Transfer from DO to MD

[EMTDoc22]

So I need to vent. I'm an MS1 at a DO school and I have to say I'm not exactly happy with the way things are going. Coming in, I had a sincere interest at the time in the so-called "osteopathic approach" and this at least partly guided my choice of where to go. I was also waitlisted at the state MD schools I applied to...so at the end of the day you have to go where you get in.

I have come to resent the OMM department at my school -- the way it is taught, the lack of emphasis on evidence-based medicine regarding OMT, the lack of clarity on how to apply OMT clinically or the supposed physiological mechanisms of the techniques (straight answers are rarely given). We haven't gotten to this yet -- but the idea of cranial-sacral therapy sounds absurd, considering the fact that cranial sutures fuse during development. Also the apparent lack of straight answers/resources to answer my questions is only fueling my resentment.

If OMT has clear benefits to patients with particular ailments, I am all for using it but I don't see why this is limited to osteopathic schools only. My experience thus far as a first year is that we spend a disproportionate amount of time in OMM lecture/lab learning how to treat tenderpoints (pointless IMO) and other "maladies" when we could better spend that time learning more biochemistry, immunology, and pharmacology. I think the only OMM that should be taught is that which has plenty of evidence on its side and can be clearly given to patients with a particular diagnosis. This is not how OMM has been presented thus far.

My views set me apart from many of my classmates and OMM professors; I have to keep my views to myself and stay passive and quiet during OMM to keep from flat-out arguing with them...

I'll add this caveat -- I am only a first year so my perspective could change. I could be wrong and I am open to any challenges on what I have said.

But at this point I am considering at least trying to transfer to an MD school because the thought of 3.5 more years of this is somewhat unpleasant. I have thought about even going to the Caribbean but that seems to have its own set of problems in terms of matching in the US.

My questions are:
1. Which MD schools are most open to transfers from osteopathic schools (2nd or 3rd year)? Is it worthwhile to attempt to transfer, or should I just stick it out?
2. If I were to begin the transfer process, how should I approach this issue at my school? Websites of schools I have checked seem to require letters of recommendation from current professors and the dean of my school... My reason for wanting to transfer is solely related to the OMM and I would have no idea how to diplomatically ask for these letters.

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[pipe dream]

It's next to impossible to transfer at this point. You either have to start all over or wait until after 2nd year. The reason most schools don't accept transfers in the middle or end of first year or in the middle of second year is that every school has a different curriculum. By transferring, you may miss subjects the other school has already taught. Plus, the other school has to have a seat, meaning someone else has to have dropped out. And, not to be rude, but given that you didn't get into an MD school to begin with, what makes you think they'll take you as a transfer.

 

[Winged Scapula]

You have a chance at a medical education that many others would dream of having. As noted above, I'm unaware of any schools that will accept a transfer after 1st year; the ability to transfer after 2nd year is still very limited. Also as noted above, what makes you think your application will be any more competitive this year?

In the end, you will practice the kind of medicine you want to. Most DOs do NOT use OMM in their practice. Over the years, you will be taught things that you do not believe, or for which there is little evidence; that is not a good reason to attempt a transfer.

I went into school thinking PBL would be the greatest thing; it wasn't but I sucked it up. I suggest you do the same.

 

[duckie99]

Most DOs do NOT use OMM in their practice.

so then the degree is essentially useless... DOs basically are just people who couldn't get into a regular medical school. This proves it. Not to mean they aren't competent physicians in the end... But I have met many DOs in practice and have never seen any of this OMM stuff lol.

OP, just suck it up, pass the tests, and for the love of God go to an allopathic residency. Now to do this you will have to be extra good and even then your chances of getting a good residency/field are greatly reduced. But you could not get into allopathic med school so you must accept the consequences. There is no way to transfer. And if you drop out it will look pretty bad.

