Who Here is Choosing a DO School Over an MD Acceptance?

[theone1979]

hey guys,

So I am facing a situation that I didn't expect to present itself, and I'm wondering if anyone is in the same situation, and how they handled it.

This cycle I applied to a ton of DO schools and just 4 MD schools (my 2 state schools and 2 others). My choice to apply primarily DO was due to the fact that I really love the DO philosophy, and I thought my MCAT was not quite competitive enough for most MD schools.

Anyhow, I have been lucky enough to have been accepted to several DO schools, including a 2 that I absolutely loved. However, recently I was unexpectedly interviewed at, and accepted to, my state MD school (NJ).

While I love the DO philosophy, it's not as though I have anything AGAINST MD schools. The problem is that the MD school I was accepted to didn't impress me as much as the 2 DO schools which I fell in love with and was accepted to.

Now I have people telling me that DO schools are great, but if I have the option to attend my state MD school, I should take advantage of it. My feeling is that I loved these 2 DO schools and didn't fall in love with the MD school, so why would I choose the school which didn't blow me away, simply because it will be an MD as opposed to a DO degree?

From all of the research I have done on my own and on this forum, it seems that having a DO degree will not limit my potential as a physician in any way. If this is the case, I find it hard to justify attending the school I liked less, just because of the MD.

I am curious if anyone has faced a similar dilemma (I am reluctant to call this a dilemma since I am aware that it's a great decision to have to make). Can anyone provide any insight? Do you think I am making the right decision by choosing the DO school I loved over the MD school I was lukewarm about? All opinions are welcome. Thanks and good luck to everyone!!

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[Drrrrrr. Celty]

Inb4****storm

If I were you I'd be going to your state school. It's cheaper and it'll provide more residency connections. Not to mention MD's need to only take the USMLE, as a DO you'll probably want to take both the Comlex and the USMLE. Overall a DO school won't inhibit you from being a good physician, the MD school will have better connections and that matters a lot.

 

[NurWollen]

The lower cost of your state school is definately something to consider, but if your feelings about the DO schools you were accepted to and your state school are that polar, I'd go with the DO schools.

 

[theone1979]

Inb4****storm

If I were you I'd be going to your state school. It's cheaper and it'll provide more residency connections. Not to mention MD's need to only take the USMLE, as a DO you'll probably want to take both the Comlex and the USMLE. Overall a DO school won't inhibit you from being a good physician, the MD school will have better connections and that matters a lot.

Thanks for your thoughts.
Regarding the residency connections-I have heard other people state that an MD school will provide me with more residency options, but I'm not sure if this is the case. First, from a purely numerical standpoint, a DO can apply for both DO and MD residencies, while an MD can only apply for MD residencies, so it would seem that the DO actually has MORE options. However I think you may be referring to the possibility that an MD will be favored over DO's when it comes to residency positions. I cannot say this positively, but I am fairly certain that these days, residency directors pay little to no regard, when it comes to whether you are an MD or DO applicant.

As far as taking both the COMLEX and USMLE as a DO, that is certainly a possibility, but I wouldn't let the prospect of possibly having to take a 2nd test determine where I go to med school.

As for the cost- there is no getting around the fact that my state school will be cheaper. It's not night and day...but it is significant, and something I have to consider.

Again, I preferred the DO schools, but I just want to make sure that I won't be hurting my future prospects as a physician in any way by choosing the DO school.

 

[sylvanthus]

Go to the cheaper school. Just because you "fell in love with it" at your interview doesn't mean that the school is genuinely what you think it is.

 

[nlax30]

I would seriously consider taking the cheaper state
MD school option.

Unless something you saw there was just a deal breaker or truly think you'd do better at the DO school I would weigh tuition costs fairly highly here.

While a DO degree ultimately should not hinder any professional goals, there are still highly competitive allopathic programs where it's just flat out harder for a DO to get a foot in door. Then again, those same programs are incredibly hard for MD students as well so who knows....

 

[MLT2MT2DO]

Chalk up another vote for State school. This doesn't even need to be a DO over MD thread. More like a more expensive school over a much more cheaper school thread.

 

[Maybeknot]

However I think you may be referring to the possibility that an MD will be favored over DO's when it comes to residency positions. I cannot say this positively, but I am fairly certain that these days, residency directors pay little to no regard, when it comes to whether you are an MD or DO applicant.

