Unestablished MD or established, reputable DO program?

[Skeeks]

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Yeah that's right I interviewed 9/21. I was just wondering if we sat through the same session because I honestly felt like the half hour he talked to us was the best experience I have had in any interview MD or DO. It sounds like you had a very similar experience. Its good to know he wasn't just having a good day on my interview day.

 

[Escape_Goat]

Would depend on location of schools, curriculum format, and quality and locations of 3rd and 4th year site.

 

[touchpause13]

I literally could listen to Dr. Polk all day and be completely satisfied. Total fangirl right here.

And I think location plays a huge role in this as well, especially for someone like me who has a spouse to consider.

 

[Jumpstartmy5HT]

I literally could listen to Dr. Polk all day and be completely satisfied. Total fangirl right here.

And I think location plays a huge role in this as well, especially for someone like me who has a spouse to consider.

If I end up at DMU next year too, we can totally start a secret Dr. Polk fan girl association. It's not creepy at all.

In all seriousness though, he is the most charismatic physician I have ever encountered. DMU definitely found a jewel!

 

[Anicetus]

I literally could listen to Dr. Polk all day and be completely satisfied. Total fangirl right here.

And I think location plays a huge role in this as well, especially for someone like me who has a spouse to consider.

Hahaha.

He has the personality where you could trust him with just about anything in your life after talking to him for 10 minutes.

 

[Wipeout416]

Jeez bit of PR hate here guys. It's a nice place. Visit before you judge...


Established DO

 

[Jumpstartmy5HT]

Jeez bit of PR hate here guys. It's a nice place. Visit before you judge...


Established DO

There are plenty of nice places that are perfectly fine for visiting, but I wouldn't want to live there long-term, especially for medical school studies where the stress is inherently high for most people.

I like my Target, Diet Coke, and Honey Boo Boo on TV. Damn, I have some trashy interests. Oh, well.

 

[NurWollen]

There are plenty of nice places that are perfectly fine for visiting, but I wouldn't want to live there long-term, especially for medical school studies where the stress is inherently high for most people.

I like my Target, Diet Coke, and Honey Boo Boo on TV. Damn, I have some trashy interests. Oh, well.

Do they not have those things in PR?

Edit: I googled it. Apparently they don't have Target. They have K-mart though (not the same at all, I know.) Though tbh when I lived in South America I probably would have cried for joy at the site a Kmart.

 

[Jumpstartmy5HT]

Do they not have those things in PR?

Edit: I googled it. Apparently they don't have Target. They have K-mart though (not the same at all, I know.) Though tbh when I lived in South America I probably would have cried for joy at the site a Kmart.

Even stores with the same corporate name are not the same abroad. Plus I have a cat, and she's used to her first-world cat items. She wouldn't want to leave either. \o/

 

[geh926]

I am exactly the same way. In fact I have the exact same story. I was skeptical about OMM, I could guess it was useful for somethings but was unsure how applicable and relevant it would be to me as a physician. Dr Polk (DMU's new dean) and DMU itself changed my whole perspective on that as well and I am very excited to learn OMM now and to learn it from the best.

Just remember that DMU is known as having THE strongest OMM curriculum of all DO schools. That's why they emphasis it so much and its such a part of your interview experience. In the words of my student host "if you are only going to a DO school to become a doctor and want nothing to do with OMM DMU is the last place you should go to medical school". However, if you want to learn OMM there is no better DO school to attend.

Agreed. I was sitting there wide eyed/half smile in awe (and I'm a guy, haha). I really don't remember him talking much about OMM though. What did he say?

 

[Jumpstartmy5HT]

Agreed. I was sitting there wide eyed/half smile in awe (and I'm a guy, haha). I really don't remember him talking much about OMM though. What did he say?

In my session, he talked about using OMM to stop muscle spasms around the rib cage for patients with acute bronchitis so they can fully inhale and exhale, minimizing their discomfort and chances of developing pneumonia. He mostly focused on the holistic and humanistic side of osteopathic medicine and how he envisions compassionate doctors in practice. He emphasized that sometimes a pill is not the magical fix and that thorough patient education can provide much more significance in the overall well-being of the patient.

