Thought I Had It All Figured Out Until....

[doctorE2010]

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Hi all...just looking for some feedback. I was accepted at LECOM in October and am totally stoked. Most of my reasoning for wanting to go there is to be closer to family. I hadn't ever heard the term "DO" or "osteopathic" until about a year ago. I'll admit, at first it was a means to an end--I wanted to be a doctor regardless of the letters, and at first it did seem like a "second best" to an MD, simply because I was uneducated about the degree. However, over the past few months I feel like I have truly come to embrace the philosophy, principle, and techniques. So, I was mentally prepared to move to Erie and embark on this path. Then I get my very first MD invite (this is my third application process with probably over 100 applications total)...to a school even further away from my family than i am now...and now I feel so completely lost. Back when I was just starting to learn about osteopathic medicine I always said "I'd go to any MD program over a DO program" but I don't think that's true anymore. I really want to be closer to friends and family, but at the same time I'm starting to feel the "prejudices" against DO's. I don't think DO schools are any better or worse than MD, I just don't know if I want to defend my degree to the rest of my life. I get really annoyed when family and friends innocently and ignorantly call MD schools "real" (like DO is fake?) or that I'm going to an "osteopathic school " as opposed to "medical school" Someone here said it was like being a minority for the first time...and it sucks!!! Sorry for rambling, I just feel so conflicted. This is obviously completely premature since I haven't even interviewd yet and by no means have I been accepted...I just feel torn. Sorry for rambling...any advice.input is appreciated!

 

[ChaChaDocta]

I am in a very similar boat. My advice, take the opinions of friends and family with a grain of salt. I'm assuming they aren't experts in the MD/DO field, of course. If you're anything like me, you just want to pull through this whole think and end up A GREAT DOCTOR. Period. Go to the school that you want to, the one that you can live with for the next 4 years, whether it is Allo or Osteo.

The best part? If you end up going to DO, you can be a great example of how a DO can be a great physician, and maybe educate some of those nay-sayers along the way!

 

[doctorE2010]

Thanks...I know you're right and that's truly how I feel...I just never expected to feel so TORN over this decision!! I always said I just want to get into ONE medical school...I never thought making these decisions would be so darn tough! I do believe we need great DO's to stand up for the profession and educate the public about the degree and profession so some of this petty descrimination can be laid to rest.

 

[Dr Trek 1]

Thanks...I know you're right and that's truly how I feel...I just never expected to feel so TORN over this decision!! I always said I just want to get into ONE medical school...I never thought making these decisions would be so darn tough! I do believe we need great DO's to stand up for the profession and educate the public about the degree and profession so some of this petty descrimination can be laid to rest.

I know what you mean how no one undersatnds what a DO is. Take my advice, don't even mention it to people who don't fully understand what it is. If people ask you what you are doing, just say you are in medical school. I mean people in allopathy medical schools don't say "allopathic medical school."

Go to LECOM. It's a great school. If you actually think about it, you'll never need to really "defend" being a DO because the only people who have to know are the people who fully understand what it means (residency program directors, etc.) It's kind of like an ER doc asking you if you are allergic to novacaine when they are giving you sutures. They really want to know if you are allergic to lidocaine, however no one knows what that is and it's much simpler to just say "novacaine" and not have to explain how they are the same thing really. However, if you were treating a fellow health care professional, you could ask them if they are allergic to lidocaine because they'll know what it means.

Hope this helps!

 

[DragonWell]

One thing to keep in mind is that the osteopathic profession is actively changing and growing. Something which I find interesting is that while DOs make up about 6% of physicians in the US, DO students make up around 15% of the medical students in the US. (http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/site/free/prsf1114.htm)

This means that in the near future, DOs will make up an increasingly larger percentage of physicans. Although I know not everyone is happy about this growth, for better or worse, it will result in increased visibility of the profession and eventually I believe will lead to greater public understanding about who DOs are and what they do. Things will change, but it will take patience and a willingness to educate people about the osteopathic profession.