Again, I preferred the DO schools, but I just want to make sure that I won't be hurting my future prospects as a physician in any way by choosing the DO school.

(disclaimer: MD grad here).
It depends on the field.... but I know that for my field (ENT), I don't think a DO applicant has matched into an MD residency in the last 10 years. I've met a handful on the interview trail. Granted, they might have matched at a DO residency (but there are >10x the number of MD residency spots than DO residency spots for ENT).

You will not be considered for certain allopathic residency spots if you have a DO. Generalizing to say that program directors don't care (or don't care much) about the degree is an absolute fallacy.

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

DO's can indeed apply to both MD & DO residency programs. However MD's have program's which will not accept any DO applicants and have an extreme advantage in terms of the more competitive residencies.
But frankly.. knowing how most medical students on this board are.. you're more than likely going to stop attending class after the first year and simply study in your home/apt. As such your love of your school will be very unimportant.

 

[Petypet]

Choosing a public DO school over a public MD school because of location. If you work hard the DO/MD should be a relatively small issue in the long term.

 

[Easy C]

I say be a Dentist.

 

[theone1979]

WOW....I am surprised by the responses here, esp. considering that this is the pre-DO board.

Let's just put the cost issue aside for the moment. Yes it is obviously a big consideration, but I am obviously aware of this aspect and would rather focus on the other issues surrounding this decision.

So, let's just assume for the moment that the schools have identical tuitions, do people still feel I should choose the MD school which didn't do much for me, over a DO school I loved?


Again, I am surprised by the responses. It seems like this section of the forum is filled with pro-DO sentiments and strong assertions that DO=MD in all respects, but then the moment someone gets an MD acceptance, those ideas all fly out the window?

 

[RNwantDO]

WOW....I am surprised by the responses here, esp. considering that this is the pre-DO board.

Let's just put the cost issue aside for the moment. Yes it is obviously a big consideration, but I am obviously aware of this aspect and would rather focus on the other issues surrounding this decision.

So, let's just assume for the moment that the schools have identical tuitions, do people still feel I should choose the MD school which didn't do much for me, over a DO school I loved?


Again, I am surprised by the responses. It seems like this section of the forum is filled with pro-DO sentiments and strong assertions that DO=MD in all respects, but then the moment someone gets an MD acceptance, those ideas all fly out the window?

To me it sounds like people are telling you it makes no real difference between programs. They feel that you should go to the cheaper more recognized school. College is about networking as much as it is about education. Pick the one with the better network, or if all things equal, the cheaper one.

By the by, congratulations on your ability to chose. Personally when I am choosing, I will lean towards the better networked school, cost is not that high on my list of concerns.

 

[Dr.Ray]

I would consider:

1) School's Reputation
2) Location
3) Tuition
4) Field of medicine you are interested

before considering just DO vs. MD

 

[BigBoosting]

Keep in mind rotations as well. With the DO schools, will you be shipped around with a lot of uncertainty or will you stay in one place? Even if you can stay in the same city, are you at a teaching hospital or with preceptors? Does the MD school have a hospital associated with it?

I had the DO/MD choice, and I chose MD because the school is on a major trauma 1 hospital campus and all rotations are done there. The DOs I applied to couldn't touch that with a ten foot pole. Preceptors and small hospitals sprinkled over several states aren't as good (IMO) as an entire hospital with dedicated teachers there just for you. The DO I shadowed told me to take the MD acceptance and run, but I had already decided before then.

 

[Slack3r]

DO=MD as far as practice rights. That doesn't mean biases don't exist in the allopathic world. If you are aiming for any ACGME residency, choosing a DO over an MD school is stupid. Why make it harder for yourself?

Granted, there are quite a few MD residency programs that gladly accept DO's, there are still quite a few that don't. Imposing limitations on yourself before you even start hardly seems like a wise decision.

Not only is the MD school cheaper, you'll have less potential resistance for residency. It's a no-brainer, really.

 

[MLT2MT2DO]

I would consider:

1) School's Reputation
2) Location
3) Tuition
4) Field of medicine you are interested

before considering just DO vs. MD

This, except I'd switch #1 and #3.

 

[87DO15]

WOW....I am surprised by the responses here, esp. considering that this is the pre-DO board.

