What is your interview answer for "Why D.O.?"

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To expand options... Wanted to apply on the basis of programs/curriculum and school mission statement, not necessarily degree granted. More in depth treatment of the neuromusculoskeletal system, wanted to learn OMM... My background put me more in alignment with osteopathic "philosophy."
 
"Why Not?!?":laugh:
 
- I'm non-trad; DO schools tend to take more older applicants

- I use myofascial release as an athlete and trainer, and I want to learn more hands-on techniques in OMM

- I have been assured by several very accomplished physicians that the education at a DO school is as good as at an MD school, and that if I work hard enough, I can write my own ticket to any residency

- Having interviewed at both allopathic and osteopathic schools, I don't see much difference

- Based on what I've seen in clinical practice, DO's and MD's are indistinguishable from each other

- Osteopathic schools may attract a somewhat different, more laid-back mindset.
 
Bond8204 said:
What is your interview answer for "Why D.O.?"
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There is a possibility to become a specialist in OMT in the future. As an aspiring physician , I would like to learn every possible technique + conventional medical procedures in order to serve my patients better in the future. More techniques such as OMT will only benefit me and help me become a successful physician. Ofcourse, in this case - the definition of success= treating patients' problems the best way possible.
 
good start...bump.
 
Bond8204 said:
good start...bump.
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Well, what's yours? 😕

Knowing reasons why others are interested in osteopathic medicine might help some for your interview, but you have to make it personal. This means, you need to know why YOU are doing it, not why others are doing it. Authenticity goes a long way.
 
Right now I'd say it's because at the clinic I volunteered at my last two years of college the medical director who was a DO. This got me to start exploring...one of the reasons I'm interested in medicine to begin with is science--I love how molecular interactions lead to physiological organ function and how organs interact with one another to form an organism. I think osteopathic medicine's holistic view of medicine encapsulates that idea well, and I look forward to taking classes that will emphasize that interrelatedness.

I also think DO's, for being essentially clincally quivalent, bring something additional to the table in that holistic view and with OMT. These are particularly useful in the areas of primary care and emergency medicine, the areas I'm considering going into.

Perhaps what sealed the deal with me was taking a summer internship at that clinic and having the opportunity to shadow that doctor occasionally. Her patients seemed to respond very positively to her approach to them--particularly in listening carefully to them and emphasizing the importance of touch in diagnosis and treatment.

Wanted to see if other people had any other good ideas. First DO interview on Tuesday...any comments on my answer?
 
Bond8204 said:
Right now I'd say it's because at the clinic I volunteered at my last two years of college the medical director who was a DO. This got me to start exploring...one of the reasons I'm interested in medicine to begin with is science--I love how molecular interactions lead to physiological organ function and how organs interact with one another to form an organism. I think osteopathic medicine's holistic view of medicine encapsulates that idea well, and I look forward to taking classes that will emphasize that interrelatedness.

I also think DO's, for being essentially clincally quivalent, bring something additional to the table in that holistic view and with OMT. These are particularly useful in the areas of primary care and emergency medicine, the areas I'm considering going into.

Perhaps what sealed the deal with me was taking a summer internship at that clinic and having the opportunity to shadow that doctor occasionally. Her patients seemed to respond very positively to her approach to them--particularly in listening carefully to them and emphasizing the importance of touch in diagnosis and treatment.

Wanted to see if other people had any other good ideas. First DO interview on Tuesday...any comments on my answer?
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it's good...as long as it is personal, sensible and not a total mimic of others, all answers will be good.
 
I think all of the posters' reasons are great because I believe in them; however, what really attracts me to osteopathic medicine is its rich PHILOSOPHY. From my understanding, being an osteopathic physician is like being an artist, patients come in and present fragmented pieces of information that physicians need to be aware to diagnose the ills. To me those little fragmented pieces of priceless artwork, in my case signs, symptoms, lifestyle, personality, etc. represent a story that requires a physician to notice in order to see the overall picture of the patient's condition. The whole body medicine concepts along with the hands-on techniques (OMT) that osteopathic medicine uses really helps brighten the contrast and texture into understanding the illness, the treatment, and the patient. Being an osteopathic physician definitely has some similarities with the artist's holistic mindset and creativity that require to strive in the medical profession.