In the meantime, I just sigh and explain that DOs aren't chiropractors, naturopaths, or acupucturists; that yes, they do need malpractice insurance, yes, they can do surgery, yes, there is a residency, etc.

Only you can decide what's right for you. Ask yourself this question - how do you feel about not being a DO? - would you miss the things that make DOs unique - the philosophy, principles and techniques?

 

[letsrun4it]

the way i look at it... i dont want to be a MD or a DO I want to be a urologist...or OB/GYN....or FP...whatever you want to be, thats what you are...you're not a MD or DO

 

[BklynWill]

go to the medical school that you think will make you the most happy. I would prefer to explain my degree for the rest of my life rather than suffer through 4 years at a medical school I don't enjoy. You're gonna be a physician. period.

 

[Ypo.]

Thanks...I know you're right and that's truly how I feel...I just never expected to feel so TORN over this decision!! I always said I just want to get into ONE medical school...I never thought making these decisions would be so darn tough! I do believe we need great DO's to stand up for the profession and educate the public about the degree and profession so some of this petty descrimination can be laid to rest.

Have you actually been accepted to the MD school, or just invited for an interview?

I got an interview invite at LECOM last year. Ultimately I decided it def wasn't for me-I didn't like all the rules of mandatory attendance to lectures and dress code. It just seemed too strict for me. I like to watch lectures online at home-which is what I'm doing now-at an MD school that is probably more like a DO school than an MD school
But maybe I would have felt differently if my family lived in Erie.
You should definitely at least consider the interview at the MD school. Also consider if you want to specialize-because being an MD will definitely give you an advantage in some fields.

 

[Ypo.]

the way i look at it... i dont want to be a MD or a DO I want to be a urologist...or OB/GYN....or FP...whatever you want to be, thats what you are...you're not a MD or DO

You know-this is the probably the wisest thing I have ever heard said on the DO vs MD issue. Nice 👍 I'm sure its truethat prac ticing physicians don't think of themselves much in terms of DO or MD but rather in terms of what they actually 'do'.

 

[doctorE2010]

Thanks guys! I haven't been accepted to the MD program...just an invite. I know it doesn't mean an acceptance by any means, but I still can't stop all of these "what ifs" in my head!! The MD program is Marshall and I really can't find any info about it. I've been living in the South for seven years (undergrad, and then I got married and stuck around) and I've come to realize that I'm truly a "northerner" I don't know if I could handle West Viriginia and I'm pretty sure I don't want to practice rural medicine (which they emphasize). I'm going to the interview to see what it's like...but I know my friends and family up North would be sooooo bummed if we didn't move north...and i think I would be too. I don't know if I want to specialize. I'm thinking OBGYN, but I'd also like to specialize in high risk obstetrics possibly, or a peds specialty, and wonder if I'm hindered by being a DO. On the other hand, at Erie I might be able to rotations in Pittsburgh, CLevelan, and Buffalo, all which have great peds and ob hospitals, nad are places I'd rather do a residency.

 

[DrBowtie]

Thanks guys! I haven't been accepted to the MD program...just an invite. I know it doesn't mean an acceptance by any means, but I still can't stop all of these "what ifs" in my head!! The MD program is Marshall and I really can't find any info about it. I've been living in the South for seven years (undergrad, and then I got married and stuck around) and I've come to realize that I'm truly a "northerner" I don't know if I could handle West Viriginia and I'm pretty sure I don't want to practice rural medicine (which they emphasize). I'm going to the interview to see what it's like...but I know my friends and family up North would be sooooo bummed if we didn't move north...and i think I would be too. I don't know if I want to specialize. I'm thinking OBGYN, but I'd also like to specialize in high risk obstetrics possibly, or a peds specialty, and wonder if I'm hindered by being a DO. On the other hand, at Erie I might be able to rotations in Pittsburgh, CLevelan, and Buffalo, all which have great peds and ob hospitals, nad are places I'd rather do a residency.

