Transfer to MD after acing the boards

[pennstate4life]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Is this possible? My friend who is about to attend a DO school is curious. I already tried searching for this topic but no one specifically addressed whether or not good board scores could sway an MD school to accept a DO transfer student. My friend thinks being DO could add some diversity to the class. What do you guys think? Thanks in advance.

 

[judasreznor]

Ha! Love this one.

 

[DbDan]

there are a couple of schools that allow it but from what i've gathered its very difficult and generally you need good reason for it.

http://services.aamc.org/tsp_reports/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.search_policy

 

[pennstate4life]

well what would be a good reason? my friend wants to be close to her family who lives near temple.

 

[basupran]

I personally know several students who transferred from osteopathic to allopathic schools- one wanted to match at a university program in a competitive field. Another said stated interest in international health and felt an md would be better suited. Another wanted to match at a top 5 IM program and felt graduating from an allopathic school would be beneficial.

Best of luck.

 

[JaggerPlate]

Tell your "friend" that from what I understand, it just doesn't happen. The only cases I've heard of (besides the ones basupran just brought up) have been transfers for serious health/family issues. I personally think it's a better idea to enroll in a DO school and planning on graduating with a DO degree.

 

[DbDan]

well what would be a good reason? my friend wants to be close to her family who lives near temple.

Temple doesn't look to be one of the schools saying they had space on the AAMC website.

In case you didn't look or someone is going to be lazy:
Year 2 Transfers
GWU
Georgetown
Indiana
LSU
U Nebraska
U New Mexico
Wright State
Drexel
U Central Caribe
Univ Wisconsin

Year 3 Transfers
Loma Linda
U Illinois
SUNY Upstate
Drexel
U Central Caribe
Baylor

 

[The Poet Sings]

well what would be a good reason? my friend wants to be close to her family who lives near temple.

unless she suddenly wants to be near them because someone got deathly ill, i don't imagine this reason being good enough... if this is the case then i feel incredibly sorry for your "friend", because transfers rarely ever happen. it would probably be easier for them to take time off to handle a family situation, and then start up again later. but if this friend just changed their mind about going DO and wants some little excuse to sneak their way in and get an almighty MD, well, tough cookies. i have no idea how those people another poster mentioned were able to do it. it was my understanding that these things just do not happen...
and about being a DO adding diversity to the class? what?!? 😕

 

[pennstate4life]

I guess it is possible but rare. She just needs to work really hard to be an attractive MD candidate. Thanks.

 

[basupran]

I guess it is possible but rare. She just needs to work really hard to be an attractive MD candidate. Thanks.

Yes, it is exceedingly rare. I made a blog about this a while back- you can send your friend there for more information:

caribbeantransfer.blogspot.com

 

[judasreznor]

I guess it is possible but rare. She just needs to work really hard to be an attractive MD candidate. Thanks.

Or maybe she should just finish at the D.O. school at which she matriculated.

 

[pennstate4life]

Yes, it is exceedingly rare. I made a blog about this a while back- you can send your friend there for more information:

caribbeantransfer.blogspot.com

Nice blog! May I ask did you go to a caribbean school?

 

[willen101383]

Or maybe she should just finish at the D.O. school at which she matriculated.

"to be near temple" I dont understand why anyone would want to be near temple...unless you mean the greater philly area...in which PCOM would be his/her best bet....and I would much rather go to PCOM than Temple any day of the week.

 

[basupran]

Nice blog! May I ask did you go to a caribbean school?

Yes, I started off at a Caribbean school and transferred to an allopathic medical school.

Long story short: solid MCAT, reasonable GPA (though for engineering, it was pretty damn good), nontraditional applicant (had worked for several years after undergrad) and little medical volunteer experience. I called up med schools and asked why I didn't get in and it boiled down to 1) didn't have enough medical experience and 2) not enough schools (I honest to goodness thought that my MCAT and work experience would have been more than enough...)...some other minor things that I can't remember. I had decided that I was going to go to medical school no matter what.

While in the Caribbean, I busted my butt and did very well. I decided on ortho and realized that it would be infinitely harder from the Caribbean. I applied for transfer and was luckily accepted. I recently graduated from an LCME school with honors (made AOA- I was very proud of this) and am currently an ortho resident.