I really dug what he said, and I was like 😍😍😍😍😍

 

[Dharma]

Hypothetical question: so if you had acceptances to a top DO program and a new MD program accredited by the LCME, which one would you pick and why?

In general: MD over DO any day. I'm a fan of OMM (to some degree) but it's benefits do not outweigh the extra obstacles one will face as compared to the average MD, from the lowest tier of MD schools.

Specifically: Too many variables to say. Location, finances, family, future goals (which could change), school's clinical rotation availability, etc.

Clinical Education! This is something that is all too often not given enough weight by pre-meds. I know I didn't look into it enough. A handful of DO schools have the reputation for stellar sites and most if not all students receive a pretty darn good clinical education at such places. Then there those schools that have some pretty dismal rotation selections. And there are even those schools where some students in a class end up in great rotations while others find themselves at community chop-shops where they're sent home early on a regular basis asking themselves what it is they are exactly paying for. Be sure to know which schools fit into these categories (especially the latter) and steer clear of those with rumors of subpar clinical education.

REPEAT: steer clear of schools with reputations of subpar clinical education, regardless of what their match lists look like (which can be deceiving), how great their board scores were (also deceiving when they preselect who gets to sit for the exam), or how much money you'll save going to said school. DO YOUR HOMEWORK!

You can probably get to where you need to be at any US medical school, DO or MD. But I did say need, not want. Mick hit it on the head. Just know what it is you're getting into to. (Rant over)

 

[geh926]

In general: MD over DO any day. I'm a fan of OMM (to some degree) but it's benefits do not outweigh the extra obstacles one will face as compared to the average MD, from the lowest tier of MD schools.

Specifically: Too many variables to say. Location, finances, family, future goals (which could change), school's clinical rotation availability, etc.

Clinical Education! This is something that is all too often not given enough weight by pre-meds. I know I didn't look into it enough. A handful of DO schools have the reputation for stellar sites and most if not all students receive a pretty darn good clinical education at such places. Then there those schools that have some pretty dismal rotation selections. And there are even those schools where some students in a class end up in great rotations while others find themselves at community chop-shops where they're sent home early on a regular basis asking themselves what it is they are exactly paying for. Be sure to know which schools fit into these categories (especially the latter) and steer clear of those with rumors of subpar clinical education.

REPEAT: steer clear of schools with reputations of subpar clinical education, regardless of what their match lists look like (which can be deceiving), how great their board scores were (also deceiving when they preselect who gets to sit for the exam), or how much money you'll save going to said school. DO YOUR HOMEWORK!

You can probably get to where you need to be at any US medical school, DO or MD. But I did say need, not want. Mick hit it on the head. Just know what it is you're getting into to. (Rant over)

This is exactly what I'm trying to do in deciding where to matriculate. However, I'm not really sure how to evaluate the rotation sites the schools give you in the list. It's difficult to assess which might be good vs. bad other than a basis on 'Would I want to live here/potentially do residency here'? Any tips or advice? Ask for contact information of students? Seems like it's more difficult to get info from 3rd/4th years/residents than the ms1/ms2 who only know as much as what their school is telling them.

 

[Jumpstartmy5HT]

In general: MD over DO any day. I'm a fan of OMM (to some degree) but it's benefits do not outweigh the extra obstacles one will face as compared to the average MD, from the lowest tier of MD schools.

Specifically: Too many variables to say. Location, finances, family, future goals (which could change), school's clinical rotation availability, etc.

Clinical Education! This is something that is all too often not given enough weight by pre-meds. I know I didn't look into it enough. A handful of DO schools have the reputation for stellar sites and most if not all students receive a pretty darn good clinical education at such places. Then there those schools that have some pretty dismal rotation selections. And there are even those schools where some students in a class end up in great rotations while others find themselves at community chop-shops where they're sent home early on a regular basis asking themselves what it is they are exactly paying for. Be sure to know which schools fit into these categories (especially the latter) and steer clear of those with rumors of subpar clinical education.

REPEAT: steer clear of schools with reputations of subpar clinical education, regardless of what their match lists look like (which can be deceiving), how great their board scores were (also deceiving when they preselect who gets to sit for the exam), or how much money you'll save going to said school. DO YOUR HOMEWORK!

