Why D.O?

[vin5cent0]

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Just wondering why you guys are pursuing the osteopathic route. Is it grades or something else? Is there anything that makes you prefer the Osteopathic route over the Allopathic route?

Right now, my grades are pretty average. Seems like most people going the M.D route are 3.8+. I'm nowhere near that, but I'm not sure if the effort is worth pursuing a D.O degree and then have people questioning my opinion for the rest of my life since I'm not an M.D.

 

[275079]

http://www.massgeneral.org/heartcenter/doctors/doctor.aspx?ID=17575

 

[Bacchus]

http://www.massgeneral.org/heartcenter/doctors/doctor.aspx?ID=17575

And he didn't even go to PCOM!

 

[Harry Bahgina]

http://www.massgeneral.org/heartcenter/doctors/doctor.aspx?ID=17575

That guys right eye is severly crooked.

 

[275079]

And he didn't even go to PCOM!

Probably a typo.

 

[Deepa100]

It did not matter to me whether I was a DO or MD. Just wanted to be a doctor.
My MCAT scores could've been better. I am sure I would have improved if I retook. But, I did not see the point of it. Now I am glad I did not waste another year on MCAT. There is nothing wrong with the DO route.

Just wondering why you guys are pursuing the osteopathic route. Is it grades or something else? Is there anything that makes you prefer the Osteopathic route over the Allopathic route?

Right now, my grades are pretty average. Seems like most people going the M.D route are 3.8+. I'm nowhere near that, but I'm not sure if the effort is worth pursuing a D.O degree and then have people questioning my opinion for the rest of my life since I'm not an M.D.

 

[Octagonecology]

Just wondering why you guys are pursuing the osteopathic route. Is it grades or something else? Is there anything that makes you prefer the Osteopathic route over the Allopathic route?

Right now, my grades are pretty average. Seems like most people going the M.D route are 3.8+. I'm nowhere near that, but I'm not sure if the effort is worth pursuing a D.O degree and then have people questioning my opinion for the rest of my life since I'm not an M.D.

I agree someone like you should not go into medicine.

 

[hopefuldoc87]

Just wondering why you guys are pursuing the osteopathic route. Is it grades or something else? Is there anything that makes you prefer the Osteopathic route over the Allopathic route?

Right now, my grades are pretty average. Seems like most people going the M.D route are 3.8+. I'm nowhere near that, but I'm not sure if the effort is worth pursuing a D.O degree and then have people questioning my opinion for the rest of my life since I'm not an M.D.

It's not worth the effort. You'll just become a doctor, that's all.

 

[hopefuldoc87]

I agree someone like you should not go into medicine.

Ouch.

+1...but ouch nonetheless.

 

[rkaz]

Just wondering why you guys are pursuing the osteopathic route. Is it grades or something else? Is there anything that makes you prefer the Osteopathic route over the Allopathic route?

Right now, my grades are pretty average. Seems like most people going the M.D route are 3.8+. I'm nowhere near that, but I'm not sure if the effort is worth pursuing a D.O degree and then have people questioning my opinion for the rest of my life since I'm not an M.D.

Hi there. Ignore the stupid comments people have posted above.... they always tend to put worthless comments whenever these 'DO vs MD' threads come up. You seem to be genuinely asking the question, so I will give you a genuine answer.

You can be a physician either route. You will get a solid education either way. The only difference of going the DO route is that you receive OMM training in addition to your medical curriculum, so you will have some manual therapy skills as well. Right now DO schools are slightly easier to get into than MD schools (for no other reason than the DO title), though the stats seem to be continually increasing. If you are unsure of your stats being good enough to get into an MD school, now is a good time to jump onto the DO bandwagon, as you will have an opportunity to become a physician with additional OMM training this way. Some people have considered overseas opportunities for getting their MD, but from everything I was advised while going through this process myself... it seems going the DO route will afford you more opportunities than going overseas for an MD if you want to work in the US.

Although the majority of DO students would have preferred to go to an MD school if they had the chance, this is not true in all cases. There are a number of people who got into MD schools but chose to become DOs because they wanted to learn some OMM therapy in addition to medicine - as it gives a physician more options when treating a patient. Some people may also choose to go DO over MD if the DO school is closer to their home (as having family support during med school is very helpful, if possible). So with either a US MD or DO degree, you will have plenty of options as a physician. I have shadowed DOs in the past whose patients absolutely adored them and said they were the best physicians ever. So although a US MD degree would give someone the most options, both MD or DO degrees would be fine choices, and you'll have a bright future either way. Hope this advice is more constructive that the above comments.

