Usmle

[SJonathan]

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I want to go to an Osteopathic school for the education and the focus on treating patients as an actual person. Not so sure that I want to practice in primary care, however.
I'm new, so my questions may seem juvenile: Is there any advantage to taking the USMLE over the COMLEX? If I do that, will I have an MD degree instead of a DO? Is there any reason an MD degree would help me specialize?
Thanks in advance

 

[TexasTriathlete]

This is asked almost every day. Yes, you can open yourself up to possibly more residency choices if you take, and do well on, the USMLE. No, being an MD will not necessarily help you specialize.

 

[Jpc984]

"If I do that, will I have an MD degree instead of a DO? "

No you will not be a MD if you take the USMLE and you have to take the COMLEX no matter what.

 

[TexasTriathlete]

Whoa I didn't read carefully enough.

 

[NewAndImproved]

If you go to osteopathic (DO) school and wish to enter an allopathic (MD) residency, you must take BOTH the USMLE and COMLEX exams. If you enter an osteopathic residency, you will only be taking the COMLEX.

If you graduate from an osteopathic school, you will forever be a DO regardless of the board exams you pass. The same holds true for allopathic schools.

 

[Jpc984]

Some MD residencies take the COMLEX, but it is advised to take the USMLES.

 

[DrMom]

If you go to osteopathic (DO) school and wish to enter an allopathic (MD) residency, you must take BOTH the USMLE and COMLEX exams.

This isn't a *must* situation. It is certainly recommended for certain specialties or for certain parts of the country, but many DOs get into MD residencies without taking the USMLE.

 

[HrvatskiDoktor]

I've also heard from many people that if you want to be a DO and practice overseas you need to take the USMLE also.

 

[DrMom]

I've also heard from many people that if you want to be a DO and practice overseas you need to take the USMLE also.

Why on earth? The USMLE is an American licensing exam.

Each country sets their own licensure standards.