You can probably get to where you need to be at any US medical school, DO or MD. But I did say need, not want. Mick hit it on the head. Just know what it is you're getting into to. (Rant over)

The DO school I really like has solid clinical rotation sites. The student tour guides were all OMS2s so they couldn't give personal examples, but they did say their friends mostly went where they wanted to go. The administration seems to echo the same sentiment.

The MD school I'm interested in actually has an early clinical exposure program, and it has partnered up with several of the area's hospitals for clinical rotations. It's too early to tell if things are going to be great and if I'll be accepted, but I really like their mission and enthusiasm.

 

[Jumpstartmy5HT]

This is exactly what I'm trying to do in deciding where to matriculate. However, I'm not really sure how to evaluate the rotation sites the schools give you in the list. It's difficult to assess which might be good vs. bad other than a basis on 'Would I want to live here/potentially do residency here'? Any tips or advice? Ask for contact information of students? Seems like it's more difficult to get info from 3rd/4th years/residents than the ms1/ms2 who only know as much as what their school is telling them.

During my DMU visit, the two OMM fellows basically said that the school is awesome with getting clinical rotations together for students for their electives. If you want to rotate somewhere specifically, just give the school the site contact's name, and they'll set up everything else.

 

[cliquesh]

This is exactly what I'm trying to do in deciding where to matriculate. However, I'm not really sure how to evaluate the rotation sites the schools give you in the list. It's difficult to assess which might be good vs. bad other than a basis on 'Would I want to live here/potentially do residency here'? Any tips or advice? Ask for contact information of students? Seems like it's more difficult to get info from 3rd/4th years/residents than the ms1/ms2 who only know as much as what their school is telling them.

See how big the hospital is (you're looking for 300 or more beds), see if they have residencies and fellowships (particular the specialities you're interested in), what trauma level are they (level 1 and 2 is fine).

 

[Dharma]

This is exactly what I'm trying to do in deciding where to matriculate. However, I'm not really sure how to evaluate the rotation sites the schools give you in the list. It's difficult to assess which might be good vs. bad other than a basis on 'Would I want to live here/potentially do residency here'? Any tips or advice? Ask for contact information of students? Seems like it's more difficult to get info from 3rd/4th years/residents than the ms1/ms2 who only know as much as what their school is telling them.

The best thing you could do is try to contact 3rd or 4th year students. I know it's tough, but where there's a will...

And there's always the threads posted here on SDN. Search the archives. It should give a pretty good idea of where most schools fit. I wouldn't worry too much about residency location. Plenty match in areas far from their school's location and even at programs they never rotated at (usually ACGME compared to AOA where audition rotations seem to be more important in ranking candidates).

Be careful with those lists. They can change in a heartbeat.

 

[Dharma]

See how big the hospital is (you're looking for 300 or more beds), see if they have residencies and fellowships (particular the specialities you're interested in), what trauma level are they (level 1 and 2 is fine).

👍

 

[geh926]

During my DMU visit, the two OMM fellows basically said that the school is awesome with getting clinical rotations together for students for their electives. If you want to rotate somewhere specifically, just give the school the site contact's name, and they'll set up everything else.

Yeah DMU is awesome in allowing 32 weeks of electives for sure. Its the sites/quality of the core rotations that I need to look into more (for each school, not just DMU)

 

[Dharma]

The DO school I really like has solid clinical rotation sites. The student tour guides were all OMS2s so they couldn't give personal examples, but they did say their friends mostly went where they wanted to go. The administration seems to echo the same sentiment.

The MD school I'm interested in actually has an early clinical exposure program, and it has partnered up with several of the area's hospitals for clinical rotations. It's too early to tell if things are going to be great and if I'll be accepted, but I really like their mission and enthusiasm.

Personally, I would take whatever administration says, or those students administration chooses to represent the school, with a grain of salt. The fluff factor fires at full throttle with the above.

Good luck with the pending acceptances and interviews. Regardless of what happens, trust your gut!

 

[geh926]

The best thing you could do is try to contact 3rd or 4th year students. I know it's tough, but where there's a will...

And there's always the threads posted here on SDN. Search the archives. It should give a pretty good idea of where most schools fit. I wouldn't worry too much about residency location. Plenty match in areas far from their school's location and even at programs they never rotated at (usually ACGME compared to AOA where audition rotations seem to be more important in ranking candidates).