 

[FrkyBgStok]

so then the degree is essentially useless... DOs basically are just people who couldn't get into a regular medical school. This proves it. Not to mean they aren't competent physicians in the end... But I have met many DOs in practice and have never seen any of this OMM stuff lol.

no. some people, like myself, went to DO school thinking that OMM could potentially be great. and for many it is. the frustration from students isn't that OMM is completely bunk, it is that is much like acupuncture. It works for some, but the science isn't there to claim it works for everyone. And the OMM departments often have that mixed up. in addition, OMM is commonly used by itself or in addition to something for a specific purpose. saying you have never seen someone use OMM in practice just indicates that you haven't seen someone who was being treated for an OMM related problem. many flat out don't, but many do it use just not all the time. Unless you are shadowing an OMM, PM&R, NMM physician, you probably won't see it very often anywhere.

OP, you may be alone in your views at your school, but you aren't alone in your views among other students. It is quite common. Just suck it up, get through it, and you will be able to walk away from it if you choose in 3 1/2 years. plus, you have seen so little of OMM. Your views may not change at all but you might stumble across something valuable.

 

[Bacchus]

So I need to vent. I'm an MS1 at a DO school and I have to say I'm not exactly happy with the way things are going. Coming in, I had a sincere interest at the time in the so-called "osteopathic approach" and this at least partly guided my choice of where to go. I was also waitlisted at the state MD schools I applied to...so at the end of the day you have to go where you get in.

I have come to resent the OMM department at my school -- the way it is taught, the lack of emphasis on evidence-based medicine regarding OMT, the lack of clarity on how to apply OMT clinically or the supposed physiological mechanisms of the techniques (straight answers are rarely given). We haven't gotten to this yet -- but the idea of cranial-sacral therapy sounds absurd, considering the fact that cranial sutures fuse during development. Also the apparent lack of straight answers/resources to answer my questions is only fueling my resentment.

If OMT has clear benefits to patients with particular ailments, I am all for using it but I don't see why this is limited to osteopathic schools only. My experience thus far as a first year is that we spend a disproportionate amount of time in OMM lecture/lab learning how to treat tenderpoints (pointless IMO) and other "maladies" when we could better spend that time learning more biochemistry, immunology, and pharmacology. I think the only OMM that should be taught is that which has plenty of evidence on its side and can be clearly given to patients with a particular diagnosis. This is not how OMM has been presented thus far.

My views set me apart from many of my classmates and OMM professors; I have to keep my views to myself and stay passive and quiet during OMM to keep from flat-out arguing with them...

I'll add this caveat -- I am only a first year so my perspective could change. I could be wrong and I am open to any challenges on what I have said.

But at this point I am considering at least trying to transfer to an MD school because the thought of 3.5 more years of this is somewhat unpleasant. I have thought about even going to the Caribbean but that seems to have its own set of problems in terms of matching in the US.

My questions are:
1. Which MD schools are most open to transfers from osteopathic schools (2nd or 3rd year)? Is it worthwhile to attempt to transfer, or should I just stick it out?
2. If I were to begin the transfer process, how should I approach this issue at my school? Websites of schools I have checked seem to require letters of recommendation from current professors and the dean of my school... My reason for wanting to transfer is solely related to the OMM and I would have no idea how to diplomatically ask for these letters.

Sigh. You're upset like a lot of osteopathic medical students because OMM is taught from a specialist POV and not a "let's incorporate it into practice" POV. It will get better 3rd and 4th year. Keep your head down and trudge forward. There are plenty of people in your shoes.

 

[MrBeauregard]

This proves it.

Yep. Sure does. Proves it.

 

[Bacchus]

so then the degree is essentially useless... DOs basically are just people who couldn't get into a regular medical school. This proves it. Not to mean they aren't competent physicians in the end... But I have met many DOs in practice and have never seen any of this OMM stuff lol.

OP, just suck it up, pass the tests, and for the love of God go to an allopathic residency. Now to do this you will have to be extra good and even then your chances of getting a good residency/field are greatly reduced. But you could not get into allopathic med school so you must accept the consequences. There is no way to transfer. And if you drop out it will look pretty bad.