Peds and OBGYN aren't too competitive so either will be easily obtainable from DO/MD. Specializing within those fields are fellowships which are largely based upon how you do in your residency.

 

[DrChandy]

It all comes down to what's best for you. Down the line, what matters is how good of a physician you want to be.

Either way, you should be proud that you made it. Congrats!

 

[the1doc]

As a student who was in your situation not too long ago, I understand what you're going through in making this decision. It is a very difficult decision to make.

When I started out on my medical experience, I intervied and was accepted at every DO school that I applied to. I intervied at three MD schools and I was placed on the "alternate" list at all three. I ended up putting my money down on the DO school I like best, and I concluded that if an MD school gave me an invite, I'd make the decision at that time. When it came time to matriculate, I hadn't received any offers from the MD schools, so I went DO.

Quite frankly, I regret my decision. While I do admire many of the principles of osteopathic medicine, I despise the stigma that is attached with being a DO. As a DO student, I have to take the same classes, pass the same tests (USMLEs), and eventually I will do one of the same residencies. Yet I'll always be "just a little less qualified" to many of my peers and to most of the public in general.

Bottom line: I think most DO schools will offer you an excellent education. I think that they expose you to a philosophy of compassion and caring that is admirable. However, many MDs share the same philosophy. It all boils down to respect. This may not seem so important right now, but when you are hundreds of thousands in debt and you are getting out of bed at 3 in the morning because you are on call, you might think otherwise.

 

[packerfan]

Another thing to consider with DO-What about the traditional year? In certain states that has to be considered and will determine the residencies open to you. If it does not have the approval or isn't an osteopathic residency it can mean an extra amount of training to get licensed.

 

[docbill]

The decision is not difficult. It is logical.

Wait till you actually have acceptance before you start hyperventilating.

 

[the1doc]

The decision is not difficult. It is logical.

Wait till you actually have acceptance before you start hyperventilating.

From a completely "logical" point of view, this was a difficult decision for me. It involved weighing the pros and cons of going to DO school immediately or waiting another year and reapplying to MD schools. It involved deciding what I liked about the allopathic approach versus the osteopathic approach. It's a lifetime commitment. It's a decision worth taking seriously, even if it is "logical." And along the way, if you start to hyperventilate, sit down and relax.

 

[USArmyDoc]

I am in a similar situation as you. I was accepted to 4 DO schools and am extremely excited about Des Moines UNiversity. I was just invited to interview at PCOM and would definitely love to attend there. However, I just had my first allopathic interview the other day and liked the school just not as much as DMU. With that being said, if accepted I don't know what I would do. Honestly, I probably would jump at the MD for the purpose of enhancing my future options especially since I want to go into health policy.

 

[happydays]

It kind of depends on what you want to do. If you're set on primary care, then DO will probably be able to prepare you better (meaning, they are more focused on training primary care docs). If you're unsure, I'd say MD is a safer route.

 

[docbill]

From a completely "logical" point of view, this was a difficult decision for me. It involved weighing the pros and cons of going to DO school immediately or waiting another year and reapplying to MD schools. It involved deciding what I liked about the allopathic approach versus the osteopathic approach. It's a lifetime commitment. It's a decision worth taking seriously, even if it is "logical." And along the way, if you start to hyperventilate, sit down and relax.

Logic = Wait till you get accepted in both then decide

DO and MD is the same thing. It is not as huge a difference as most make it out to be. The sum of the points equal the same at the end.

 

[docbill]

btw.. just wanted to add.. ONE more year is nothing when compared to a lifetime.

 

[JO300]

interview is not acceptance.
do your best in the interview than think about DO Vs. MD when you get the acceptance.
do not worry now and enjoy your interview.
Good luck.

 

[dude11]

btw.. just wanted to add.. ONE more year is nothing when compared to a lifetime.