Let's just put the cost issue aside for the moment. Yes it is obviously a big consideration, but I am obviously aware of this aspect and would rather focus on the other issues surrounding this decision.

So, let's just assume for the moment that the schools have identical tuitions, do people still feel I should choose the MD school which didn't do much for me, over a DO school I loved?


Again, I am surprised by the responses. It seems like this section of the forum is filled with pro-DO sentiments and strong assertions that DO=MD in all respects, but then the moment someone gets an MD acceptance, those ideas all fly out the window?

I've heard that once you're out of residency and looking for positions, the DO/MD thing does not really matter. But coming to a DO school, you should know that there are hurdles you have to overcome. Many ACGME residencies prefer the USMLE to the COMLEX, so you'll probably end up taking both if you got the DO route. The allopathic school is likely tied to residencies where you can rotate, thus enabling you to get LORs from well-known people (not saying this isn't possible in the osteopathic route, but it's more difficult).

And as the actual doctor above said, there are some residencies that flat out won't look at DO applicants. The climate is changing, as osteopathic schools are increasing in numbers, but right now, there are still many more MDs than DOs. Practice rights are absolutely equal, and once you've finished residency and are board certified, I think most bias goes out the window. (I say most because I've seen physician sites where all 30 radiologists in a group graduated from Top 15 schools, and there isn't a single DO there). You won't have any problems finding a good job, though, regardless of any bias.

The state MD school will likely be a cheaper option that is more recognized by any residency. In other words, you likely won't be closing any doors before the director has even looked at your board scores and GPAs. I know that NYU IM does not accept osteopathic graduates (verified by a quick Google search). This is obviously just one program, but you'll see that a state MD school has more networking options and is probably the safer choice.

Now, the DO=MD thing is in regards to training and ability. Honestly, how good you are depends only on you, not the letters or even the school. Professors can guide you, but you're going to have to take up the task of the actual learning. Having an MD behind your name does not mean you are a better doctor than a DO, or vice versa.

I'm starting at a DO school in the fall, so people may see me as just another pre-med giving advice, but I've done my research. Just through family friends, I've talked with 20-30 MD/DO in the past few years. All pretty much said the same thing, that MD=DO, and that it really doesn't make a difference in practice. They said there are very few elitist doctors who look down on everyone else, DOs included, but that it means absolutely nothing in practice and these guys are a minority. After speaking with them, I have no qualms about going to an osteopathic school. If you choose the DO, you're not going to have any big problems. Just be aware of any possible hurdles before you make your decision. (And I don't want to reiterate the point, but if the state MD is cheaper, why wouldn't you want to go there? You'll likely be doing most of your work at home anyways)

I'm betting at least 1 person comes on here and flames me for the post, but w/e.

 

[angryazn88]

i think you should go to the school you love more just cause you dont wanna get stuck at a place you dont like. its true what they say about the residencies how its easier to get into allopathic residencies but it really depends on what field you wanna get into.

 

[Easy C]

So, let's just assume for the moment that the schools have identical tuitions, do people still feel I should choose the MD school which didn't do much for me, over a DO school I loved?

Again, I am surprised by the responses. It seems like this section of the forum is filled with pro-DO sentiments and strong assertions that DO=MD in all respects, but then the moment someone gets an MD acceptance, those ideas all fly out the window?

I think its interesting that if you look back at all of these posts and take out the DO or MD reference then you get a few common things:

1.) State school is better when looking at cost, simple
2.) If you want to go with your gut about how you felt then go with it

It almost seems as if you need some affirmation that if you choose a DO school over this MD acceptance that you are doing the right thing. I don't think any of us can tell you that.


In the end we all want to be a physician, but is it the Degree, Cost, or whatever that you care more about when achieving that goal?

 

[Sloopy52]

Though I am neither a doctor nor a medical student (just have a bachelor’s and considering DO med school), I don’t know how much credibility I have here, but I have had a lot of experience shadowing a DO who utilizes OMM and brings a deep passion for the osteopathic philosophy into her family practice. It seems to me that the difference between the two schools of thought are often overlooked just because both have the same practicing rights. However, from what I have read and observed, osteopathy is distinctively different from allopathy in its view of the body. What I am getting at here is…go to the program that feels right to you and that you feel resonates best with your view of medicine. If the philosophy is appealing to you and you loved the feel of the program more than the MD program, don’t dismiss that and only base your decision on money. I, too, realize that if I choose to apply to DO med school I will have years of debt ahead of me, but if you love what you do (and love the philosophy that will serve as the base for what you do) it will most likely be worth the cost. Yes, some might call me miserably naïve…and yes, you could say years from now that you should’ve pursued the cheapest route possible, but based on your reasons for liking the DO programs better, it sounds like a DO program is the best fit.