Many of my clinical narratives read 'best medical student to have rotated through this department'.... but most of my education came from the Caribbean.... point is that it doesn't matter so much where you go to school- it matters more how much effort you put in. If you enter medical school for the right reasons, the effort will come as second nature. Also, going to the caribbean and being looked down on by allo/do/dnp students also made me angry...I decided that I would prove my mettle by working harder.

Anyways, time to go to sleep - early day tomorrow. Best of luck to you guys, keep on trying and things will work out for the best. 😴

 

[JaggerPlate]

Yes, I started off at a Caribbean school and transferred to an allopathic medical school.

Long story short: solid MCAT, reasonable GPA (though for engineering, it was pretty damn good), nontraditional applicant (had worked for several years after undergrad) and little medical volunteer experience. I called up med schools and asked why I didn't get in and it boiled down to 1) didn't have enough medical experience and 2) not enough schools (I honest to goodness thought that my MCAT and work experience would have been more than enough...)...some other minor things that I can't remember. I had decided that I was going to go to medical school no matter what.

While in the Caribbean, I busted my butt and did very well. I decided on ortho and realized that it would be infinitely harder from the Caribbean. I applied for transfer and was luckily accepted. I recently graduated from an LCME school with honors (made AOA- I was very proud of this) and am currently an ortho resident.

Many of my clinical narratives read 'best medical student to have rotated through this department'.... but most of my education came from the Caribbean.... point is that it doesn't matter so much where you go to school- it matters more how much effort you put in. If you enter medical school for the right reasons, the effort will come as second nature. Also, going to the caribbean and being looked down on by allo/do/dnp students also made me angry...I decided that I would prove my mettle by working harder.

Anyways, time to go to sleep - early day tomorrow. Best of luck to you guys, keep on trying and things will work out for the best. 😴

Congrats man. Sounds like you wanted something and didn't let anything get in your way. Well done. Transferring, making AOA, and matching Ortho is baller category 👍

 

[basupran]

Congrats man. Sounds like you wanted something and didn't let anything get in your way. Well done. Transferring, making AOA, and matching Ortho is baller category 👍

Thanks Jagger, much appreciated. Hope that things work out for the best, and best of luck to you in med school.

 

[pennstate4life]

Yes, I started off at a Caribbean school and transferred to an allopathic medical school.

Long story short: solid MCAT, reasonable GPA (though for engineering, it was pretty damn good), nontraditional applicant (had worked for several years after undergrad) and little medical volunteer experience. I called up med schools and asked why I didn't get in and it boiled down to 1) didn't have enough medical experience and 2) not enough schools (I honest to goodness thought that my MCAT and work experience would have been more than enough...)...some other minor things that I can't remember. I had decided that I was going to go to medical school no matter what.

While in the Caribbean, I busted my butt and did very well. I decided on ortho and realized that it would be infinitely harder from the Caribbean. I applied for transfer and was luckily accepted. I recently graduated from an LCME school with honors (made AOA- I was very proud of this) and am currently an ortho resident.

Many of my clinical narratives read 'best medical student to have rotated through this department'.... but most of my education came from the Caribbean.... point is that it doesn't matter so much where you go to school- it matters more how much effort you put in. If you enter medical school for the right reasons, the effort will come as second nature. Also, going to the caribbean and being looked down on by allo/do/dnp students also made me angry...I decided that I would prove my mettle by working harder.

Anyways, time to go to sleep - early day tomorrow. Best of luck to you guys, keep on trying and things will work out for the best. 😴

Interesting. Based on your experience is it easier to transfer to a US MD as a DO student or Caribbean student? I know there is no solid answer but I was wondering if you know of anyone in those circumstances?

 

[JaggerPlate]

Interesting. Based on your experience is it easier to transfer to a US MD as a DO student or Caribbean student? I know there is no solid answer but I was wondering if you know of anyone in those circumstances?

Dude, come on ....

It's extremely, extremely hard either way and LONG story short ... plan on graduating from the school you enter. If you want US Allo, go US Allo, but don't plan on using DO or Caribbean schools as a stepping stone to get there. Retake the MCAT, sign up for a SMP, do whatever you need to do to go from undergrad/grad program to allo ... not one type of med school to another. Also, people on these boards are smart ... be upfront with the questions.