You might want to jot that down. 😵
 
I said I wanted to learn OMT. It's training I can only get at at osteopathic school. While I may not be using it much it'll be an extra tool in the toolbox when I see patients.

I've also heard it's helpful when learning anatomy.
 
SmallTownEMT said:
I said I wanted to learn OMT. It's training I can only get at at osteopathic school. While I may not be using it much it'll be an extra tool in the toolbox when I see patients.

I've also heard it's helpful when learning anatomy.
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Doesn't harvard have an elective like that?
 
Don't you take the boards before you continue on to 3rd year? At that point, you really don't know what residency programs you're going to apply for, but you've got all this time allotted to prepare for the boards.

So by the end of your third year, when the picture is starting to become a little clearer about what you want to do, and thus, where you want to apply for residency, do you want to run across a program that you really want to apply to, but doesn't take COMLEX? Then you're scrambling to find a week to prepare for USMLE, and you're a year removed from your basic sciences.

There are just so many allopathic residency programs out there, with each one possibly viewing the COMLEX differently, that I don't see any reason not to take the USMLE. Its like owning a gun: I'd rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

Of course, I don't really know what I'm talking about.
 
I told them I applied to DO schools because i could get into MD schools :scared:

j/k
 
Btw, I was only being half serious. I thought I'd just blabber on about whatever comes to mind, half stream-of consciousness and half vomiting. Take it or leave it!

side notes: I am not sure where you are going at with your Van Wilder reference.
 
Bond8204 said:
What is your interview answer for "Why D.O.?"
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It's been so long ago now that I forget 😀.

Actually, one of the best ways to answer this question is to throw the interviewers off guard. Believe me, they have listened to every cheezy answer in the book and you have to get their attention first.

Look them straight in the eye, wrinkle your forehead and raise your brow. Lean forward and ask them, "Have you ever seen two servicemen meet in an airport?" Then you slowly nod your head until they start nodding in agreement. They will; people have a tendency to mimic each other. Then ask them, "Have you ever noticed how they seem to get along from the start? How, even though they've never seen each other before... they seem to have something in common? Here they are in a crowded airport, nearly alone among a swirling crowd of civilians. They're from the Navy, Airforce, Marines...it doesn't matter...they have a bond they share, like brothers. That's a lot like I picture DOs. It doesn't matter if they went to DMU, or Kirkville, or PCOM.... when they meet for the first time amongst a crowded room of MDs...they share a common bond, like brothers. If you had the choice to either go to a medical school where you could be just one of the MDs or share a bond with a brethren of DOs....you'd choose the DO school....wouldn't you?" You have to use that nod again at this point, and they'll be nodding right along with you. How can they disagree?
 
scpod said:
It's been so long ago now that I forget 😀.

Actually, one of the best ways to answer this question is to throw the interviewers off guard. Believe me, they have listened to every cheezy answer in the book and you have to get their attention first.

Look them straight in the eye, wrinkle your forehead and raise your brow. Lean forward and ask them, "Have you ever seen two servicemen meet in an airport?" Then you slowly nod your head until they start nodding in agreement. They will; people have a tendency to mimic each other. Then ask them, "Have you ever noticed how they seem to get along from the start? How, even though they've never seen each other before... they seem to have something in common? Here they are in a crowded airport, nearly alone among a swirling crowd of civilians. They're from the Navy, Airforce, Marines...it doesn't matter...they have a bond they share, like brothers. That's a lot like I picture DOs. It doesn't matter if they went to DMU, or Kirkville, or PCOM.... when they meet for the first time amongst a crowded room of MDs...they share a common bond, like brothers. If you had the choice to either go to a medical school where you could be just one of the MDs or share a bond with a brethren of DOs....you'd choose the DO school....wouldn't you?" You have to use that nod again at this point, and they'll be nodding right along with you. How can they disagree?
Click to expand...