Hey, I am turning 28 and one more year is like a big deal to me because I have run out of energy and want to go on with life. My first degree is in accounting and I worked for awhile before returning to school to do a post bac. I took the mcat twice. My profile is good except for the mcat. I have been considering if should just go for the DO and not take the mcat again to try out for the MD because its not a sure thing and takes more time. I would do this if I was younger but I don't want to go crazy over the mcat and have no energy left for the medical school part, which is the main thing since the mcat is a one day test and I am really wondering if it is the best indicator of success. It may be a good indicator and a standard but I wonder if it is better than the gpa as a long term indicator of academic ability.

I have been hearing a lot of bad reputations about DO on SDN and it is making me reconsider it. I know that a person can go to the carribbean and get an MD but its just too far and its the last resort to me even thought you get a MD. But med school is a big commitment and before choosing which school to go, there are pros and cons of going DO and MD but it seems MD is the mainstream. DO schools seem to be there to just make money and so sound like the carribbean schools although they do have a less competitive standard than MD schools. Anyhow, if we were all under represented minorities, I am sure a lot of DO students can go to an MD schools. So there goes the standard for MD school as well. Its tough decision!

What are your thoughts on this?
Thanx

My biggest concern has to do with the shrinking pool of residencies available to med students when there are more people entering med schools, thus causing an overflow of doctors in the future, and making the profession less attractive financially as well as having a secure profession in life.

 

[doctorE2010]

Like I said before, I fully realize an interview does not guarantee an acceptance, but that does not stop all the "what if's" from running around in my head!!! I appreciate the feedback. Has anyone experienced first hand the prejudices against DO's? Or is it more overblown than it seems?

 

[USArmyDoc]

Hey, I am turning 28 and one more year is like a big deal to me because I have run out of energy and want to go on with life. My first degree is in accounting and I worked for awhile before returning to school to do a post bac. I took the mcat twice. My profile is good except for the mcat. I have been considering if should just go for the DO and not take the mcat again to try out for the MD because its not a sure thing and takes more time. I would do this if I was younger but I don't want to go crazy over the mcat and have no energy left for the medical school part, which is the main thing since the mcat is a one day test and I am really wondering if it is the best indicator of success. It may be a good indicator and a standard but I wonder if it is better than the gpa as a long term indicator of academic ability.

I have been hearing a lot of bad reputations about DO on SDN and it is making me reconsider it. I know that a person can go to the carribbean and get an MD but its just too far and its the last resort to me even thought you get a MD. But med school is a big commitment and before choosing which school to go, there are pros and cons of going DO and MD but it seems MD is the mainstream. DO schools seem to be there to just make money and so sound like the carribbean schools although they do have a less competitive standard than MD schools. Anyhow, if we were all under represented minorities, I am sure a lot of DO students can go to an MD schools. So there goes the standard for MD school as well. Its tough decision!

What are your thoughts on this?
Thanx

My biggest concern has to do with the shrinking pool of residencies available to med students when there are more people entering med schools, thus causing an overflow of doctors in the future, and making the profession less attractive financially as well as having a secure profession in life.

😕 😕

First of all, there isn't a bad reputation about DO's. That is complete and utter bull. Second, if you read the recent article put out by the American Medical News, you would realize that going to a carribean school should be EVERYONE's last resort. The states are starting to clamp down on the schools and are denying students licensing from some of the carribean schools. Honestly dude11, do some more research. DO schools are not there to just make money. 😡 They are and have been legitimate schools to earn a degree in Osteopathic Medicine.

 

[DrBowtie]

😕 😕

First of all, there isn't a bad reputation about DO's. That is complete and utter bull. Second, if you read the recent article put out by the American Medical News, you would realize that going to a carribean school should be EVERYONE's last resort. The states are starting to clamp down on the schools and are denying students licensing from some of the carribean schools. Honestly dude11, do some more research. DO schools are not there to just make money. 😡 They are and have been legitimate schools to earn a degree in Osteopathic Medicine.