The degree is not useless. It allows you to practice medicine. With a 3.5/29 at the time of application, I knew I wasn't getting into an allopathic school more than likely. It was a bit saddening to get letters rejecting me from the allopathic schools I applied to, but I did get 3 osteopathic acceptances and I knew I was going to be a physician. And, here I am, almost through 4th year waiting to walk across the stage and begin practicing medicine.

Will I use OMM? Yes, only in practical applications. If I think my patients will benefit from a more in depth visit I will refer them to an OMM/NMM specialist. There is not a lot of research on OMM, but until you've experienced it or did it, don't shun it. There are practical applications, especially in the arena of LBP, that have had studies published.

As far as allopathic residencies go, this user will not have that issue per se because all residencies will be accredited under one agency.

 

[touchpause13]

As stated in the thread on the pre osteo side u will most likely not get an md to transfer, u will have to retake all of ur first year courses (they won't transfer). Hence esnetiallu losing all the money u put in for ur first year tuition and schools will prob seriously question ur judgement. Sorry bud but there are so many ppl who wud love to b in ur shoes right now, suck it up and try and be grateful for what u have m'kay

 

[NeuroLAX]

We're supposed to be self-directed learners, here. If you think you're missing something from a course, or want further explanation, then look for different resources to supplement. You ought to be supplementing your basic sciences with BRS or something like that, anyway. I guess that makes me fortunate I have a great OMM department.

As for wanting to transfer, I've expressed my views on this already. I don't think it's wise to attempt a transfer. Too much money, imo. Plus, you run a huge risk of burning bridges you just started crossing.

 

[Winged Scapula]

so then the degree is essentially useless...

Only if you consider the ability to practice medicine useless.

But I have met many DOs in practice and have never seen any of this OMM stuff lol.

So have I but just because there isn't a role for it in the practices you and I've experienced doesn't mean that there isn't a use for it elsewhere.

 

[hans]

As stated in the thread on the Pre-Osteo forum, you will most likely not get an allopathic school to accept a transfer, thus you will have to retake all of your first year courses (as they won't transfer to your new program). Therefore you would be losing all the money you paid for your first year tuition and schools may seriously question your judgement.

I'm ever so sorry my friend, but there are so many people who would love to be in your shoes right now, that I highly suggest you continue your education while attempting to be grateful for what you have. All my best.

Is the above what you meant to write? Your original was somewhat difficult for adults to read and understand.

 

[EMTDoc22]

Sigh. You're upset like a lot of osteopathic medical students because OMM is taught from a specialist POV and not a "let's incorporate it into practice" POV. It will get better 3rd and 4th year. Keep your head down and trudge forward. There are plenty of people in your shoes.

That is exactly it.

We're supposed to be self-directed learners, here. If you think you're missing something from a course, or want further explanation, then look for different resources to supplement. You ought to be supplementing your basic sciences with BRS or something like that, anyway. I guess that makes me fortunate I have a great OMM department.

As for wanting to transfer, I've expressed my views on this already. I don't think it's wise to attempt a transfer. Too much money, imo. Plus, you run a huge risk of burning bridges you just started crossing.

I'm with you on that -- it is ultimately my responsibility to fill in what is missing. However, the school taking in 30k-40k in tuition should be able provide all the resources needed to understand the material. And every week in OMM gaps are left in lectures, our questions don't receive straight answers, assigned readings don't answer the questions.

Is there a definitive textbook that provides a framework for how to incorporate OMM into clinical practice while taking an EBM approach? Then I could just figure it out on my own.

Otherwise if I can't transfer, my plan is to take both the USMLE and COMLEX and apply to allopathic residencies.

 

[NeuroLAX]

That is exactly it.



I'm with you on that -- it is ultimately my responsibility to fill in what is missing. However, the school taking in 30k-40k in tuition should be able provide all the resources needed to understand the material. And every week in OMM gaps are left in lectures, our questions don't receive straight answers, assigned readings don't answer the questions.