 

[basupran]

Interesting. Based on your experience is it easier to transfer to a US MD as a DO student or Caribbean student? I know there is no solid answer but I was wondering if you know of anyone in those circumstances?

More Caribbean students transfer but I couldn't tell you if it is because it is 'easier' for a Carib student, or if more Caribbean students apply because the rewards are greater. For example, you can get ortho from a DO school (though it might not be allopathic university, you still have a solid chance of matching) whereas from a Caribbean school, your chances of matching are slim to none.

 

[pennstate4life]

Dude, come on ....

It's extremely, extremely hard either way and LONG story short ... plan on graduating from the school you enter. If you want US Allo, go US Allo, but don't plan on using DO or Caribbean schools as a stepping stone to get there. Retake the MCAT, sign up for a SMP, do whatever you need to do to go from undergrad/grad program to allo ... not one type of med school to another. Also, people on these boards are smart ... be upfront with the questions.

Dude don't be bitter because some people have goals. Just because you settled doesn't mean others should. So what if the chances are low? What does she have to lose?

 

[pennstate4life]

More Caribbean students transfer but I couldn't tell you if it is because it is 'easier' for a Carib student, or if more Caribbean students apply because the rewards are greater. For example, you can get ortho from a DO school (though it might not be allopathic university, you still have a solid chance of matching) whereas from a Caribbean school, your chances of matching are slim to none.

Ok I appreciate your feedback. I bet when you initially thought about transferring, people were discouraging you just like some people in this thread. Thanks again 🙂

 

[HockeyDr09]

Dude don't be bitter because some people have goals. Just because you settled doesn't mean others should. So what if the chances are low? What does she have to lose?

What exactly do you mean by "settled"? I was under the impression that getting into medical was actually a difficult process, regardless of M.D, D.O. I don't think you can say anyone who got into medical school "settled". I am also pretty sure he had an M.D acceptance, and chose D.O. I can see why you're on probationary status, why are you posting in a pre-osteopathic forum again?

 

[basupran]

Ok I appreciate your feedback. I bet when you initially thought about transferring, people were discouraging you just like some people in this thread. Thanks again 🙂

No problem- best of luck to your friend. Feel free to PM if you have any questions.

 

[pennstate4life]

What exactly do you mean by "settled"? I was under the impression that getting into medical was actually a difficult process, regardless of M.D, D.O. I don't think you can say anyone who got into medical school "settled". I am also pretty sure he had an M.D acceptance, and chose D.O. I can see why you're on probationary status, why are you posting in a pre-osteopathic forum again?

I'm red because I was joking around too much. OK I probably should not have used the word settle.

It's just that I have a lot of DO friends who all got in with terrible stats and activities after failing MD. That is probably why I have the impression that it is easier to get into DO. I know every healthcare school is competitive.

 

[VCU07]

I'm red because I was joking around too much. OK I probably should not have used the word settle.

It's just that I have a lot of DO friends who all got in with terrible stats and activities after failing MD. That is probably why I have the impression that it is easier to get into DO. I know every healthcare school is competitive.

Bye bye

 

[JaggerPlate]

Dude don't be bitter because some people have goals. Just because you settled doesn't mean others should. So what if the chances are low? What does she have to lose?

I can assure you, I did not settle 1%. In fact, I got offers from schools that really blew me away and I'm honored to attend where I'm heading in a month or so. More importantly, I'm not telling you to settle. If you read my post carefully (which you didn't) you'd notice that I did not advocate NOT going US MD at all. In fact, I said that if you want it ... go for it. HOWEVER, if it's all you want ... don't apply to anything else because using another medical school as a stepping stone to US Allo is a stupid idea. If you want to go US MD and wouldn't be happy with anything else, get the MCAT, get the grades, complete the masters program, etc, etc, etc. However, keep in mind that some people simply don't have the talent to do so.