 

[MarieMarie]

I have a mild interest in OMM and in my experience, DOs make better PCPs. 🙂

 

[Laiba]

I agree someone like you should not go into medicine.

and someone like you should? you are so fast in judging that someone like OP shouldnt go into medicine just based on one post where he asked a question and stated how he felt about his grades etc? wow and I thought doctors arent supposed to be so quick in judging and take a lot of things into perspective before having such extreme views, oh you just shouldnt go into medicine.

Anyways, I agree with rkaz. Ignore the stupid comments above. I dont know why people get all fired up whenever someone tries to compare MD to DO. I mean you could be new to all this and just discovering all the possibilities and theres gotta be some place to start.
Anyways, I personally dont choose DO over MD or vice versa. Both are pretty much the same except for some things like OMM. DO focuses more on the whole body while MD treats the problem in question. I think both are amazing philosophies and both work. Unless you specifically believe in ONE way of treatment and NOT the other, you may go either route and probably will achieve what you want to. Both are doctors, Both are accepted in US and both can pretty much go into any residency if you work hard enough. Yes DO averages might be a LITTLE bit lower, but every year they are increasing and becoming very close to being as competitive as MD.

I would advise you to do a little bit more research on Osteopathic medicine. If you dont think it works for you, then dont go that route. Apply only MD. If it does, then apply both. 🙂

 

[wongb18c]

There is nothing wrong with asking what you asked OP, the above answer provided tells most, if not all the truth about the DO route. Don't let people tell you you shouldn't go into medicine, you should if you are able to.

Although the majority of DO students would have preferred to go to an MD school if they had the chance, this is not true in all cases.

The above quote is absolutely true with very minor exceptions. In most cases, it is absolutely without a doubt as you said - grades and MCAT scores that's the deciding factor whether one attends MD or a DO program . If anyone tries to tell you otherwise with various reasons that they might throw at you, they're not telling you how they really feel deep down in their hearts. We all know it, MD schools know it, DO schools know it. That's the way it is, there's a reason why DO schools have lower average MCAT scores and GPA's. There's also a reason why you pay high tuition just like any MD program to attend a DO program. It all comes down to making money... everything in this society boils down to it. Like they say, sometimes the truth isn't very pretty.

 

[beckhunter116]

I think that people tend to post the more negative posts b/c the OP comes here and asks questions with no prior look into osteopathic medicine. Long before I ever posted a question in any forum on here I looked around. Read the stickies at the top of the forum. Googled osteopathic medicine and read most of the links that came up. Then when I had a question I asked, but I always tried to ask educated questions. Not the standard why be a DO don't you think you will be looked down upon for the rest of your life?

 

[beckhunter116]

That guys right eye is severly crooked.

OMG terribly so!!!!

 

[Laiba]

I think that people tend to post the more negative posts b/c the OP comes here and asks questions with no prior look into osteopathic medicine. Long before I ever posted a question in any forum on here I looked around. Read the stickies at the top of the forum. Googled osteopathic medicine and read most of the links that came up. Then when I had a question I asked, but I always tried to ask educated questions. Not the standard why be a DO don't you think you will be looked down upon for the rest of your life?

Yes, anyone should first look around and research before asking. But hey, most information found on these forums can be found SOMEWHERE else on the internet. Some have the time to look through and research, some find it more convenient to ask. Maybe they are new and thats just what they understand is the first thing one should do. People need to understand and not assume that everyone should have all the information THEY have from sdn of wherever. If you dont want to retype an answer for someone that you might have typed somewher ELSE, dont do it! You can give them a link, tell them where they can find an answer, or just stay quiet and wait for others to answer it. Why judge and bring someones morale down by telling them they shouldnt go into medicine just cause they didnt know exactly how DO compares with MD.

 

[ArkansasRanger]

I'm not committed to any school of thought when it comes to medicine - osteopathic or allopathic. What I do like about the DO route, however, is that by and large the DO "school," as depicted on this website, seems friendlier and more laid back. Also, their grade and test score requirements aren't as stiff thus allowing real people to do real things beyond classwork.

 

[hopefuldoc87]

I think that people tend to post the more negative posts b/c the OP comes here and asks questions with no prior look into osteopathic medicine. Long before I ever posted a question in any forum on here I looked around. Read the stickies at the top of the forum. Googled osteopathic medicine and read most of the links that came up. Then when I had a question I asked, but I always tried to ask educated questions. Not the standard why be a DO don't you think you will be looked down upon for the rest of your life?