Is there a definitive textbook that provides a framework for how to incorporate OMM into clinical practice while taking an EBM approach? Then I could just figure it out on my own.

Otherwise if I can't transfer, my plan is to take both the USMLE and COMLEX and apply to allopathic residencies.

Saverese. Google it. It's what many students use for OMT board review. I'm sure there are plenty of other books on the subject, but probably not strictly based on EBM as you so desire. Search journals for EBM.

You're not the only one that plans to take both exams.

 

[Bacchus]

That is exactly it.



I'm with you on that -- it is ultimately my responsibility to fill in what is missing. However, the school taking in 30k-40k in tuition should be able provide all the resources needed to understand the material. And every week in OMM gaps are left in lectures, our questions don't receive straight answers, assigned readings don't answer the questions.

Is there a definitive textbook that provides a framework for how to incorporate OMM into clinical practice while taking an EBM approach? Then I could just figure it out on my own.

Otherwise if I can't transfer, my plan is to take both the USMLE and COMLEX and apply to allopathic residencies.

You use it or you don't. Its a small part of practice usually. Don't kill anyone and don't worry about the EBM behind it. You'll drive yourself crazy otherwise. Period.

 

[docnotsopc]

OP: I Came into DO school thinking OMM would be semi-useful. After nearly 2 years of it, I can say I wont ever be using it. I looked into transferring to an MD school in detail. Believe me, its not happening unless you have a family member back home who has like 2 years to live and you can thus transfer to that MD school back home to be with your family. It only happens in EXTREME situations.

You will still be a physician and you can still go into any specialty you want on the AOA side along with many (but not all) things on the ACGME side during residency

Transferring was recently discussed in the pre-DO pages. You could always apply to MD schools without telling your DO school. This of course has huge huge risks and you could lose all that tuition

 

[Mbeas]

....disproportionate amount of time in OMM lecture/lab learning how to treat tenderpoints (pointless IMO) and other "maladies" when we could better

really? works like a charm for me. and no, i don't "drink the kool-aid", but if it works, it works.

i'm looking to go into a specialty without much practical use for OMM, but i hope to be able to use some of it where appropriate. i can honestly say that 75% of OMM that i have learned so far works very well.

 

[lowbudget]

You have a chance at a medical education that many others would dream of having. As noted above, I'm unaware of any schools that will accept a transfer after 1st year; the ability to transfer after 2nd year is still very limited. Also as noted above, what makes you think your application will be any more competitive this year?
:

Sage. The hardest part in medicine is getting in. Consider yourself lucky as you're probably going to be ok in life from this point forward.

I wouldn't waste my time loathing as many in the M1-2 years question what they are studying. If it's not OMM it will be something else. Really, you want more biochem? Do you think you will care how proteins fold and unfold in 7 years? Who knows maybe, maybe not. You can't predict where your life will take you, so it's very difficult to predict today what bodies of knowledge will be useful in the future for you. So just relax, keep an open mind, and enjoy medical school.

It's healthy to be skeptical, but don't throw the baby out with the bath water. Use this time to learn and master physical exam skills and anatomy, even if you don't believe in the therapeutic principles.

(I'm an allopathic FM/SM and I wished I knew how to do OMM to add to the other things I know how to do/prescribe.)

 

[Fox800]

so then the degree is essentially useless... DOs basically are just people who couldn't get into a regular medical school. This proves it. Not to mean they aren't competent physicians in the end... But I have met many DOs in practice and have never seen any of this OMM stuff lol.

OP, just suck it up, pass the tests, and for the love of God go to an allopathic residency. Now to do this you will have to be extra good and even then your chances of getting a good residency/field are greatly reduced. But you could not get into allopathic med school so you must accept the consequences. There is no way to transfer. And if you drop out it will look pretty bad.

Can we ban this individual? They've gone full ******.