There are some DO schools that are cash cows. Be honest.

 

[the1doc]

Like I said before, I fully realize an interview does not guarantee an acceptance, but that does not stop all the "what if's" from running around in my head!!! I appreciate the feedback. Has anyone experienced first hand the prejudices against DO's? Or is it more overblown than it seems?

Have I experienced it? Absolutely. I know from firsthand experience that many times, a DO student doesn't get the respect on rotations that an MD student does. I know from firsthand experience that many people in the medical community don't believe that a DO is a "real" doctor. And I know from firsthand experience that many DOs, no matter how qualified, will not get the residency of their choice simply because they have "DO" after their names.

When I first started med school, everyone said, "Oh there's not really a prejudice." And the classic, " if it even happens, it will just be an opportunity to educate people about what a DO really is." Or some people said, "I think this is the generation of DO students that will really get the amount of respect that we deserve." LOL. It's called "denial." That attitude changes quickly when you experience the prejudice firsthand.

 

[USArmyDoc]

There are some DO schools that are cash cows. Be honest.

Actually, I was having this conversation with my father (DO) before and we both felt there were some schools that are cash cows but the majority of them are not, especially the older ones.

 

[the1doc]

There are some DO schools that are cash cows. Be honest.

Agreed. I'll be paying my loan off for the rest of my life. Literally.

 

[USArmyDoc]

Agreed. I'll be paying my loan off for the rest of my life. Literally.

Yes, and that is why I would never go to one of those schools. I am only sticking to some of the more original DO schools.

 

[the1doc]

Logic = Wait till you get accepted in both then decide

DO and MD is the same thing. It is not as huge a difference as most make it out to be. The sum of the points equal the same at the end.

Logic = if you are concerned about going to DO school, consider your options, especially if those options involve waiting another year for MD school.
Logic = MD and DO is not the "same thing." Sound the letters out.

 

[USArmyDoc]

Logic = if you are concerned about going to DO school, consider your options, especially if those options involve waiting another year for MD school.
Logic = MD and DO is not the "same thing." Sound the letters out.

You are a troll. I knew it but didn't want to say it at first and gave you the benefit of the doubt. Go away loser.

 

[drjds]

I agree 1000%!

You know-this is the probably the wisest thing I have ever heard said on the DO vs MD issue. Nice 👍 I'm sure its truethat prac ticing physicians don't think of themselves much in terms of DO or MD but rather in terms of what they actually 'do'.

 

[the1doc]

You are a troll. I knew it but didn't want to say it at first and gave you the benefit of the doubt. Go away loser.

Oh gimme a break. I am a DO student who is very close to being a DO. Some of the flowery stuff that is being propagated here just simply isn't true. Also, IMO, I not a "loser." I think it is an important decision - MD vs. DO. I am not using my precious free time to "troll."

My purpose is to provide a different perspective to prospective DO students. I wish I'd had the same perspective so that I would have had an opportunity to make a more informed decision. If you or any other student decides to go DO, great. You will get a great education and you will have many opportunities. I just don't think it's fair to tell prospective students that it's all the same. It isn't.

There IS a difference between an allopathic education and an osteopathic education. There IS a difference between the types of opportunities available to DOs and to MDs. An MD does not equal a DO. I am very proud of my education and the work I've put into it. But in reality, it hasn't gained me "equal" status to an MD. Despite an outstanding academic record and a history of volunteer work, the reality is that I probably couldn't get into many of the residencies that an "equally" qualified MD student could.

"Judge not lest ye be judged"
Jesus

 

[USArmyDoc]

Oh gimme a break. I am a DO student who is very close to being a DO. Some of the flowery stuff that is being propagated here just simply isn't true. Also, IMO, I not a "loser." I think it is an important decision - MD vs. DO. I am not using my precious free time to "troll."