 

[pennstate4life]

I can assure you, I did not settle 1%. In fact, I got offers from schools that really blew me away and I'm honored to attend where I'm heading in a month or so. More importantly, I'm not telling you to settle. If you read my post carefully (which you didn't) you'd notice that I did not advocate NOT going US MD at all. In fact, I said that if you want it ... go for it. HOWEVER, if it's all you want ... don't apply to anything else because using another medical school as a stepping stone to US Allo is a stupid idea. If you want to go US MD and wouldn't be happy with anything else, get the MCAT, get the grades, complete the masters program, etc, etc, etc. However, keep in mind that some people simply don't have the talent to do so.

Lol ok

 

[JaggerPlate]

Lol ok

It always cracks me up when people ask for "advice" when really all they want is people to confirm/say what they want to hear. Example - you want people to confirm that transferring to a US MD school is a good way to half-ass your way into a legit school, and when people are telling you it's not realistic, you get irritated.

You asked for advice for your "friend." Tell your friend it isn't going to happen.

 

[apolito2321]

Dude don't be bitter because some people have goals. Just because you settled doesn't mean others should. So what if the chances are low? What does she have to lose?

Settled? I'm beginning to think you aren't doing this intentionally, and you genuinely don't understand.

 

[apolito2321]

it always cracks me up when people ask for "advice" when really all they want is people to confirm/say what they want to hear. Example - you want people to confirm that transferring to a us md school is a good way to half-ass your way into a legit school, and when people are telling you it's not realistic, you get irritated.

qft.

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

Really now, you have the gall to seriously tell someone they settled for a MEDICAL SCHOOL when you have honestly yet to get in? Really now? Please get into a medical school first and then you can talk **** all you want. But until then your just some pre-med who is by all statistics are unlikely to even get into a medical school MD or DO.

I don't know, I honestly think you just don't get it.

 

[willen101383]

I dont really understand how this douche hasnt been banned yet.

 

[csmittyB]

I dont really understand how this douche hasnt been banned yet.

Give it time

 

[pennstate4life]

It always cracks me up when people ask for "advice" when really all they want is people to confirm/say what they want to hear. Example - you want people to confirm that transferring to a US MD school is a good way to half-ass your way into a legit school, and when people are telling you it's not realistic, you get irritated.

You asked for advice for your "friend." Tell your friend it isn't going to happen.

Life is all good. Enjoy being DO!

 

[HockeyDr09]

Life is all good. Enjoy being DO!

My bet is he will enjoy being a physician .👍

 

[willen101383]

My bet is he will enjoy being a physician .👍

Well said.

Thats the funny thing about these allo posters...they think that DO students are pissed they are DO students. Either you were not competitive for MD...and thus happy as hell you still get to be a physician....or you picked DO over MD like jagger and I..and you are obviously happy with your decision.

 

[JaggerPlate]

Enjoy being DO!

Thank you! I will.

my bet is that he will enjoy being a physician .👍

I hope so too. I just got financial aid stuff yesterday and I'm scared about how much this is gonna cost me ... so I better enjoy it! Hahaha.

 

[ILikeDrugs]

well what would be a good reason? my friend wants to be close to her family who lives near temple.

Tell them that you decided that you wanted to become a real physician. 😉


*waits for it *

 

[EgyptianDoc]

I'm so glad I'm going DO. I can't bare the thought of going to MD school with douches that share the same mentality. I will love being around people that are genuine and will make great physicians. I'm sure there are some amazing people in MD school too, but seriously, when was the last time you met a douchebag interested in DO school? I have yet to meet one. They are few and far between. DO school here I come.

P.S. DOs and MDs don't even take the same boards. Transferring from DO to MD? What a joke.

 

[The Poet Sings]

I'm so glad I'm going DO. I can't bare the thought of going to MD school with douches that share the same mentality. I will love being around people that are genuine and will make great physicians. I'm sure there are some amazing people in MD school too, but seriously, when was the last time you met a douchebag interested in DO school? I have yet to meet one. They are few and far between. DO school here I come.

P.S. DOs and MDs don't even take the same boards. Transferring from DO to MD? What a joke.

i was mostly with you on the whole "douches aren't interested in DO". part of what makes so many of those people douches is they think they're better than others, and that MD is better than DO. so yea, you're pretty much right, up until the ps. someone else posted the aamc website that showed which MD schools take DO transfers. and many DOs take the MD boards to open up more opportunities for themselves.