 

[rtm903]

WOW....I am surprised by the responses here, esp. considering that this is the pre-DO board.

Let's just put the cost issue aside for the moment. Yes it is obviously a big consideration, but I am obviously aware of this aspect and would rather focus on the other issues surrounding this decision.

So, let's just assume for the moment that the schools have identical tuitions, do people still feel I should choose the MD school which didn't do much for me, over a DO school I loved?


Again, I am surprised by the responses. It seems like this section of the forum is filled with pro-DO sentiments and strong assertions that DO=MD in all respects, but then the moment someone gets an MD acceptance, those ideas all fly out the window?

I feel ya. I'm sort of in the same situation in PA between PCOM and TCMC. I really love PCOM, and TCMC is so new / doesn't have their reputation yet so I'm favoring PCOM now but it's not set in stone. You can be a great physician at either an MD or DO school, and I've seen examples of both. You need to pick the school that you feel will train YOU to be the kind of physician YOU want to be.

It'll be a hard decision, and there's no wrong answer. Good luck and let me know what you decide!

 

[FrkyBgStok]

i am going to go against the obvious grain and say go where you would be the happiest. if you not being happy at the MD school will take away from your studies, then don't go. if you really don't want to go, then don't. as a qualifier though, i would choose my local DO school over a full ride out of state because of my support here. but i have school age kids, family in the area, a wife with a good job, and have never lived anywhere but here.

 

[JW08]

hey guys,

Do you think I am making the right decision by choosing the DO school I loved over the MD school I was lukewarm about? All opinions are welcome. Thanks and good luck to everyone!!

Unless you are planning on going to Family Med or wanna be OMM specialist, picking DO school doesn't make sense over MD.

 

[nlax30]

Unless you are planning on going to Family Med or wanna be OMM specialist, picking DO school doesn't make sense over MD.

Well that is just a flat out gross over simplification and IMHO just wrong.

There are many reasons people pick one school over another (whether DO or MD)... curriculum, location, tuition, rotations, etc...

There are MANY options that are fully open to DO than just FP and OMM/NMM, even in the MD world.

Yea, if he was dead set on something like derm, plastics, neurosurg then yea, might want to do MD over DO.

 

[Kevin Baker]

Every MD and DO I've spoken to has said to attend an MD school over a DO one if given the option. Every non MD/DO that knows of both paths has said to go where I'll be happiest.

That said, I'm choosing DO. It was that or spending 4 years at a rural MD school where I know I wouldn't be happy. Tuition at both places was about equal.

If money is even a slight issue, I'd go to the state school. Your state may be broke, and in state tuition is pretty high, but it is still a decent discount to most other schools.

If money isn't an issue, I'd go where you think you can do well and be happy. I also wouldn't give too much weight to how a school looked on interview day. I took a private trip up to touro-ca before my interview, and it looked a lot different on interview day. But don't underestimate the impact of certain factors: family, friends, knowing the area, etc.

 

[JapaneseSakura]

I've heard that DO schools, for the learning environment, is more about learning and getting the material than rushing as compared to MD. Some people actually got shamed really bad during class for MD for not knowing the answer.

Also, I think some people would choose a MD over a DO because of the idea of being a "real" doctor, which is so ignorant. They are both doctors, just different philosophies. They get paid the same!

As for residency's concerned, DO students have the option of participating both DO and MD.

 

[theone1979]

Unless you are planning on going to Family Med or wanna be OMM specialist, picking DO school doesn't make sense over MD.

There have been some valid insights in this thread....the above quote is not one of them.

 

[munchymanRX]

I've heard that DO schools, for the learning environment, is more about learning and getting the material than rushing as compared to MD. Some people actually got shamed really bad during class for MD for not knowing the answer.