My purpose is to provide a different perspective to prospective DO students. I wish I'd had the same perspective so that I would have had an opportunity to make a more informed decision. If you or any other student decides to go DO, great. You will get a great education and you will have many opportunities. I just don't think it's fair to tell prospective students that it's all the same. It isn't.

There IS a difference between an allopathic education and an osteopathic education. There IS a difference between the types of opportunities available to DOs and to MDs. An MD does not equal a DO. I am very proud of my education and the work I've put into it. But in reality, it hasn't gained me "equal" status to an MD. Despite an outstanding academic record and a history of volunteer work, the reality is that I probably couldn't get into many of the residencies that an "equally" qualified MD student could.

"Judge not lest ye be judged"
Jesus

I respect your opinion but I don't necessarily agree with it.

 

[tkim]

Not everyone who offers a differing or unpopular opinion is a troll. However, it's hard to guage the truthfulness of a post on an anonymous forum - especially from a new poster.

Please keep the flames to a minimum. If you disagree, say so, but keep it civil. Thanks!

 

[Doctor Bagel]

Oh gimme a break. I am a DO student who is very close to being a DO. Some of the flowery stuff that is being propagated here just simply isn't true. Also, IMO, I not a "loser." I think it is an important decision - MD vs. DO. I am not using my precious free time to "troll."

My purpose is to provide a different perspective to prospective DO students. I wish I'd had the same perspective so that I would have had an opportunity to make a more informed decision. If you or any other student decides to go DO, great. You will get a great education and you will have many opportunities. I just don't think it's fair to tell prospective students that it's all the same. It isn't.

There IS a difference between an allopathic education and an osteopathic education. There IS a difference between the types of opportunities available to DOs and to MDs. An MD does not equal a DO. I am very proud of my education and the work I've put into it. But in reality, it hasn't gained me "equal" status to an MD. Despite an outstanding academic record and a history of volunteer work, the reality is that I probably couldn't get into many of the residencies that an "equally" qualified MD student could.

"Judge not lest ye be judged"
Jesus

I'm willing to concede that you're probably not a troll (however, we do see a lot of them on these boards). I'm curious, though, as to where you went to school and what type of residency you're pursuing and where. What specific experiences have you had that make you regret your decision? Without the specifics, it's hard to judge the applicability of your comments.

 

[the1doc]

I respect your opinion but I don't necessarily agree with it.

My opinion isn't there for you to agree with - it's there to offer a different perspective. IMO, it's a perspective that is fairly common among DO students but is rarely verbalized.

 

[USArmyDoc]

My opinion isn't there for you to agree with - it's there to offer a different perspective. IMO, it's a perspective that is fairly common among DO students but is rarely verbalized.

Okay, but I think you should answer what exlawgrl has asked. What are your pursuing that you feel so persecuted?

 

[Jack Daniel]

I am in a similar situation as you. I was accepted to 4 DO schools and am extremely excited about Des Moines UNiversity. I was just invited to interview at PCOM and would definitely love to attend there. However, I just had my first allopathic interview the other day and liked the school just not as much as DMU. With that being said, if accepted I don't know what I would do. Honestly, I probably would jump at the MD for the purpose of enhancing my future options especially since I want to go into health policy.

While I certainly understand any reticence you may have in using your career as a vehicle to advance the profession of osteopathic medicine (I mean, not everyone wants to be an activist), I hope that more people try and enter areas like health policy with a DO degree. I think it would help expand the profession beyond clinical primary care.

 

[Jack Daniel]

........I have been hearing a lot of bad reputations about DO on SDN and it is making me reconsider it. I know that a person can go to the carribbean and get an MD but its just too far and its the last resort to me even thought you get a MD. But med school is a big commitment and before choosing which school to go, there are pros and cons of going DO and MD but it seems MD is the mainstream. DO schools seem to be there to just make money and so sound like the carribbean schools although they do have a less competitive standard than MD schools. Anyhow, if we were all under represented minorities, I am sure a lot of DO students can go to an MD schools. So there goes the standard for MD school as well. Its tough decision!