 

[goyimprick]

Just be grateful that you got in. Deal with it.

 

[marinehrnt]

Can we ban this individual? They've gone full ******.

 

[NontradICUdoc]

I have been able to use OMM in the right situation in the hospital and in the outpatient setting. It is an adjunct to other medications and treatment that you use for your patients.

A patient who is hypoxemic will not benefit from OMM, they will benefit from IPPV or NIPPV. If later on, when stabilized there is room for some OMM then it cannot hurt. The DO community has been slow to getting things to EBM with OMM. However, recent articles have come out that are randomized control trials and more evidence based regarding OMM in the hospitalized patient.

Of course, this will take time. Either way to the OP, you are in medical school are you not? You want to be a Dr. don't you?

 

[MrBeauregard]

However, recent articles have come out that are randomized control trials and more evidence based regarding OMM in the hospitalized patient.

Would you mind linking those articles?

I know that at my school the evidence that was generally put forth to support a claim was seriously lacking, to say the least.

 

[ED50]

I you are not big on OMM then, as others have said, don't use it. Some of the techniques I can honestly say I will never use, while others I will. One thing I believe every osteopath can get out of OMM is the ability to functionally analyze a patient's gait, ROM issue, and asymmetry in <5min. This quick rundown can be pretty useful when dealing with pain issues. I have a few PT buddies and some of our techniques are exactly the same as theirs only with different names, so anyone who says its all jibber jabber really has no idea what they are talking about.

 

[KFBR392]

OMS4 applying ACGME (MD) Gen Surg residency here. I thought I'd throw my 2 cents up in this beezy.

Pre-Med School Merits: MCAT 33 (11,9,13), GPA 3.5 UC Berkeley (Molecular Cell Biology), Founding father of a fraternity. While applying had about 4 papers (no first authors) and had gone to Nepal for a month setting up medical camps for orphan/homeless children while shadowing physicians in state/private hospitals.

Barely got any interviews, wait listed didn't get in --> went DO route. **** happens. Education/career is what you make of it. There are plenty of ****ty MDs as there are "DO quacks" as you currently see it dealing with OMM (for the record, there are good research papers out there...once interview season is over I'll find and post them). Right now you're in the middle of the jungle floor and can barely see where you are. You will eventually progress to the canopy and then beyond to finally get a comprehensive perspective of medicine....just soak up all the info you can for now.

If you work and study hard you'll go where you need to go. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Some doors will be closed but more often than not it was a ****ty door to go through in the first place. At the end of the day you will be helping patients and doing what you love, tough life huh?

KFBR392 over and out.

 

[FIREitUP]

OMS4 applying ACGME (MD) Gen Surg residency here. I thought I'd throw my 2 cents up in this beezy.

Pre-Med School Merits: MCAT 33 (11,9,13), GPA 3.5 UC Berkeley (Molecular Cell Biology), Founding father of a fraternity. While applying had about 4 papers (no first authors) and had gone to Nepal for a month setting up medical camps for orphan/homeless children while shadowing physicians in state/private hospitals.

Barely got any interviews, wait listed didn't get in --> went DO route. **** happens. Education/career is what you make of it. There are plenty of ****ty MDs as there are "DO quacks" as you currently see it dealing with OMM (for the record, there are good research papers out there...once interview season is over I'll find and post them). Right now you're in the middle of the jungle floor and can barely see where you are. You will eventually progress to the canopy and then beyond to finally get a comprehensive perspective of medicine....just soak up all the info you can for now.

If you work and study hard you'll go where you need to go. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Some doors will be closed but more often than not it was a ****ty door to go through in the first place. At the end of the day you will be helping patients and doing what you love, tough life huh?

KFBR392 over and out.

I like this guy.

 

[docnotsopc]

I like this guy.

I hate OMM, but I too like this guy

 

[buccsmf1]

OMS4 applying ACGME (MD) Gen Surg residency here. I thought I'd throw my 2 cents up in this beezy.