This has nothing to do with DO vs. MD and more to do with Good curriculum/approach to learning vs. bad curriculum/approach to learning.

This varies on a school by school basis.

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

I've heard that DO schools, for the learning environment, is more about learning and getting the material than rushing as compared to MD. Some people actually got shamed really bad during class for MD for not knowing the answer.

As for residency's concerned, DO students have the option of participating both DO and MD.

A solid like 70%+ of medical school students ( Provided the school doesn't require attendance which most DO & MD schools don't) don't even attend class. The learning environment for the most part will involve you.. a pile of paper's and books.... some podcasts.. a good coffee machine... and then Kaplan or some program which will prep you for the boards.

 

[MLT2MT2DO]

Every MD and DO I've spoken to has said to attend an MD school over a DO one if given the option. Every non MD/DO that knows of both paths has said to go where I'll be happiest.
.

n=2? Every MD/DO that I know says go where you'll be happiest. Every non MD/DO says, "what's a DO?".

 

[Dr Yiot]

I am a nj res. if you were accepted ton njms or rwj, yes i think you would be crazy not taking that acceptance. As a fan of rural areas I would hate living anywhere even remotely near both campuses. However there is more to chosing a school than just the feel you got during interview day. look at COST,(since your IS its pretty cheap even with the current tuition hikes) Rotations(DING DING DING its UMDNJ, nuff said, you get to rotate through RWJ and a bunch of excellent places), they place people in crazy residencies all the time and ofcourse the name. You have to realize that you could be happier. In my oppinion this is NOT an MD vs. DO. Its a better rotations and cheaper school vs. more expensive and I have no idea where you got in so I cant comment on rotations. The pathology and cases youll see and umdnj is huge. And this goes for even if you got into UMDNJ SOM. its just such a huge school and at a great price. I dont think you could give that up. Take it from a NJ rez who didnt hear anything from them. and attend.

although I have heard crazy things are happening in the state like rowan taking rotation sites and rutgers getting back either rwj or njms I cant remember.

 

[Styria]

There are MDs out there who are osteopaths. And few of those did that OMT workshop or whatever it is at Harvard - there are other, probably better ways. So even if you go the MD route, you can get the rest in later. It just might be more difficult.

I'm always in favor of DO, but remember that even go this route (which is a start), osteopathic medicine is still learned through mentors.

If you end up MD and want books and other references to get in the osteopathic thought in all these processes, let me know.

 

[cliquesh]

The only reasons to go to a DO school over an MD school are 1) if the DO school is significantly cheaper or 2) you like the location of the DO school better or 3) you love OMM. The osteopathic philosophy isn't unique and you could buy an OMM book and teach it yourself. That is what I do, anyway.

 

[JapaneseSakura]

This has nothing to do with DO vs. MD and more to do with Good curriculum/approach to learning vs. bad curriculum/approach to learning.

This varies on a school by school basis.

Noooope, I don't think you understand what I mean. Also, what is considered "Good" vs "bad" learning approach anyways? Some medical schools don't require attendence and require you to learn on your own. If you are not that type of learner, then you would think that is a bad approach to learn and I would think that's an excellent approach to learn, considering I can easily study on my own. I am not talking about that. Also, How is it what I just said relate to good curriculum approach to learning vs. bad curriculum approach to learning where MD and DO both do indeed have DIFFERENT curriculum approach to DIFFERENT philosophies of medicine? That is what I am saying, not approach to learning.

A solid like 70%+ of medical school students ( Provided the school doesn't require attendance which most DO & MD schools don't) don't even attend class. The learning environment for the most part will involve you.. a pile of paper's and books.... some podcasts.. a good coffee machine... and then Kaplan or some program which will prep you for the boards.

Now that's my kind of learning! (^*^)

The osteopathic philosophy isn't unique and you could buy an OMM book and teach it yourself. That is what I do, anyway.

I agree.