What are your thoughts on this?
Thanx

My biggest concern has to do with the shrinking pool of residencies available to med students when there are more people entering med schools, thus causing an overflow of doctors in the future, and making the profession less attractive financially as well as having a secure profession in life.

I think it's interesting that you don't seem to notice or appreciate all the GOOD things on SDN that is written about DOs. Also, if you really want to fret, you should realize that there are people out there who don't care much for doctors in general (DO or MD) and think all organized healthcare is either a scam or big conspiracy.
As for the money & opportunites, I think you should definitely count on a restructuring of medical economics where many docs may earn much less. So enter this profession only for the intrinsic joy of being a physician (If I'm wrong, you and I can be pleasantly surprised 🙂 ) But as for opportunities, unless bird flu kills of most of our population, I think there will be plenty of opportunitites for physicians to train and use their skills.

 

[eanisis78]

hi

i would just like to say that most private DO schools are in line with other private md schools. so i wouldn't say they are cash cows.

additionallly i have been practicing throughout hospitals as a physical therapist for the past 5 years and have had the privledge of meeting many DO, MD, nurses, PA ect.
additionally of the personnel who work with MD and DO, most nurses say that overall DO's spend more time with the patient, make the patient feel better about the course of treatment and do an excellent job. and that is only the opinions of nurses throughout the hosptials that i frequent.
as for my opinion there are many bad and excellent do's and many bad md's.
i think there is the same education, just many people do not know what they are. bottom line, 90% of the time a patient is seen by a doctor.... and that is it.

 

[DrBowtie]

hi

i would just like to say that most private DO schools are in line with other private md schools. so i wouldn't say they are cash cows.

additionallly i have been practicing throughout hospitals as a physical therapist for the past 5 years and have had the privledge of meeting many DO, MD, nurses, PA ect.
additionally of the personnel who work with MD and DO, most nurses say that overall DO's spend more time with the patient, make the patient feel better about the course of treatment and do an excellent job. and that is only the opinions of nurses throughout the hosptials that i frequent.
as for my opinion there are many bad and excellent do's and many bad md's.
i think there is the same education, just many people do not know what they are. bottom line, 90% of the time a patient is seen by a doctor.... and that is it.

The cash cows I was referring to are the branch campuses.

 

[dude11]

Actually, I was having this conversation with my father (DO) before and we both felt there were some schools that are cash cows but the majority of them are not, especially the older ones.

Thats the thing, they should have state do schools as opposed to private do schools because they charge less. For some reason, do schools don't have backings from the federal government. If do schools were cheaper, I'll bet you a lot more people would consider them and its just another pro to going do. But the expensiveness is making prospective do students wonder if long term, the degree will allow them the full potential to pay off the huge loans for going to do schools. Basically, its an investment return issue. Yes, we all want to go into medicine for the greater good but before we can help other people, we need to know that we are going to be taken care of as well.

I think a lot of the md v. do crap is politics really. Its just so political even before going into medicine. You basically become a doctor but how you do that is subject to politics etc restrictions. Its really screwed. Pre meds are getting screwed by politics even before going to med school, and once they become doctors, they get screwed by everyone (administrators, patients, lawyers, hmo, government, etc). Healthcare has become too political when all doctors (the good ones who enter the profession with the right intention) really want to do is help fellow human beings.

 

[dude11]

Actually, I was having this conversation with my father (DO) before and we both felt there were some schools that are cash cows but the majority of them are not, especially the older ones.

Thats the thing, they should have state do schools as opposed to private do schools because they charge less. For some reason, do schools don't have backings from the federal government. If do schools were cheaper, I'll bet you a lot more people would consider them and its just another pro to going do. But the expensiveness is making prospective do students wonder if long term, the degree will allow them the full potential to pay off the huge loans for going to do schools. Basically, its an investment return issue. Yes, we all want to go into medicine for the greater good but before we can help other people, we need to know that we are going to be taken care of as well.