QFT.

It just seems that nowadays, people aren't putting the time into researching things as important as their careers. They just want others to tell them the answer and explain everything. It's blatantly obvious the poster is misinformed (thinks you need a 3.8+ to go MD), which if he/she took the time and looked up ANYWHERE would find (3.5 for applicants, 3.6 for matriculants http://www.aamc.org/data/facts/2008/2008mcatgpa.htm ) There's even a box that pops up when you type the title of the thread in to show you previous threads that relate to yours!

 

[hopefuldoc87]

Yes, anyone should first look around and research before asking. But hey, most information found on these forums can be found SOMEWHERE else on the internet. Some have the time to look through and research, some find it more convenient to ask. Maybe they are new and thats just what they understand is the first thing one should do. People need to understand and not assume that everyone should have all the information THEY have from sdn of wherever. If you dont want to retype an answer for someone that you might have typed somewher ELSE, dont do it! You can give them a link, tell them where they can find an answer, or just stay quiet and wait for others to answer it. Why judge and bring someones morale down by telling them they shouldnt go into medicine just cause they didnt know exactly how DO compares with MD.

You've been on here, what, all of 2 months?

I know you're trying to be helpful and suggesting "If you don't have anything nice, don't say anything at all". What's the worst thing I said? I said sarcastically that it's worth the effort to become a DO because in the end, you'll be a doctor. People on SDN need to grow a thicker skin, especially if they want to become physicians.

OP, sorry if I was rude.

 

[RogueUnicorn]

You've been on here, what, all of 2 months?

I know you're trying to be helpful and suggesting "If you don't have anything nice, don't say anything at all". What's the worst thing I said? I said sarcastically that it's worth the effort to become a DO because in the end, you'll be a doctor. People on SDN need to grow a thicker skin, especially if they want to become physicians.

OP, sorry if I was rude.

clearly this is highly relevant. i grovel before your your internet seniority.

 

[Laiba]

You've been on here, what, all of 2 months?

I know you're trying to be helpful and suggesting "If you don't have anything nice, don't say anything at all". What's the worst thing I said? I said sarcastically that it's worth the effort to become a DO because in the end, you'll be a doctor. People on SDN need to grow a thicker skin, especially if they want to become physicians.

OP, sorry if I was rude.

Hold on, what does it mean to start of your post by telling me that Ive been here for 2 months? what does that have to do with ANYTHING i said above?

Firsteval, I didnt even quote you so I dont know why you are asnwering me as if i asked you something. Second, umm yes its pretty bad to say you shouldnt go into medicine because you asked something you are expected to know. I dont see how/why if someone wants to become a physicians they need to be rude??

And I would appreciate if you could explain to me how me being here for 2 months relates to all this?

 

[beckhunter116]

Yes, anyone should first look around and research before asking. But hey, most information found on these forums can be found SOMEWHERE else on the internet. Some have the time to look through and research, some find it more convenient to ask. Maybe they are new and thats just what they understand is the first thing one should do. People need to understand and not assume that everyone should have all the information THEY have from sdn of wherever. If you dont want to retype an answer for someone that you might have typed somewher ELSE, dont do it! You can give them a link, tell them where they can find an answer, or just stay quiet and wait for others to answer it. Why judge and bring someones morale down by telling them they shouldnt go into medicine just cause they didnt know exactly how DO compares with MD.

I don't think I was judging the OP. I was giving an example as to why the OP may get negative responses.

Anyways, I have no problem with people interested in osteopathic medicine as I am only applying that route and I see nothing inferior about it. Yes, the averages are slightly lower, but at the end of 4 years people will be calling both DO's and MD's doctor. It is that responsibility that I care about, not the letters following my name.

I can see how people get pissy on here because the OP didn't come here asking information about osteopathy, A. T. Still, any specific school, OMT, or any other relevant information about osteopathic medicine. The OP stated "I'm not sure if the effort is worth pursuing a D.O degree."

I can understand telling people if they have nothing nice to say, then say nothing at all; however, someone should also inform people that they shouldn't degrade something if they know nothing about it.

 

[hopefuldoc87]

And I would appreciate if you could explain to me how me being here for 2 months relates to all this?

You haven't been involved in countless similar threads.

The OP stated "I'm not sure if the effort is worth pursuing a D.O degree."