Great attention getter by the way. I like the whole brethren of DO's and common bond theme. Mine was from a person who's capitivated and has an appreciation for arts. My appoarch to answer the question is to be creative and not sound like other pre-meds because they already know what I put on my essays, applications, and basically anything that's bureaucratic related. I want my personality and characters to shine along with a penchant for modicum of witty and comical references
 
Bonsante said:
Btw, I was only being half serious. I thought I’d just blabber on about whatever comes to mind, half stream-of consciousness and half vomiting. Take it or leave it!

side notes: I am not sure where you are going at with your Van Wilder reference.
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I realize you were a little tongue-in-cheek.

Van Wilder says "Write that down" a few times in the movie bearing that name.
 
Bond8204 said:
I realize you were a little tongue-in-cheek.

Van Wilder says "Write that down" a few times in the movie bearing that name.
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touché.

- Ben Stiller from Dodgeball.
 
I told my interviewer (as I noticed a nice imac and a powerbook in his office) that osteopathic medicine is like Apple computers, perhaps lesser known but a superior product.
 
jappleseed said:
I told my interviewer (as I noticed a nice imac and a powerbook in his office) that osteopathic medicine is like Apple computers, perhaps lesser known but a superior product.
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MD:Hello ... I'm and MD,
DO: And I'm a DO
DO: Hey whatcha doin' there MD?
MD: Studying diseases ... you know as a doctor, I need to understand them.
DO: Oh ... well DOs treat the whole patient, not just the disease, people seem to like it better that way. Just saying.
MD: .....😱

(Que catchy little bummmm bump bummm bummm bummm bumppp bamp and catchy DO logo ...)

I like it
 
Pimpin' ain't easy. Palpation skills will help.

Seriously, to dish out some medical ownage to a few "40-yr-old virgin" forum members.
 
JaggerPlate said:
MD:Hello ... I'm and MD,
DO: And I'm a DO
DO: Hey whatcha doin' there MD?
MD: Studying diseases ... you know as a doctor, I need to understand them.
DO: Oh ... well DOs treat the whole patient, not just the disease, people seem to like it better that way. Just saying.
MD: .....😱

(Que catchy little bummmm bump bummm bummm bummm bumppp bamp and catchy DO logo ...)

I like it
Click to expand...

That is really funny. I didn't even think about those "I'm a mac, I'm a PC" commercials.
I should have incorporated that into my interview as well.
 
Last edited:
"Because DO schools offer medical degrees. I'm interested in and applying to many schools, MD and DO, but I like the mix of students at most DO schools better. I also really like the curriculum at this particular school. And the fact that our state and town in particular has a sort of decades long tradition of sending students to this particular school (12 hours away) and then taking them back as practicing clinicians might have influenced me a little... I received good advice from many of your alumni. There are several schools I'd be happy to go to, but this one is probably top on my list of interviews. Hopefully I'm high on your list as well."

I don't think I mentioned AT Still, OMT, DO philosophy, treating the whole patient, etc. a single time. I was asked a direct question about my knowledge of osteopathic medicine, and answered (introductory but sufficient understanding of the roots and differences between DO and MD). I tried to turn the question from "why DO" to "why this (DO) school" and it apparently worked.
 
jappleseed said:
I told my interviewer (as I noticed a nice imac and a powerbook in his office) that osteopathic medicine is like Apple computers, perhaps lesser known but a superior product.
Click to expand...



did you mention how apple is the HMO that is driving private practices out of business? Believe me, Apple computer's aren't for the underserved.
 
Wow. That's pretty harsh. You're clearly not an Apple fan. Oh well. At least this HMO delivers a great product. In my opinion anyway.
 
[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JixbzFjv_cU[/YOUTUBE]
 
jappleseed said:
Wow. That's pretty harsh. You're clearly not an Apple fan. Oh well. At least this HMO delivers a great product. In my opinion anyway.
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I could care less really, you just happen to bring up the only aspect of apple that kind of agrees with osteopathic medicine.

OSX =/= Holistic. Unix isn't holistic, it's individually threaded. As well as the price of apples being so expensive. Good product, yeah, overpaying, yeah.
 
I've heard of people who applied in TX with TMDSAS, and designated every school but TCOM, get asked stuff like "Why didn't you apply to TCOM too? Are you more concerned with what people think than being a doctor?"