DO school here WE come! 👍

 

[pennstate4life]

i was mostly with you on the whole "douches aren't interested in DO". part of what makes so many of those people douches is they think they're better than others, and that MD is better than DO. so yea, you're pretty much right, up until the ps. someone else posted the aamc website that showed which MD schools take DO transfers. and many DOs take the MD boards to open up more opportunities for themselves.

DO school here WE come! 👍

Please. There is no need to insult us. Everyone is created equal!

 

[The Poet Sings]

Please. There is no need to insult us. Everyone is created equal!

i didn't mean to insult anyone that didn't deserve it. and if you think we're all equal, then you don't deserve it and weren't included in that. because for someone to think one degree is better than the other when they have equal practice rights is pretty "douchey". what a funny word. but if someone thinks one is better than the other FOR THEM then that's another thing altogether. i'm talking about the people who think a DO isn't fit to do squat, so they avoid the degree like the plague.

 

[judasreznor]

What I don't understand is why someone who is obviously very pro-MD bothers posting in a pre-DO forum. It seems that the only purpose of doing this is to get a rise out of people who are going to Osteopathic medical schools. Why not just post in the pre-MD forum exclusively?

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

i didn't mean to insult anyone that didn't deserve it. and if you think we're all equal, then you don't deserve it and weren't included in that. because for someone to think one degree is better than the other when they have equal practice rights is pretty "douchey". what a funny word. but if someone thinks one is better than the other FOR THEM then that's another thing altogether. i'm talking about the people who think a DO isn't fit to do squat, so they avoid the degree like the plague.

He's also got an estranged notion of already being a part of us( MD students). Though we can all see he's just a pre-med which makes me believe that he's very self-conscious and doesn't have the stats of USMD. But he's still unhappy about being able to attend an USDO so he's displacing frustration onto the field and attempting to feel as if he's slightly above people going to DO schools at least.

My thoughts on this all and the OP? It's always histrionic personality disorder .

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

What I don't understand is why someone who is obviously very pro-MD bothers posting in a pre-DO forum. It seems that the only purpose of doing this is to get a rise out of people who are going to Osteopathic medical schools. Why not just post in the pre-MD forum exclusively?

Because he's seeking feedback to solidify his self-esteem. He came here, insulted everyone to make himself feel as if he's above every DO student. Then he left feeling like 100$ until tomorrow when he realizes again that his stats suck and starts doubting himself again.

 

[Skippygonenuts]

Die troll, die!

On a more important note, anybody see that movie inception?

 

[VCU07]

Die troll, die!

On a more important note, anybody see that movie inception?

I hear that movie is da ****. Maybe the sh*i the OP is rapidly releasing. Either way, I need to see that movie

 

[Skippygonenuts]

I hear that movie is da ****. Maybe the sh*i the OP is rapidly releasing. Either way, I need to see that movie

Indeed, I also felt that it was, "the ****". Definitely worth watching, did not want it to end. The movie is the perfect alternate reality.

U know, since there are completely useless posts like this one, we should create a thread on movie reviews. And another one for an online book club. And whatever else ur little hearts desire...just please kill the trolls..

 

[Dissected]

I met a doctor a few weeks ago who pulled off a transfer from the DO school I'm currently attending to the Univ. of Nebraska (MD) somewhere along the line. I got the impression he pulled some strings/knew the right people...but this sort of thing does happen. It's probably more common than one would expect, although I don't know anyone in my class that is planning to pull something like that off. I definitely don't recommend going to a DO school and having that as your plan, I think it's more a 'luck of the draw' type thing when it does happen.

The one thing that befuddles me is the transfer across degrees...it seems strange to pursue a DO degree for two years, and then magically the school makes it apply to an MD degree. Seems strange to me. Ah well.

 

[The Poet Sings]

The one thing that befuddles me is the transfer across degrees...it seems strange to pursue a DO degree for two years, and then magically the school makes it apply to an MD degree. Seems strange to me. Ah well.

well i think it would be stranger if a school allowed MD to DO. they'd have to spend all their time learning the OMM they missed out on. but DO to MD doesn't seem so farfetched considering the other classes are the same.