I can understand telling people if they have nothing nice to say, then say nothing at all; however, someone should also inform people that they shouldn't degrade something if they know nothing about it.

Which is the part I addressed. It irked me too.

 

[Laiba]

I don't think I was judging the OP. I was giving an example as to why the OP may get negative responses.

Anyways, I have no problem with people interested in osteopathic medicine as I am only applying that route and I see nothing inferior about it. Yes, the averages are slightly lower, but at the end of 4 years people will be calling both DO's and MD's doctor. It is that responsibility that I care about, not the letters following my name.

I can see how people get pissy on here because the OP didn't come here asking information about osteopathy, A. T. Still, any specific school, OMT, or any other relevant information about osteopathic medicine. The OP stated "I'm not sure if the effort is worth pursuing a D.O degree."

I can understand telling people if they have nothing nice to say, then say nothing at all; however, someone should also inform people that they shouldn't degrade something if they know nothing about it.

lol. beckhunter I wasnt pointing at you when I said people judge if someone should go into medicine or not. I was talking about the other people who said that. You did not judge OP and yes I agreed with you that people should search before posting. But once in a while if someone doesnt, be forgiving, asnwer, or stay quiet 🙂
Yes they shudnt degrade if they know nothing about it, but we have to understand that there IS a stigma involved with being a DO in the general population. The OP might have heard stuff about going DO route and took it to be true. Hey I did the same...a few months back even I wasnt ready to go DO route cause a lot of people told me that its not a "real" doctor. I researched myself and found out how wrong all that was 🙂
Theres gotta be someplace you start. Either by looking around the forums or coming here and posting a thread about whatever comes to your mind. If someones new, they sometimes tend to find it easier to just ask instead or searching etc. In that case, people should help them search, post links for them or something to guide them, instead of saying they just shouldnt go into medicine.

And I hope I made it clear that I never meant that you were judging etc.

 

[Laiba]

You haven't been involved in countless similar threads.

And so I'm not qualified enough to tell someone that its pretty stupid to say you shouldnt go into medicine if you asked one question that you werent supposed to. RIGHT.

 

[hopefuldoc87]

And so I'm not qualified enough to tell someone that its pretty stupid to say you shouldnt go into medicine if you asked one question that you werent supposed to. RIGHT.

You haven't been around to see people ask the same exact thing OVER and OVER again. I don't know why I'm being a jerk to you. Sorry.

I guess it's SDN burnout. 🙁

 

[vin5cent0]

QFT.

It just seems that nowadays, people aren't putting the time into researching things as important as their careers. They just want others to tell them the answer and explain everything. It's blatantly obvious the poster is misinformed (thinks you need a 3.8+ to go MD), which if he/she took the time and looked up ANYWHERE would find (3.5 for applicants, 3.6 for matriculants http://www.aamc.org/data/facts/2008/2008mcatgpa.htm ) There's even a box that pops up when you type the title of the thread in to show you previous threads that relate to yours!

Uh, reading > you. I didn't say anywhere you NEEDED a 3.8, I just said that was the average (from what I've seen poking around).

Six schools I picked off of mdapplicants, completely random:

Interviewed, Accepted (~MCAT 37.4, ~GPA 3.75):

Interviewed, Accepted (~MCAT 29.4, ~GPA 3.47):

Interviewed, Accepted (~MCAT 38.0, ~GPA 3.85):

Interviewed, Accepted (~MCAT 34.6, ~GPA 3.62):

Interviewed, Accepted (~MCAT 35.9, ~GPA 3.86):

Interviewed, Accepted (~MCAT 38.4, ~GPA 3.79):

Average GPA of those schools: 3.72. Close enough to what I said. The random 3.47 is pulling down the average, but that's all. I never said that's what is required to get in, but when your GPA is 3.3, 3.5, 3.55, etc, obviously you're at a disadvantage quite a bit.

And FWIW, I have put research time into things such as MD vs DO. Sometimes it's just nice to get others' perspectives from it (aimed at all of the jackasses in this thread making stupid assumptions and remarks).

Thanks to those who have actually put in a quality reply. Much appreciated as that's what I was looking for.

 

[Octagonecology]

Where I go to school they are always looking for coal miners. Maybe the OP could try that and avoid the certain embarrassment and humiliation that goes along with being a board certified physician.

 

[vin5cent0]

Also, might as well say this. I wasn't degrading anything. I was asking a question, hence the "I'm not sure if it's worth pursuing...". Exactly why I was asking a question, to be educated. What's the point of a forum if not for that exact reason?

