ever, even trolls apparently have some sort of purpose behind their posts, and often are hilarious in their intent, too.

i had a choice...could have been in my MSI getting an MD in a program aproved by all 50 states (for 1/4 of the price of what i will have to pay for a DO and in my native language) as i write this. I chose not to for various reasons. OMM being one of them.
I also do not like the cut throught atmosphere at MD schools. I do not belive that medicine should be a competition.... it should be about making sure you do EVERYTHING you can to help your patient. And adding OMM to that 'everything' definetly will not hurt.
By the way even if i get 30+ on my MCAT (which may happen since i do good on my practice so far) i would not even apply to MD school(though i could since i have few instae schools that i would have a descent shot at with my stats and about 30 mCAT score).
I want a DO and this is what my mind is set for..... as crazy is this may sound to you.
Not all ppl think your way and some acctually WANT to be DO and not because that is the last resource for them.

 

[Dr.Inviz]

I never said I wouldnt go MD. go back through my posts and you will see I am not one of those people that says they would go DO and only DO. HOWEVER, there ARE people who would not go MD over DO and they have amazing stats (look up Boner on here this cycle.) OMM is a very legitimate reason to choose osteopathy, considering it is the only major difference, and by calling it superficial you disrespected drkicia and her career goals... so excuse me for offending you by calling your post stupid.

added note: look at my stats and experiences and you will see that if I just raised my gpa slightly with some more courses (which I already did actually) I could probably get into multiple allo schools next cycle... BUT I dont want to waste a year, I genuinely want to learn OMM, and I love the atmosphere at the osteopathic schools.

whatever floats your boat kuba.

que sera sera.

and as much as i heart ya dr. kicia, i just had to give my 2 cents.