Be careful with those lists. They can change in a heartbeat.

See how big the hospital is (you're looking for 300 or more beds), see if they have residencies and fellowships (particular the specialities you're interested in), what trauma level are they (level 1 and 2 is fine).

Looks like you both beat me to the post! I'll definitely seek some more 3rd/4th year contact info and look into the particulars of the hospital sites.

 

[Trogghunter]

4 years ago I chose to go to an established DO program vs a newer MD. The MD has struggled over the past 4 years with dean/faculty changes and has not yet been fully accredited...probably will though.

Meanwhile I have performed more procedures as a 3rd/4th year than some first year ACGME IM residents (we have mandatory logging) and have interviews at some of the more competitive programs in the NE, without taking usmle. The experience is what you make it.

 

[geh926]

Personally, I would take whatever administration says, or those students administration chooses to represent the school, with a grain of salt. The fluff factor fires at full throttle with the above.

Good luck with the pending acceptances and interviews. Regardless of what happens, trust your gut!

Yeah. I called one school asking for a list and they said they couldn't provide one because they are always changing. Sucks having to make a decision now between schools not knowing what will be there 2.5 years down the road.

 

[inmyslumber]

I feel a responsibility to responsibility to respond to this post as I supervise both MSs visiting OMSs.

I am an MD Anesthesiologist in an academic center.

If you make it to my field, the difference in degree is not a big issue (at least not overtly) but, in general, the road to residency and fellowship is much more difficult for DOs.

OP, feel free to PM me. I advise you to choose MD over DO. Ask DO attending physicians if you know can. They may have a better perspective than OMS/pre-OMs.

 

[Dharma]

4 years ago I chose to go to an established DO program vs a newer MD. The MD has struggled over the past 4 years with dean/faculty changes and has not yet been fully accredited...probably will though.

Meanwhile I have performed more procedures as a 3rd/4th year than some first year ACGME IM residents (we have mandatory logging) and have interviews at some of the more competitive programs in the NE, without taking usmle. The experience is what you make it.

If one is at a school where such opportunities will be provided. Kind of tough logging procedures when there aren't enough patients in the hospital to garner such experience. Clinical ed varies tremendously amongst DO schools. Regardless, I still feel that success in one's own hands and is the responsibility of the student to make the best of the situation.

All in all, the MD road may still be the path of least resistance. But again, this varies according to the individual.

 

[Jumpstartmy5HT]

I feel a responsibility to responsibility to respond to this post as I supervise both MSs visiting OMSs.

I am an MD Anesthesiologist in an academic center.

If you make it to my field, the difference in degree is not a big issue (at least not overtly) but, in general, the road to residency and fellowship is much more difficult for DOs.

OP, feel free to PM me. I advise you to choose MD over DO. Ask DO attending physicians if you know can. They may have a better perspective than OMS/pre-OMs.

That's honestly one of my biggest worries--the road to residency. I don't want to end up interviewing at 2-3x as many places as someone with similar or lower step scores for the same residencies because there is a DO bias.

I hate this whoring out myself process now for school interviews, and it's cost prohibitively expensive as is. I also currently have two jobs to pay for all this crap, and I have 0 debt. In 4 years, I'll likely be 200k+ in debt, and the idea of applying to 40-60 programs is frightening in terms having limited financial and other resources.

 

[Let It Be]

I was happily going to DMU next year, but I just found out I was accepted to a newish MD school (TCMC). I'm pretty torn. 😕

 

[Jumpstartmy5HT]

I was happily going to DMU next year, but I just found out I was accepted to a newish MD school (TCMC). I'm pretty torn. 😕

TCMC isn't that new... I think if I were given the choice, I would pick TCMC.

 

[Temperature101]

TCMC isn't that new... I think if I were given the choice, I would pick TCMC.

I would go to TCMC unless I would save 80k+ going to DMU. This is an easy decision IMO.

 

[Postictal Raiden]

I was googling TCMC and was surprised to see (.com) in the school's link. Call me superficial, but I wouldn't choose to go to a school that was just removed from probation over a school that is one century older.

 

[notbobtrustme]

Strictly speaking, LCME MD > DO

End of story.

The question centers more around each person's family/social life than it does about academics. If you want the most opportunities, any LCME MD program will tower over DO programs.