Unique Data Point from 2014-15 Osteopathic Graduating Class

[throwaway948738]

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AACOMAS takes a survey of graduating OSM4 seniors.

Page 16 from the survey. http://www.aacom.org/docs/default-source/data-and-trends/2014-15-GSSSR.pdf?sfvrsn=16

Of 4000 respondents from the 31 DO schools / branches

"2014-2015 Graduating Seniors, if Starting Over, Would Prefer to Enroll in:"

50% said they would go to the same school. The other 50% were dissatisfied.

1/3 would go MD. 11% would go to another DO school. and 5% would not have gone to medical school.

Do you think this information changes anything about how you perceive medical school, or Osteopathic medicine specifically?

 

[radian313]

I think a lot of students going DO don't realize that though they are indeed US graduates, that doesnt mean they will get the ROADS residencies. Folks go in expecting their first choice being one of these competitive residencies come out to be bitter and sour in being placed in something to not of their liking like FM, IM, though it may be at a good location.

I think if folks had realistic expectations then these numbers may change. I reckon a lot of these numbers have a lot to do with, folks who felt displaced by virtue of their program not offering certain rotations whereas their colleagues may have done so, coming out better than others from the perspective of those who feel this way.

Just my 2 cents.

 

[throwaway948738]

I think a lot of students going DO don't realize that though they are indeed US graduates, that doesnt mean they will get the ROADS residencies. Folks go in expecting their first choice being one of these competitive residencies come out to be bitter and sour in being placed in something to not of their liking like FM, IM, though it may be at a good location.

I think if folks had realistic expectations then these numbers may change. I reckon a lot of these numbers have a lot to do with, folks who felt displaced by virtue of their program not offering certain rotations whereas their colleagues may have done so, coming out better than others from the perspective of those who feel this way.

Just my 2 cents.

Do you think there's a difference in motivation and perception between those students who truly want to be DO vs those who unfortunately consider it a back-up to allopathic medicine?

 

[chizledfrmstone]

We're finishing up our Kaplan review before dedicated study for boards.

The students can definitely tells the difference between a professor who teaches at a DO school compared to one at an MD.

If I could do it over I probably would have tried harder on the MCAT an gone MD.

 

[throwaway948738]

We're finishing up our Kaplan review before dedicated study for boards.

The students can definitely tells the difference between a professor who teaches at a DO school compared to one at an MD.

If I could do it over I probably would have tried harder on the MCAT an gone MD.

I don't know. I've had good MD and DO Instructors.

Your DO school offers a Kaplan review course? That's a nice perk.

 

[NonTrad16]

Note: https://www.aamc.org/download/440552/data/2015gqallschoolssummaryreport.pdf (Pg 66)
"If you could revisit your career choice, would you choose to become a physician again?"
No: 2.4%
Probably Not: 6.7%
Neutral: 9.1%
Probably Yes: 32%
Yes: 49.7%

Slightly different measure since the AAMC report doesn't have the 'grass is greener' option (MD vs DO), but I'd say the rates of disillusionment/regret are likely similar. Table 12 in the AACOM report shows 6% dissatisfied with their decision to become a physician, comparable (or less depressing) than the ~9% in the AAMC report.

 

[throwaway948738]

Note: https://www.aamc.org/download/440552/data/2015gqallschoolssummaryreport.pdf (Pg 66)
"If you could revisit your career choice, would you choose to become a physician again?"
No: 2.4%
Probably Not: 6.7%
Neutral: 9.1%
Probably Yes: 32%
Yes: 49.7%

Slightly different measure since the AAMC report doesn't have the 'grass is greener' option (MD vs DO), but I'd say the rates of disillusionment/regret are likely similar. Table 12 in the AACOM report shows 6% dissatisfied with their decision to become a physician, comparable (or less depressing) than the ~9% in the AAMC report.

That's interesting. I would like to see AAMC ask their graduating seniors if they would attend their same school all over again.

 

[DrMikeP]

Another # to look at:

Satisfaction Level with Osteopathic Medicine Career Selection 2014-2015
Satisfied or Very Satisfied was 79%, which isn't bad!

I wonder if the ones not happy with their schools were in majority ~95% at a handful of particular large enrollment schools skewing the data. I'd love to see the break downs by schools!!!