 

[DrLeon]

I don't even know where to begin... It seems like we are ignoring a lot of things here. For those that say you limit yourself in residencies if you don't go MD, are you aware that there are DO residencies in just about every field and MDs can't even apply to those? Also, who's to say that the OP wants a residency that not even top percentile MDs are guaranteed to get. You should assume everyone wants to do crazy surgery residencies or derm (btw I know a dermatologist who graduated from PCOM). Secondly, costs do differ, but there are always scholarship opportunities like merit based when you get to second year that will offset the difference and talking to financial aid will go a long way if money is an issues (you will also be able to pay back any debt you acquire and then some in the future). Lastly, just because a lot of students don't attend class doesn't mean OP will be like them, he may be front and center for every class and what about outside of class? One should want an environment where they can get involved with their school outside of class and feel great about it whether it be student organizations of clinics. There is a lot more involved in med school than just paying money and attending/ not attending class. I personally let cost determine my choice between two schools I absolutely loved (PCOM & UMDNJ SOM). If cost is not that big of an issue go to the school that you feel the would be the best fit as far as curriculum, student activities and relationships you build while you're there.

 

[Slack3r]

Well that is just a flat out gross over simplification and IMHO just wrong.

There are many reasons people pick one school over another (whether DO or MD)... curriculum, location, tuition, rotations, etc...

There are MANY options that are fully open to DO than just FP and OMM/NMM, even in the MD world.

Yea, if he was dead set on something like derm, plastics, neurosurg then yea, might want to do MD over DO.

Fully open may not be entirely true. You will still find many programs across many specialties (yes, even excluding derm, plastics, nsurg, rad onc, etc) that rarely, if ever, take DO's. Is it right? Probably not. Is it the reality? Sadly, yes.

Example: Harbor-UCLA's EM program doesn't take DO's. There are many, many examples like this.

 

[athadam]

The more I know about the residency situation (esp in Cali), the more I regret not applying for MD schools.

 

[87DO15]

Fully open may not be entirely true. You will still find many programs across many specialties (yes, even excluding derm, plastics, nsurg, rad onc, etc) that rarely, if ever, take DO's. Is it right? Probably not. Is it the reality? Sadly, yes.

Example: Harbor-UCLA's EM program doesn't take DO's. There are many, many examples like this.

Harbor is one of the top ranked EM residencies though, isn't it, at least in terms of notoriety and prestige? There are plenty of MDs who don't get into those programs either, but I understand your point (I mentioned NYU IM doesn't take DOs either).

On the other hand, there are plenty of good residencies which do take DO students. It's going to be more competitive with the increasing class sizes, but there are a lot of options still out there for DO grads. I do agree that the OP should take the MD spot because of the connections in terms of visiting rotations and residencies, etc.

 

[Brachyury]

My choice to apply primarily DO was due to the fact that I really love the DO philosophy, and I thought my MCAT was not quite competitive enough for most MD schools.

The 'DO philosophy' is a bunch of BS: every allopathic school will teach you to treat the whole patient

 

[DrLeon]

The 'DO philosophy' is a bunch of BS: every allopathic school will teach you to treat the whole patient

You sir do not know the Osteo philosophy. It goes deeper than that; the Osteo philosophy is about not being afraid to lay your hands on a patient to help diagnose and treat them (where omm comes int) in addition to treating the whole patient. And btw, allopathic medicine didn't always have this as part of their philosphy, and has only recently adopted it in medical history.

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

You sir do not know the Osteo philosophy. It goes deeper than that; the Osteo philosophy is about not being afraid to lay your hands on a patient to help diagnose and treat them (where omm comes int) in addition to treating the whole patient. And btw, allopathic medicine didn't always have this as part of their philosphy, and has only recently adopted it in medical history.

I'm sorry, but that is the weakest argument I've ever heard in my entire life. It's so weak that I can't even use a Kanye Meme.

Honestly I'll be frank.. when I am applying to MD & DO schools in the coming years. I will choose to attend the one that I get into that can best prepare me. If the best school that accepts me is a DO school then I'll attend without looking back. But it won't be because of the DO philosophy, it'll be because I want to be a doctor.
Idk why people constantly feel the need to make themselves look foolish with this talk of the DO philosophy being more partial to me or what not. It reeks of you trying to rationalize to others and to yourself that are attending a DO school.

 

[munchymanRX]

Noooope, I don't think you understand what I mean. Also, what is considered "Good" vs "bad" learning approach anyways? Some medical schools don't require attendence and require you to learn on your own. If you are not that type of learner, then you would think that is a bad approach to learn and I would think that's an excellent approach to learn, considering I can easily study on my own. I am not talking about that. Also, How is it what I just said relate to good curriculum approach to learning vs. bad curriculum approach to learning where MD and DO both do indeed have DIFFERENT curriculum approach to DIFFERENT philosophies of medicine? That is what I am saying, not approach to learning.