 

[ilovebiology]

Sorry for those being rude to you on here, maybe you are trying to ask a legitimate question about the difference?...anyways, to answer your question, yes I have to explain what a D.O. is all the time, however I do think it is definitely worth it!! I haven't even applied yet (I will June/July 10') and when I tell my family and friends I'm going the D.O. route, there were very few that knew what kind of doctor they were and the difference between an M.D. and a D.O. I don't mind explaining it to them because I'm interested in it and to tell you the truth, none of them even noticed some of their doctors were a "M.D." or "D.O.", they just assumed they were all M.D.'s!! hahaha So its fun (for me anyways) to tell them about it. But if you aren't that into it and wouldn't like telling them the difference, then do M.D. You'll probably care less once applying starts if you haven't quite made up your mind between the two. 😉 Hope this helps!

 

[hopefuldoc87]

Uh, reading > you. I didn't say anywhere you NEEDED a 3.8, I just said that was the average (from what I've seen poking around).

Six schools I picked off of mdapplicants, completely random:

Interviewed, Accepted (~MCAT 37.4, ~GPA 3.75):

Interviewed, Accepted (~MCAT 29.4, ~GPA 3.47):

Interviewed, Accepted (~MCAT 38.0, ~GPA 3.85):

Interviewed, Accepted (~MCAT 34.6, ~GPA 3.62):

Interviewed, Accepted (~MCAT 35.9, ~GPA 3.86):

Interviewed, Accepted (~MCAT 38.4, ~GPA 3.79):

Average GPA of those schools: 3.72. Close enough to what I said. The random 3.47 is pulling down the average, but that's all. I never said that's what is required to get in, but when your GPA is 3.3, 3.5, 3.55, etc, obviously you're at a disadvantage quite a bit.

And FWIW, I have put research time into things such as MD vs DO. Sometimes it's just nice to get others' perspectives from it (aimed at all of the jackasses in this thread making stupid assumptions and remarks).

Thanks to those who have actually put in a quality reply. Much appreciated as that's what I was looking for.

LOL. Right. My AAMC source was unfounded.

Good luck dude.

 

[hopefuldoc87]

Alright vin5cent0. I feel bad now. I was once a young, eager pre-med who was full of questions. I, though, looked up past threads and never really posted my question. I guess that's where we differ. But you didn't do a bad thing, and I'm sorry for my past posts.

Now, if you really want to know about everything DO, look up Chocolate Bear. He is a frequent poster on these forums and his signature has links to all the info you could possibly be looking for.

Good luck. Seriously.

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showpost.php?p=8245873&postcount=1

 

[beckhunter116]

Also, might as well say this. I wasn't degrading anything. I was asking a question, hence the "I'm not sure if it's worth pursuing...". Exactly why I was asking a question, to be educated. What's the point of a forum if not for that exact reason?

So now we are jackasses. You really know how to make friends and get the information you seek

In going back to your original question, which is why did we choose one path over another, I will tell you why I am choosing DO and hope to be accepted into a school for fall 2010...

1) DO schools look beyond a rocky start and look into a trend (I have a very nice upward trend over multiple yrs (regular UG and post-bacc, proving that my better grades aren't a fluke).

2) I didn't set out to be a pre-med, I had planned to go PhD in psychology and a lot of my experiences are more geared toward that (I do have clinical experience, just not as much as some).--DO schools look at your whole application and appreciate applicants with a varied background and part of the osteopathic philosophy is to look beyond just symptoms and treat the patient (yes MD's do this also). In my experiences in psychology time and time again I recognized how mental state effects a persons physical health.

3) From what I have read about A. T. Still he was kind of a renegade for his time and I can appreciate that. Current medical treatment did nothing for his family--I think his wife and/or some of his kids died, so he set out looking for more and changed how some looked at the current medical practices.

Yes, I guess at the end of the day the major reason I am choosing DO is that I feel I have a better chance of being accepted in this cycle based on my numbers. I don't have the luxury of parents paying for any of this and since I may want to do primary care I prefer not doing a SMP, because then I'll have even more debt.

After this very long post though this information means nothing because the real questions you should be asking aren't why someone choose DO over MD. You should be asking things like what do we think of OMT? Have we seen any DO's use OMM when we've shadowed? Have the DO's we've spoken to been limited by being a DO? Are they less successful? Do patients not trust them? Are they compensated less? On and on there are much more useful questions to ask.

 

[Bacchus]

Play nice or I'll take away your toys!

