transfering to another D.O school

[HussainGQ]

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well first of all, is the 1st and 2nd year cirriculum at all of the D.O schools pretty much the same?? Th real difference is inthe 3rd ant 4th years depending on the fields of medicine that the particular school puts more of an emphasis on(i.e whether emphasis is placed on primary care or rural medicine etc.)??

So anyways, I want to go to a D.O school that does not place extra emphasis on primary care(other than those rotations required for D.Os), a school that will give me exposure to a more variety of rotations in the different fields of medicine. But say I do not get in to one of these schools at first, but do get accepted into a D.O program in the country, IS BEING ABLE TO TRANSFER FROM ONE D.O SCHOOL TO ANOTHER, SOMETHING THAT CAN BE EASILY ACOMPLISHED??Or is it one of those things that can be done, but is a real headache(to much paperwork and all that other stuff) meaning not very practical or realistic??Please let me know what you guys think.
Thanks

 

[DrMom]

I wouldn't say easily done, but it does happen. 2 students have transfered into my class for 3rd & 4th years. They both were originally from OK, though, and had reasons for returning.

 

[group_theory]

well first of all, is the 1st and 2nd year cirriculum at all of the D.O schools pretty much the same?

IS BEING ABLE TO TRANSFER FROM ONE D.O SCHOOL TO ANOTHER, SOMETHING THAT CAN BE EASILY ACOMPLISHED

First I just want to let you know that it is bad netiquette (or internet etiquette) to use capitalized letters. It symbolizes shouting (or yelling) and for some, is considered rude. There is just no need to use all caps, unless you really are trying to shout that specific question to this group.

To answer your questions

Question 1: Are the first two years of osteopathic medical education similar? NO. Just as there are variations in LCME-accredited schools, there are similar variations in AOA-accredited schools. Some schools are purely PBL. Others are lecture based (tradition or systems). Others are a mixed while some offer you choices. The goals of all the schools are the same though - to prepare you for the COMLEX Step 1 and rotations.

Question 2: Will it be possible to transfer into 3rd or 4th year and if so, how difficult will it be?

This will depend on the school policies of BOTH schools. The school you wish to transfer must have a policy in place of accepting transfer, and your current school must have a policy in place on transferring students away. In general, you'll need a letter of recommendation from your current school's dean supporting your transfer request. Usually the 2 schools will support your transfer request if you have a good reason for requesting a transfer. There will be some paperwork involved, but I do not know how much.

Transfer into 4th year is almost unheard of. Most schools (if not all) have residency requirements, meaning you must be a student at the school for a certain minimum period of time in order to be eligible to graduate and receive a degree from that school. This is standard policy for many schools, not just AOA or LCME schools - many universities have similar requirements.

If you want to know more about transfer policy, I suggest you contact the schools you are interested in to find out the specifics.

Hope I've answered your questions to your satisfaction.

 

[HussainGQ]

If you want to transfer to another school because the types of rotations that they offer are more likely to help you achieve the goals that you have set for your career in medicine??

As far the 1st two years are concerned, I understand that different schools have different methods of teaching, but as far as the material that they are teaching is very similar, correct??

 

[LovelyRita]

I know a person who transferred from a DO school to another DO school, and another person who transferred from a DO school to an MD school, both between year 2 and 3. Both ppl had to jump through many hoops to do this.

OP: You sound like someone in my class that was not at all interested in being a DO, and given the opportunity would go to an MD school.

All that aside, I would guess that if you focused on attending a school that is located in or near a large city (NY, Philly, KC....amongst others) your rotation sites will also be in those cities and you would have the opportunity to rotate at busier hospitals with more specialties.

 

[Green912]

The majority of DO schools will emphasize primary care specialities (FM, IM, Peds, Psych, Ob/Gyn), especially during the first two years when there's a captive audiance. That's simply where the DO heritage comes from. However other peoples preferences have nothing to do with what field you'll choose.

Also keep in mind that during your 3-4 years you'll be exposed to those other fields you may be intersted in through regular rotations and electives. The clinical rotations for DO & MD are very similar.

Bottom line is go to a school that fits your presonality, where you like the location, and that's cheap...then make up your own mind as to what you what to do w/your career.

Good luck

 

[HussainGQ]

See I really have my heart set on going to either DMU or CCOM, But if I do not get in to either one of those programs, mainly because of their rotations that they offer in the 3rd and 4th year. Especially with DMU because of the extra emphasis they place on teaching their students about Manipulative medicine. However, if I do not get in to either program at first, but do get in somewhere else; Would it be too much of headache to transfer or is it a process(transfering from the school that I am at to either DMU or CCOM) that can be done without too much difficulty.

 

[tkim]

Most schools, if they accept transfers, will do it between MSII MSIII years, after step I.

However, you usually need a really good reason for the transfer - something along the lines of being closer to ill family, spouse has job in other state, etc. I am not sure that rotation preferences would be adequate.

 

[VentdependenT]

Get in first, see if you like it, then sweat transferring later. Just go into it thinking you won't be able to transfer. That should solidify your decision to fully commit to medical school.

If you have a good reason though it shouldn't be too difficult. Saying the curriculum blows won't cut it in most cases.