I think a lot of the md v. do crap is politics really. Its just so political even before going into medicine. You basically become a doctor but how you do that is subject to politics etc restrictions. Its really screwed. Pre meds are getting screwed by politics even before going to med school, and once they become doctors, they get screwed by everyone (administrators, patients, lawyers, hmo, government, etc). Healthcare has become too political when all doctors (the good ones who enter the profession with the right intention) really want to do is help fellow human beings.

 

[Jack Daniel]

Thats the thing, they should have state do schools as opposed to private do schools because they charge less. For some reason, do schools don't have backings from the federal government. .....

??? 😕 ???
I don't understand what you mean. The feds loan DO students money, give DO students scholarships, and accept DO students into the armed services. It seems to me that the feds back DO schools as much as any other medical school.

 

[nerdgrrl]

I think a lot of the md v. do crap is politics really. Its just so political even before going into medicine. You basically become a doctor but how you do that is subject to politics etc restrictions. Its really screwed. Pre meds are getting screwed by politics even before going to med school, and once they become doctors, they get screwed by everyone (administrators, patients, lawyers, hmo, government, etc). Healthcare has become too political when all doctors (the good ones who enter the profession with the right intention) really want to do is help fellow human beings.

Pardon my Princess Bride moment. But, politics? But you keep saying that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.

Doctors have challenges, sure, but so does any profession. the question is whether you're up to the challenge.

 

[Nate]

I think you are sorely mis-informed in many ways dude11. You should really learn how to read opinions on the internet and research for yourself the facts. As far as I know I am at a state DO school, the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, whose administration charges the exact same state supported tuition to both of its MD granting schools as well as our DO granting school. I am also rather certain all of my expenses are being covered my federal supported loans, some subsidized. I am pretty sure MSU is another public DO school as well as TCOM. Look it up and stop taking people named “IrUrMuThUrSDoC” opinion as fact.

Thats the thing, they should have state do schools as opposed to private do schools because they charge less. For some reason, do schools don't have backings from the federal government. If do schools were cheaper, I'll bet you a lot more people would consider them and its just another pro to going do. But the expensiveness is making prospective do students wonder if long term, the degree will allow them the full potential to pay off the huge loans for going to do schools. Basically, its an investment return issue. Yes, we all want to go into medicine for the greater good but before we can help other people, we need to know that we are going to be taken care of as well.

I think a lot of the md v. do crap is politics really. Its just so political even before going into medicine. You basically become a doctor but how you do that is subject to politics etc restrictions. Its really screwed. Pre meds are getting screwed by politics even before going to med school, and once they become doctors, they get screwed by everyone (administrators, patients, lawyers, hmo, government, etc). Healthcare has become too political when all doctors (the good ones who enter the profession with the right intention) really want to do is help fellow human beings.

 

[dude11]

??? 😕 ???
I don't understand what you mean. The feds loan DO students money, give DO students scholarships, and accept DO students into the armed services. It seems to me that the feds back DO schools as much as any other medical school.

But some do state school's tuition are a fraction of the do private schools' tuition. Why? At some do schools, the tuition alone can cover the cost of living plus tuition at a do state school.

 

[Doctor Bagel]

But some do state school's tuition are a fraction of the do private schools' tuition. Why? At some do schools, the tuition alone can cover the cost of living plus tuition at a do state school.

I guess I'm not really getting your point. Private DO schools cost the same as Private MD schools -- both generally run around $36k a year. State DO schools cost about the same as state MD schools.

 

[eanisis78]

i think we should also realize that do is a newer professor and unfortuantelyl underrepresented at this time. so no state schools exist YET
but sometiems in life you just have to accept it and move on and stop blubbering about things you can't change.
maybe you shouldn't go to do school