Not sure if it had an impact on their acceptance, but its safe to say that most docs don't view it the same way that idiot pre-meds do.
 
Why dont the allopathic schools ask why MD?
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I do feel asking "Why DO" is a bit of an obnoxious or self-indulgent question. First of all, as many people have alluded to here already, many people are going to just give a normal, feed-them-what-they-want answer. There's no way they're that good at seeing through people. Second, I don't even necessarily think that a "weed-out" question to see if you're really interested in DO is even necessary. If people aren't interested in getting a DO, then I don't think they'd matriculate--have these schools actually had that much experience with people dropping out midway because they realize DO isn't meant for them (instead of only pursuing an MD)?

That said, maybe when they ask that question they're really just looking for you to show that you've done some research on osteopathic medicine, even/especially at a personal level.
 
Bond8204 said:
I do feel asking "Why DO" is a bit of an obnoxious or self-indulgent question. First of all, as many people have alluded to here already, many people are going to just give a normal, feed-them-what-they-want answer. There's no way they're that good at seeing through people. Second, I don't even necessarily think that a "weed-out" question to see if you're really interested in DO is even necessary. If people aren't interested in getting a DO, then I don't think they'd matriculate--have these schools actually had that much experience with people dropping out midway because they realize DO isn't meant for them (instead of only pursuing an MD)?

That said, maybe when they ask that question they're really just looking for you to show that you've done some research on osteopathic medicine, even/especially at a personal level.
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I think that last point is what counts. They want to know that you are not just using them as a backup and that you know what Osteopathic medicine is and what its about rather than simply saying "I'm trying to get in because MD school X wouldnt let me in there."

I'm suprised there is only one off color remark of voodoo or sacred ninja water healing so far. Very nice.... 😉.

I wasnt very creative in my interview unfortunately. I wanted to say everything that you guys have said, I just couldnt get it to sound right in my head, so I played it conservative so I wouldn't sound like an idiot. Apparently it worked 🙂. And I agree that DO students are a bit more laid back than the 40 year old virgins in the allopathic thread. If I had to spend four years with that I'd go crazy probably. Hopefully they chill out a bit before they start residency.
 
rose351 said:
I think that last point is what counts. They want to know that you are not just using them as a backup and that you know what Osteopathic medicine is and what its about rather than simply saying "I'm trying to get in because MD school X wouldnt let me in there."
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But it is a backup for many people who do eventually matriculate, and they just lied. If it really is your backup option, you're not going to come out and admit it anyway.
 
Lokhtar said:
But it is a backup for many people who do eventually matriculate, and they just lied. If it really is your backup option, you're not going to come out and admit it anyway.
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True, and it sucks for you because them will never be truely happy at the DO school. I know that I want to go to DO school, and I dont really care if I get in to any MD schools. DO schools just have the atmosphere and student population that I'm looking for. Not to mention I got in to an amazing one 😀.
 
gasapple said:
[youtube]JixbzFjv_cU[/youtube]
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Ahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!

That was hilarious!
 
rose351 said:
True, and it sucks for you because them will never be truely happy at the DO school. I know that I want to go to DO school, and I dont really care if I get in to any MD schools. DO schools just have the atmosphere and student population that I'm looking for. Not to mention I got in to an amazing one 😀.
Click to expand...

Err, I never mentioned my personal preference. In any case, just because its a backup, that doesn't mean someone can't be happy there. My first choice was a prestigious Ivy for undergrad, but I didn't get in and went to my state school. I would have liked to attend the ivy, but I am perfectly happy where I went. Plus, in medical school admissions, lots of people don't get into their first choice medical school, and are perfectly happy to go to a school that accepts them. There is nothing wrong with that - because otherwise, people would only apply to one school.
 
jappleseed said:
I told my interviewer (as I noticed a nice imac and a powerbook in his office) that osteopathic medicine is like Apple computers, perhaps lesser known but a superior product.
Click to expand...