 

[Octagonecology]

LOL. Right. My AAMC source was unfounded.

Good luck dude.

classic.

 

[RySerr21]

Uh, reading > you. I didn't say anywhere you NEEDED a 3.8, I just said that was the average (from what I've seen poking around).

Six schools I picked off of mdapplicants, completely random:

Interviewed, Accepted (~MCAT 37.4, ~GPA 3.75):

Interviewed, Accepted (~MCAT 29.4, ~GPA 3.47):

Interviewed, Accepted (~MCAT 38.0, ~GPA 3.85):

Interviewed, Accepted (~MCAT 34.6, ~GPA 3.62):

Interviewed, Accepted (~MCAT 35.9, ~GPA 3.86):

Interviewed, Accepted (~MCAT 38.4, ~GPA 3.79):

Average GPA of those schools: 3.72. Close enough to what I said. The random 3.47 is pulling down the average, but that's all. I never said that's what is required to get in, but when your GPA is 3.3, 3.5, 3.55, etc, obviously you're at a disadvantage quite a bit.

And FWIW, I have put research time into things such as MD vs DO. Sometimes it's just nice to get others' perspectives from it (aimed at all of the jackasses in this thread making stupid assumptions and remarks).

Thanks to those who have actually put in a quality reply. Much appreciated as that's what I was looking for.

never use mdapplicants as a reference in a real conversation.....ever.

I'm not committed to any school of thought when it comes to medicine - osteopathic or allopathic. What I do like about the DO route, however, is that by and large the DO "school," as depicted on this website, seems friendlier and more laid back. Also, their grade and test score requirements aren't as stiff thus allowing real people to do real things beyond classwork.

as depicted on their websites? Great. Its all BS. There is no difference in friendliness. EVERY school i visited MD or DO told me that "We have a very great and freindly environment, unlike some other schools." Who is the "other" school? I swear it doesnt exist. If you do your research, youll find that most schools are actualy pretty friendly. That being said, tehre will always be those gunners who are generally unpleasant to be around, even at DO schools.......*gasp*

 

[Longshanks]

Uh, reading > you. I didn't say anywhere you NEEDED a 3.8, I just said that was the average (from what I've seen poking around).

Six schools I picked off of mdapplicants, completely random:

Interviewed, Accepted (~MCAT 37.4, ~GPA 3.75):

Interviewed, Accepted (~MCAT 29.4, ~GPA 3.47):

Interviewed, Accepted (~MCAT 38.0, ~GPA 3.85):

Interviewed, Accepted (~MCAT 34.6, ~GPA 3.62):

Interviewed, Accepted (~MCAT 35.9, ~GPA 3.86):

Interviewed, Accepted (~MCAT 38.4, ~GPA 3.79):

Average GPA of those schools: 3.72. Close enough to what I said. The random 3.47 is pulling down the average, but that's all. I never said that's what is required to get in, but when your GPA is 3.3, 3.5, 3.55, etc, obviously you're at a disadvantage quite a bit.

And FWIW, I have put research time into things such as MD vs DO. Sometimes it's just nice to get others' perspectives from it (aimed at all of the jackasses in this thread making stupid assumptions and remarks).

Thanks to those who have actually put in a quality reply. Much appreciated as that's what I was looking for.

hmm.. basing your numbers off of a website which has some anonymous profiles, and thus obviously fake numbers, with a mix of legit profiles and the random troll here or there, and dismissing the AAMC's official numbers..

Look at the average applicant, even a 3.4-3.5 28 is in the 40% acceptance rate range according to the AAMC. Its more than just a numbers game. Numbers may open the door for you at both MD and DO schools, but if you don't have the gravitas to back up the pursuit of a medical career that door will slam damn fast.

 

[Bacchus]

hmm.. basing your numbers off of a website which has some anonymous profiles, and thus obviously fake numbers, with a mix of legit profiles and the random troll here or there, and dismissing the AAMC's official numbers..

Look at the average applicant, even a 3.4-3.5 28 is in the 40% acceptance rate range according to the AAMC. Its more than just a numbers game. Numbers may open the door for you at both MD and DO schools, but if you don't have the gravitas to back up the pursuit of a medical career that door will slam damn fast.

The door might not even open to begin with, however. I applied to both application services with a 3.5 and 29Q. I received one MD interview and that was in late March.