No, they don't. If you think that 'the holistic philsophy' (assuming you mean treating the whole patient, etc.) is something that's unique to DO education, you're severely misinformed. Most major medical schools in the country will hammer home this patient-centric model of care, not just the osteopathic ones. Additionally, if you compare curricula at DO and MD schools, you'll find no dichotomy between the two. The same courses are taken, the same general timeline for classes is followed (with a few exceptions), and I'm still trying to figure out how my education will be any worse than my allopathic counterparts from a didactic point of view.

 

[Brachyury]

You sir do not know the Osteo philosophy. It goes deeper than that; the Osteo philosophy is about not being afraid to lay your hands on a patient to help diagnose and treat them (where omm comes int) in addition to treating the whole patient. And btw, allopathic medicine didn't always have this as part of their philosphy, and has only recently adopted it in medical history.

You're right: my allopathic med school forbids me from touching patients. In fact, we were told that palpation and percussion is psuedoscience

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

No, they don't. If you think that 'the holistic philsophy' (assuming you mean treating the whole patient, etc.) is something that's unique to DO education, you're severely misinformed. Most major medical schools in the country will hammer home this patient-centric model of care, not just the osteopathic ones. Additionally, if you compare curricula at DO and MD schools, you'll find no dichotomy between the two. The same courses are taken, the same general timeline for classes is followed (with a few exceptions), and I'm still trying to figure out how my education will be any worse than my allopathic counterparts from a didactic point of view.

There is no difference in curriculum. The only exception is that DO's spend time on OMM and that pushes back the timeline for starting 2nd year courses ( Comparison of MSU-COM & MSU-CHM). Effectively you're being fed the same books and lectures that the MD's are.

 

[DrLeon]

I'm sorry, but that is the weakest argument I've ever heard in my entire life. It's so weak that I can't even use a Kanye Meme.

Explain the weakness instead of dismissing it. While treating mind, body and soul is an important part of the DO philosophy, the main point is the laying on hands of the physician to diagnose and treat (some problems). A.T. Still founed osteopathic medicine on the basis of prevention and treating the entire problem. Just because MDs now ALSO have that philosophy doesn't make DO less relevant. Also, look at the term allopathic; it means other than the problem, and it was coined by Hahneman (the homeopathic Dr.) Speaking of homeopathy, we only have evidence based treatments because of them, so they contributed to the overall philosophy of medicine too. Know where your practices originate

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

Alright.. Game over the thread has become a gigantic pissing match of DO v.s MD...
But wait... a challenger appears!

 

[Brachyury]

Explain the weakness instead of dismissing it. While treating mind, body and soul is an important part of the DO philosophy, the main point is the laying on hands of the physician to diagnose and treat (some problems). A.T. Still founed osteopathic medicine on the basis of prevention and treating the entire problem. Just because MDs now ALSO have that philosophy doesn't make DO less relevant. Also, look at the term allopathic; it means other than the problem, and it was coined by Hahneman (the homeopathic Dr.) Speaking of homeopathy, we only have evidence based treatments because of them, so they contributed to the overall philosophy of medicine too. Know where your practices originate

Can you tell me more about cranial OMM?

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

Explain the weakness instead of dismissing it. While treating mind, body and soul is an important part of the DO philosophy, the main point is the laying on hands of the physician to diagnose and treat (some problems). A.T. Still founed osteopathic medicine on the basis of prevention and treating the entire problem. Just because MDs now ALSO have that philosophy doesn't make DO less relevant. Also, look at the term allopathic; it means other than the problem, and it was coined by Hahneman (the homeopathic Dr.) Speaking of homeopathy, we only have evidence based treatments because of them, so they contributed to the overall philosophy of medicine too. Know where your practices originate

No.. seriously.. are you kidding me? MD's just slob the patient with disinfectant and tell the nurse to touch point A & B.
Secondly you're not treating the mind and body more than a MD is. Further more allopath as a term isn't an argument.

 

[Slack3r]

Just because MDs now ALSO have that philosophy doesn't make DO less relevant.

You're right. It just makes your "DO philosophy" argument irrelevant.