Nice...and very slick 😉
 
Lokhtar said:
Err, I never mentioned my personal preference. In any case, just because its a backup, that doesn't mean someone can't be happy there. My first choice was a prestigious Ivy for undergrad, but I didn't get in and went to my state school. I would have liked to attend the ivy, but I am perfectly happy where I went. Plus, in medical school admissions, lots of people don't get into their first choice medical school, and are perfectly happy to go to a school that accepts them. There is nothing wrong with that - because otherwise, people would only apply to one school.
Click to expand...

I agree. My undergrad offers "guaranteed transfers" allowing someone to go to another college for their first year and then transfer to Cornell. Most never exercise that option because they found they really liked the school they went to for their freshman year.

I also don't see a problem with answering, "Because I want to be a doctor. I don't have the stats to get into an allopathic school but I don't want to give up on my dream." Obviously, this is a risky answer that may or may not work but if I were the interviewer I would admire this person's dedication to medicine more than some BS answer about how DO is perfect for them. As we all know, there is very little difference b/w a DO and a MD. We're all doctors.
 
I was actually asked this by an MD interviewer. I told him I was really interested in OMM. His reply, "So you're not really into all the philosophy stuff?" My reply, "An MD is just as capable of taking the time to be a good and genuine person and thorough doctor as a DO."
 
Lokhtar said:
Err, I never mentioned my personal preference. In any case, just because its a backup, that doesn't mean someone can't be happy there. My first choice was a prestigious Ivy for undergrad, but I didn't get in and went to my state school. I would have liked to attend the ivy, but I am perfectly happy where I went. Plus, in medical school admissions, lots of people don't get into their first choice medical school, and are perfectly happy to go to a school that accepts them. There is nothing wrong with that - because otherwise, people would only apply to one school.
Click to expand...

There is nothing wrong with your logic ... HOWEVER, most people do not think this way. People who generally use DO schools as a backup aren't using the school itself as a backup, but the DO degree in general as a backup, and that is what I find stupid. If you apply to three schools, #1 choice state allo, #2 DO #3 DO ... and you get into #3 DO instead of #2, then that is fine; you can be happy with that backup. If you apply to 125 MD schools and post threads asking about switching your DO to an MD degree ... that isn't the type of backup you are talking about, and that is what's wrong in my opinion. If people looked at it from your point of view, I wouldn't take any issue with using a specific school as a backup.
 
Because MD's are ******ed.

Say that and see what happens.
 
JaggerPlate said:
TPeople who generally use DO schools as a backup aren't using the school itself as a backup, but the DO degree in general as a backup, and that is what I find stupid.
Click to expand...

But see, I don't think that's a big deal either. So what? People have their own opinions about what a DO does, and I bet all of them will change their mind by the time they finish med school and admit how DO is not an 'inferior' degree in any way. Again, people just want to be doctors, and MD has been the traditional route - so I don't see anything wrong with people preferring to be MD.

I don't subscribe to this opinion (partly because there are no doctors in my family, so no one cares, and I certainly don't), but its a perfectly valid opinion to have.
 
Lokhtar said:
But see, I don't think that's a big deal either. So what? People have their own opinions about what a DO does, and I bet all of them will change their mind by the time they finish med school and admit how DO is not an 'inferior' degree in any way. Again, people just want to be doctors, and MD has been the traditional route - so I don't see anything wrong with people preferring to be MD.

I don't subscribe to this opinion (partly because there are no doctors in my family, so no one cares, and I certainly don't), but its a perfectly valid opinion to have.
Click to expand...

That is where I don't agree. I feel that the people who get a DO and never actually wanted it aren't the type who see it as a way to become a doctor, or half way through realize that everything is the same/doesn't matter in the real world. I think some of them always have a bit of a chip on their shoulder about it ... which is a shame. Could be wrong though, and I hope I am because I don't know how anyone could think DO is inferior in any way.
 
JaggerPlate said:
That is where I don't agree. I feel that the people who get a DO and never actually wanted it aren't the type who see it as a way to become a doctor, or half way through realize that everything is the same/doesn't matter in the real world.
Click to expand...

But thats just life. The guy who wanted to go to Harvard but got into his state school has it exactly the same. The only difference is that in this case, the letters are different.
 
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