Pre-Med School Merits: MCAT 33 (11,9,13), GPA 3.5 UC Berkeley (Molecular Cell Biology), Founding father of a fraternity. While applying had about 4 papers (no first authors) and had gone to Nepal for a month setting up medical camps for orphan/homeless children while shadowing physicians in state/private hospitals.

Barely got any interviews, wait listed didn't get in --> went DO route. **** happens. Education/career is what you make of it. There are plenty of ****ty MDs as there are "DO quacks" as you currently see it dealing with OMM (for the record, there are good research papers out there...once interview season is over I'll find and post them). Right now you're in the middle of the jungle floor and can barely see where you are. You will eventually progress to the canopy and then beyond to finally get a comprehensive perspective of medicine....just soak up all the info you can for now.

If you work and study hard you'll go where you need to go. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Some doors will be closed but more often than not it was a ****ty door to go through in the first place. At the end of the day you will be helping patients and doing what you love, tough life huh?

KFBR392 over and out.

as a 3rd year i rarely bother heading back over to this forum, but whenever i do, there's a post exactly like OPs. Can we just sticky this post for any future 1st years that are flipping their **** over OMM.

 

[rocketbooster]

OMS4 applying ACGME (MD) Gen Surg residency here. I thought I'd throw my 2 cents up in this beezy.

Pre-Med School Merits: MCAT 33 (11,9,13), GPA 3.5 UC Berkeley (Molecular Cell Biology), Founding father of a fraternity. While applying had about 4 papers (no first authors) and had gone to Nepal for a month setting up medical camps for orphan/homeless children while shadowing physicians in state/private hospitals.

Barely got any interviews, wait listed didn't get in --> went DO route. **** happens. Education/career is what you make of it. There are plenty of ****ty MDs as there are "DO quacks" as you currently see it dealing with OMM (for the record, there are good research papers out there...once interview season is over I'll find and post them). Right now you're in the middle of the jungle floor and can barely see where you are. You will eventually progress to the canopy and then beyond to finally get a comprehensive perspective of medicine....just soak up all the info you can for now.

If you work and study hard you'll go where you need to go. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Some doors will be closed but more often than not it was a ****ty door to go through in the first place. At the end of the day you will be helping patients and doing what you love, tough life huh?

KFBR392 over and out.

Yea because you don't have 5 min to spare during a few months of interviewing. Nice try, bro. And you are either lying about your premed stats or you were foolish and didn't apply broadly.

I also like how no one mentions how it's impossible to get into any competitive specialties as DO. Want to know how many ophtho residents were DOs last year? 1.4%.

Drop out of DO, waste the 30 grand and go MD. It sucks to waste that money but you won't have trouble paying it off as a doctor.

 

[JeetKuneDo]

Yea because you don't have 5 min to spare during a few months of interviewing. Nice try, bro. And you are either lying about your premed stats or you were foolish and didn't apply broadly.

I also like how no one mentions how it's impossible to get into any competitive specialties as DO. Want to know how many ophtho residents were DOs last year? 1.4%.

Drop out of DO, waste the 30 grand and go MD. It sucks to waste that money but you won't have trouble paying it off as a doctor.

He's gonna start owing a lot more than 30 grand. Not sure what tuition is at his school, but 30 large might not cover tuition plus COA. Add in interest and the fact that MD is not a sure bet for next year and you get one expensive risk. Would be better off just going to vegas and put that money all on black.

 

[Mehd School]

Yea because you don't have 5 min to spare during a few months of interviewing. Nice try, bro. And you are either lying about your premed stats or you were foolish and didn't apply broadly.

I also like how no one mentions how it's impossible to get into any competitive specialties as DO. Want to know how many ophtho residents were DOs last year? 1.4%.

Drop out of DO, waste the 30 grand and go MD. It sucks to waste that money but you won't have trouble paying it off as a doctor.

1.4% of what? Those that applied?