 

[JeetKuneDo]

never use mdapplicants as a reference in a real conversation.....ever.



as depicted on their websites? Great. Its all BS. There is no difference in friendliness. EVERY school i visited MD or DO told me that "We have a very great and freindly environment, unlike some other schools." Who is the "other" school? I swear it doesnt exist. If you do your research, youll find that most schools are actualy pretty friendly. That being said, tehre will always be those gunners who are generally unpleasant to be around, even at DO schools.......*gasp*

Harvard? I wonder if they're all friendly there.

 

[J-Rad]

I'm nowhere near that, but I'm not sure if the effort is worth pursuing a D.O degree and then have people questioning my opinion for the rest of my life since I'm not an M.D.

Last night, midnight: the resident asking for my advice (as consultant) in the ED did not question my credentials/abilities as a DO.
The parents wondering if it was safe to bring their toddler daughter with palliated congenital heart disease home did not question my credentials/abilities as a DO.
My staff whom I ran the case by did not question my credentials/abilities as a DO.
Funny thing is, no one (patients, families, staff docs, ancillary staff) where I am training have questioned my credentials/abilities as a DO (and 1)my ID clearly states "DO" and 2)this is at an "allopathic" quarternary teaching center).
Even funnier: no one in my residency questioned my credentials/abilities as a DO. In med school? No one questioned my med student abilities based my status as osteopathic student vs. allopathic student.
And how often do I get asked about it (the DO)? In four years of med school, three years of residency and one year of fellowship: I'm still waiting to have to use my second hand to count the times. On the rare occasions I have been asked both longer answers (time permitting) and shorter answers have satisfied the inquirers curiosity (and by curiosity I mean more "I've heard of/seen this, and I've been meaning to ask what this different degree meant" not "I don't trust your credentials" type of curiosity)
So if someday you make it into the profession, then welcome. But do let me know if you feel you are being questioned for your abilities based on the degree, because I'm still waiting for it to happen. And if it does happen ask yourself (as anyone should) if the questioning truly is based on your abilities (not the degree) and you (as a hypothetical abstract-not "you" specifically) are just blaming the degree for your own limitations (unfortunately not every doctor out there, DO or MD, is good. I sometimes wonder if in the population of bad DOs there isn't some blaming of the degree for others' perception of the doctor as a way to avoid self-reflection and self-betterment...but that is an aside)

And don't be too hard on the negative posters above. Spend a few years on SDN and you'll start to see how repetitive certain topics/questions become, thus the "do a search" and "read a sticky" responses. Truthfully the agitiation is not the function of the DO forums but rather the nature of online forums like this itself. You can find other areas even on this site that get their fair share of oft-repeated questions (take a look at the family med forums) and snippy responses.

So, good luck in your journeys and your search for information.
BTW I posted this list once in my own little snit of snippy sarcasm:
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=598878

 

[Harry Bahgina]

Last night, midnight: the resident asking for my advice (as consultant) in the ED did not question my credentials/abilities as a DO.
The parents wondering if it was safe to bring their toddler daughter with palliated congenital heart disease home did not question my credentials/abilities as a DO.
My staff whom I ran the case by did not question my credentials/abilities as a DO.
Funny thing is, no one (patients, families, staff docs, ancillary staff) where I am training have questioned my credentials/abilities as a DO (and 1)my ID clearly states "DO" and 2)this is at an "allopathic" quarternary teaching center).
Even funnier: no one in my residency questioned my credentials/abilities as a DO. In med school? No one questioned my med student abilities based my status as osteopathic student vs. allopathic student.
And how often do I get asked about it (the DO)? In four years of med school, three years of residency and one year of fellowship: I'm still waiting to have to use my second hand to count the times. On the rare occasions I have been asked both longer answers (time permitting) and shorter answers have satisfied the inquirers curiosity (and by curiosity I mean more "I've heard of/seen this, and I've been meaning to ask what this different degree meant" not "I don't trust your credentials" type of curiosity)
So if someday you make it into the profession, then welcome. But do let me know if you feel you are being questioned for your abilities based on the degree, because I'm still waiting for it to happen. And if it does happen ask yourself (as anyone should) if the questioning truly is based on your abilities (not the degree) and you (as a hypothetical abstract-not "you" specifically) are just blaming the degree for your own limitations (unfortunately not every doctor out there, DO or MD, is good. I sometimes wonder if in the population of bad DOs there isn't some blaming of the degree for others' perception of the doctor as a way to avoid self-reflection and self-betterment...but that is an aside)

And don't be too hard on the negative posters above. Spend a few years on SDN and you'll start to see how repetitive certain topics/questions become, thus the "do a search" and "read a sticky" responses. Truthfully the agitiation is not the function of the DO forums but rather the nature of online forums like this itself. You can find other areas even on this site that get their fair share of oft-repeated questions (take a look at the family med forums) and snippy responses.

