Top of DO?

[goinverted]

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O.k., here's an interesting question. If you decided that you wanted to pursue the surgical field of medicine and you were accepted to any DO school that you wanted, but only a few of the middle/lower tier MD schools, don't you think it would be easier to get a residency if you were in the top of your DO class than just somewhere in the middle of your MD class? (This isn't a self directed question since I'm still applying and haven't been accepted to either yet.)

 

[medicomel]

Maybe, but it probably isn't easy to be at the top of any class, be it D.O. or M.D. Don't forget that you have to take your USMLE scores into consideration. It would be easier to get into surgery if you had a really high score. 🙄

 

[goinverted]

I don't assume that it is easy, but when you take the USMLE or COMLEX and you have 3/4 of your graduating class who scored 36+ on the MCAT and had 3.95's, it would make it harder to shine if you weren't quite at their level. I know there are extremely intelligent people who test poorly, which is sad, but it seems like it would be a little emotionally difficult. Your exactly right about the boards, it ultimately boils down to how well you do.

 

[Boomer]

I don't assume that it is easy, but when you take the USMLE or COMLEX and you have 3/4 of your graduating class who scored 36+ on the MCAT and had 3.95's, it would make it harder to shine if you weren't quite at their level. I know there are extremely intelligent people who test poorly, which is sad, but it seems like it would be a little emotionally difficult. Your exactly right about the boards, it ultimately boils down to how well you do.

Well, since your original post referred to "middle/low tier MD schools," I think you can safely assume that 3/4 of your graduating class DID NOT have 3.95/36.....

Top of any class should be able to get into their chosen field, assuming that their board scores are in line with their grades. Doesn't mean that coming from a DO school and being number one that you'll get Optho at Hopkins, but Optho SOMEWHERE is likely to be attainable....etc. Not easy, but attainable.

 

[crys20]

I think it will be hard to be in the top of your class no matter where you go. It's just a different story in undergrad because you have so many slackers and less smart people to pull down averages and help you get A's, you know. But in med it's just the premeds who made it, and got the good grades in all those courses, so it's just a much more competitive environment I think. Even in the DO schools. 🙂

I don't know, I think I would still go MD for surgery. It might just make things easier. You can always say you'll crush the boards, but honestly, that has to be easier said than done. 🙂