Of course not. Your anecdotes are pointless without context.

Oh, and you sound like a tool.

 

[SLC]

Yea because you don't have 5 min to spare during a few months of interviewing. Nice try, bro. And you are either lying about your premed stats or you were foolish and didn't apply broadly.

I also like how no one mentions how it's impossible to get into any competitive specialties as DO. Want to know how many ophtho residents were DOs last year? 1.4%.

Drop out of DO, waste the 30 grand and go MD. It sucks to waste that money but you won't have trouble paying it off as a doctor.

Is it just me, or are the troll posts really thinly veiled these days? It's not impossible, and in almost all cases it's only marginally more difficult (if at all), if one is willing to train in an AOA institution.

 

[BlackSwan]

1.4% of what? Those that applied?

Of course not. Your anecdotes are pointless without context.

Oh, and you sound like a tool.

I think he means matched, not applied.
So 1.4% of new optho residents had DO degrees.

 

[rocketbooster]

I think he means matched, not applied.
So 1.4% of new optho residents had DO degrees.

Not new ophtho residents but all ophtho residents last year. It was posted on the ophtho board here: "Of the 1326 total ophthalmology residents last year, 18 were DO."

 

[ED50]

Yea because you don't have 5 min to spare during a few months of interviewing. Nice try, bro. And you are either lying about your premed stats or you were foolish and didn't apply broadly.

I also like how no one mentions how it's impossible to get into any competitive specialties as DO. Want to know how many ophtho residents were DOs last year? 1.4%.

Drop out of DO, waste the 30 grand and go MD. It sucks to waste that money but you won't have trouble paying it off as a doctor.

I'm happy to say I don't know anyone like you nor will I call someone like you a colleague in the future. You sound like a real winner pal.

 

[Mass Effect]

Want to know how many ophtho residents were DOs last year? 1.4%

The relevant question is: what percentage of ophtho residency applicants were DOs?

 

[Fox800]

Is it just me, or are the troll posts really thinly veiled these days? It's not impossible, and in almost all cases it's only marginally more difficult (if at all), if one is willing to train in an AOA institution.

I rarely add people to my ignore list, but they definitely deserved it. GTFO!

 

[BRISKMD]

Did anyone else apply for a transfer position at Drexel this year ?

 

[notbobtrustme]

OMS4 applying ACGME (MD) Gen Surg residency here. I thought I'd throw my 2 cents up in this beezy.

Pre-Med School Merits: MCAT 33 (11,9,13), GPA 3.5 UC Berkeley (Molecular Cell Biology), Founding father of a fraternity. While applying had about 4 papers (no first authors) and had gone to Nepal for a month setting up medical camps for orphan/homeless children while shadowing physicians in state/private hospitals.

Barely got any interviews, wait listed didn't get in --> went DO route. **** happens. Education/career is what you make of it. There are plenty of ****ty MDs as there are "DO quacks" as you currently see it dealing with OMM (for the record, there are good research papers out there...once interview season is over I'll find and post them). Right now you're in the middle of the jungle floor and can barely see where you are. You will eventually progress to the canopy and then beyond to finally get a comprehensive perspective of medicine....just soak up all the info you can for now.

If you work and study hard you'll go where you need to go. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Some doors will be closed but more often than not it was a ****ty door to go through in the first place. At the end of the day you will be helping patients and doing what you love, tough life huh?

KFBR392 over and out.

This kind of story is what scares pre-meds ****less when in reality this guy probably had a red flag, applied to very competitive schools or applied 2 days the end of the AMCAS deadline.

 

[ManBroDude]

This kind of story is what scares pre-meds ****less when in reality this guy probably had a red flag, applied to very competitive schools or applied 2 days the end of the AMCAS deadline.

^ yup. Musta gotten a DUI and had too many fraternity party pictures on Facebook.

 

[Oo Cipher oO]

^ yup. Musta gotten a DUI and had too many fraternity party pictures on Facebook.