So, good luck in your journeys and your search for information.
BTW I posted this list once in my own little snit of snippy sarcasm:
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=598878

Great post J.

Everyone in here gets pissy about repeated posts, but this is a forum. If questions were not asked, what the hell else would we all talk about?

Every post in here is a repeat question of some form or the other.. digress if you may.

 

[Octagonecology]

Last night, midnight: the resident asking for my advice (as consultant) in the ED did not question my credentials/abilities as a DO.
The parents wondering if it was safe to bring their toddler daughter with palliated congenital heart disease home did not question my credentials/abilities as a DO.
My staff whom I ran the case by did not question my credentials/abilities as a DO.
Funny thing is, no one (patients, families, staff docs, ancillary staff) where I am training have questioned my credentials/abilities as a DO (and 1)my ID clearly states "DO" and 2)this is at an "allopathic" quarternary teaching center).
Even funnier: no one in my residency questioned my credentials/abilities as a DO. In med school? No one questioned my med student abilities based my status as osteopathic student vs. allopathic student.
And how often do I get asked about it (the DO)? In four years of med school, three years of residency and one year of fellowship: I'm still waiting to have to use my second hand to count the times. On the rare occasions I have been asked both longer answers (time permitting) and shorter answers have satisfied the inquirers curiosity (and by curiosity I mean more "I've heard of/seen this, and I've been meaning to ask what this different degree meant" not "I don't trust your credentials" type of curiosity)
So if someday you make it into the profession, then welcome. But do let me know if you feel you are being questioned for your abilities based on the degree, because I'm still waiting for it to happen. And if it does happen ask yourself (as anyone should) if the questioning truly is based on your abilities (not the degree) and you (as a hypothetical abstract-not "you" specifically) are just blaming the degree for your own limitations (unfortunately not every doctor out there, DO or MD, is good. I sometimes wonder if in the population of bad DOs there isn't some blaming of the degree for others' perception of the doctor as a way to avoid self-reflection and self-betterment...but that is an aside)

And don't be too hard on the negative posters above. Spend a few years on SDN and you'll start to see how repetitive certain topics/questions become, thus the "do a search" and "read a sticky" responses. Truthfully the agitiation is not the function of the DO forums but rather the nature of online forums like this itself. You can find other areas even on this site that get their fair share of oft-repeated questions (take a look at the family med forums) and snippy responses.

So, good luck in your journeys and your search for information.
BTW I posted this list once in my own little snit of snippy sarcasm:
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=598878

Slam dunk. Excellent post.

 

[killinsound]

edit

 

[hopefuldoc87]

moral of this story:

the medical class (and moreso with pre-meds), regardless of DO or MD, have terrible type A, hypercompetitive, non-congenial personalities.

keep your friends who are not in medical school 🙂

I really don't think anyone in this thread exhibited type A behavior or displayed hypercompetitiveness. As for congeniality, this isn't a beauty pageant.

 

[niranjan162]

This guy is trolling

Here is something i remembed he posted a few days ago

I wouldn't even bother going the DO route as the effort isn't worth the constant questioning and minimizing people will do when they see the D.O after my name.

source:
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showpost.php?p=8415079&postcount=1

Hes already made up his mind.

 

[JaggerPlate]

What's a DO?

 

[rkaz]

Ah well. Even though we may have wasted our time with the OP, J-Rad's excellent post on this thread made being here worthwhile. Thanks J-Rad for your thoughtful response... I find it very encouraging, as I'm starting school this fall.🙂 It has certainly not gone to waste on me, as I really appreciate your thoughts.

 

[hopefuldoc87]

Ah well. Even though we may have wasted our time with the OP, J-Rad's excellent post on this thread made being here worthwhile. Thanks J-Rad for your thoughtful response... I find it very encouraging, as I'm starting school this fall.🙂 It has certainly not gone to waste on me, as I really appreciate your thoughts.

Agreed.

Thanks J-Rad! 👍

 

[hopefuldoc87]

What's a DO?

It's an eye doctor.

DUH!

 

[niranjan162]

What's a DO?

they are doctors sponsored by nike. However you only get the "it" after you go through the most prestigious fellowship, where you learn to dunk on shaq. After that you take step 7 and your id badge reads "DO it."