Or California MD schools are just crazy competitive. There are quite a few people with higher MCAT scores at my school (WesternU) who couldn't get in to the UCs. Out of state acceptances are always difficult to come by and never a sure thing.

 

[notbobtrustme]

Or California MD schools are just crazy competitive. There are quite a few people with higher MCAT scores at my school (WesternU) who couldn't get in to the UCs. Out of state acceptances are always difficult to come by and never a sure thing.

That's a cop-out. There are dozens of great private instutitions that will take a great applicant no matter where they are from. And California isn't anymore competitive than the rest of the applicant pool. They have ~11% of the applicants and compose ~11% of the acceptance pool.

All that post does is reaffirm the pre-med paranoia on SDN.

 

[FunnyCurrent]

You have a chance at a medical education that many others would dream of having. As noted above, I'm unaware of any schools that will accept a transfer after 1st year; the ability to transfer after 2nd year is still very limited. Also as noted above, what makes you think your application will be any more competitive this year?

In the end, you will practice the kind of medicine you want to. Most DOs do NOT use OMM in their practice. Over the years, you will be taught things that you do not believe, or for which there is little evidence; that is not a good reason to attempt a transfer.

I went into school thinking PBL would be the greatest thing; it wasn't but I sucked it up. I suggest you do the same.

I know someone who started all over after finishing first year at another school. He was ahead of the game on all accounts.

 

[tiedyeddog]

I know someone who started all over after finishing first year at another school. He was ahead of the game on all accounts.

ahead in the debt game, too?

 

[Non Pizza Lunch]

That's a cop-out. There are dozens of great private instutitions that will take a great applicant no matter where they are from. And California isn't anymore competitive than the rest of the applicant pool. They have ~11% of the applicants and compose ~11% of the acceptance pool.

All that post does is reaffirm the pre-med paranoia on SDN.

Iono I wouldn't deny that it's still a factor. CA has a lot of applicants and being in the average applicant pool can really screw you over.

I personally knew 3 people who generally had standard ?3.7, ~31-33, with several EC's (hospital work, research) who did mostly everything right in terms of applying early, no red flags, and applied to a wide breath of schools. At most, all they got were 1-2 interviews, none got in to an allopathic school that round.

1 of them just went DO, another just decided to go into podiatry (!?!?), and the third just retook his MCAT got a >35, reapplied and now at UC Davis.

Though it's statistically possible they were just unlucky, still was pretty rough for them.

 

[John Lannister]

That's a cop-out. There are dozens of great private instutitions that will take a great applicant no matter where they are from. And California isn't anymore competitive than the rest of the applicant pool. They have ~11% of the applicants and compose ~11% of the acceptance pool.

All that post does is reaffirm the pre-med paranoia on SDN.

Lol what?

California isn't more competitive?

 

[John Lannister]

This kind of story is what scares pre-meds ****less when in reality this guy probably had a red flag, applied to very competitive schools or applied 2 days the end of the AMCAS deadline.

I agree here. 33 + 3.5 and solid ECs + application will perform pretty well - especially applying broadly enough. There's usually a problem or the applicant is just a cookie cutter (nothing makes them stand out from everyone else).

 

[Akail]

I think the most difficult part about being an applicant from California is that your "state" schools are relatively competitive to get into. In most other states, marginal candidates have their states schools as a backup. A 30 MCAT, 3.5GPA is much more likely to get at least 1 acceptance in Ohio versus California if they both apply to the same number of schools.

 

[umean2tellme]

I've always heard of California's medical school competitiveness. Do applicants from California ever just change their state of residence before applying to have a better shot in another state that is less competitive?

 

[notbobtrustme]

I've always heard of California's medical school competitiveness. Do applicants from California ever just change their state of residence before applying to have a better shot in another state that is less competitive?

you can't just change your state of residence. Most states require either a job in that state or a 1-year presence in the state. So it's unlikely most applicants change their state of residence for the sole purpose of applying to medical school.