Why D.O?

[J-Rad]

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It's an eye doctor.

DUH!

In Bridgton, ME there is a practice with an OD and a DO ophthalmologist. I think they really missed the boat in not calling it "2DOODs Eye Care" or something like that.
And I truly wish people understood how mythological the whole "people will question my qualifications as a DO for all time" is.

 

[hopefuldoc87]

In Bridgton, ME there is a practice with an OD and a DO ophthalmologist. I think they really missed the boat in not calling it "2DOODs Eye Care" or something like that.
And I truly wish people understood how mythological the whole "people will question my qualifications as a DO for all time" is.

 

[Quantum Mecha]

I am open to both M.D. and D.O., but I personally liked the D.O. philosophy:

In addition to the Hippocratic oath, Osteopathic medical students take an oath to maintain and uphold the "core principles" of osteopathic medical philosophy. Revised in 1953, and again in 2002, the core principles are:

1. The body is a unit, and the person represents a combination of body, mind, and spirit.
2. The body is capable of self-regulation, self-healing, and health maintenance.
3. Structure and function are reciprocally interrelated.
4. Rational treatment is based on an understanding of these principles: body unity, self-regulation, and the interrelationship of structure and function.

(taken from wikipedia)

 

[stargatecase]

Dear Aspiring Radiologist,

I think that there are pros and cons to the MD and DO degrees.

MD-
Pros- More well known
Cons- Harder to get into, and do the same thing

DO-
Pros- Does the same thing, easier and cheaper
Cons- Not as well known

P.S. have you considered being an OB/GYN? Sounds like you would find that more interesting than radiology or neuroradiology....

 

[Semicolon]

Dear Aspiring Radiologist,

I think that there are pros and cons to the MD and DO degrees.

MD-
Pros- More well known
Cons- Harder to get into, and do the same thing

DO-
Pros- Does the same thing, easier and cheaper
Cons- Not as well known

P.S. have you considered being an OB/GYN? Sounds like you would find that more interesting than radiology or neuroradiology....

DO schools are NOT cheaper.

 

[bioman2006]

.

 

[Bacchus]

That depends on which schools you're comparing. LECOM is $28,000/year, while Virginia Tech-Carilion is $40,000/year.

PCOM's tuition is about the same as every other Pennsylvania school, SANS LECOM. Its a school by school basis. All in all, there are few state schools that are DO schools, thus the DO schools are usually more expensive in general.

 

[DRIN]

I agree someone like you should not go into medicine.

Why because the OP isn't sure he/she wants a D.O.?? Did it ever occur to you that there are people who are just as opposed to getting an M.D.?? I think being selective as far as which degree one holds is legitimate. There are people opposed to getting a D.O. for whatever reason, that's their right. I also know a lot of people who are just as opposed to getting an M.D. and that's ok too.

 

[Bacchus]

I'm going to hijack a bit, but with the same general question as the OP but for a different reason. Why DO instead of MD? Well, I want to know in regards to applications, secondaries, and interviews. My problem is this... we all know that the majority of DO students do not go to DO specifically because they can practice OMM (although it might be an added perk its not THE reason for almost all), they go because they can get in and become a doctor whereas they might not be able to if they only applied MD. I would venture to guess that 75%+ of DO school applicants/students would have gone MD as a first choice IF they were able to get in to an MD school but for any varying number of reasons (GPA, MCAT, or whatever) they were not able to. This presents a difficult picture. For most I would say that DO gives them an opportunity to achieve their dream of becoming a physician but at the same time it does represent a second choice or last option.... how do we NOT protray that to the Adcoms when asked? I mean, if we say to Adcoms "Oh, I love OMM and DO philosophy and that's why I'm choosing DO and no, I have absolutely no interest in MD" most of them will know we are blowing smoke up their as$.
This has nothing to do with DO vs MD once you are a doctor but more I've never really come up with a good answer to "Why DO" that doesn't involve, basically, "because I can get into DO school and can't get into MD so DO is a good second choice" (boiled down of course... hopefully no one would be THIS direct). Mentioning OMM is fine, but even Adcoms know it's not THE reason you chose DO, at least not for the vast majority of people. Nobody wants to hear that they are your second choice or last option (med schools or women, 🙄) so I am wondering if anyone has found a creative way to address this without making the school feel like you only applied to them because you couldn't get into MD and that they are your second choice. And yes I have searched... didn't find much or anything that deals with this particular angle 🙂

At the time of application my stats were a 3.51 and 29Q. I knew if I didn't apply DO I would more than likely be reapplying. My advisor told me I could get into all of the DO schools on my list. I shadowed a DO who steered me towards applying to atleast PCOM since she was so happy with her education. I experienced OMM in this doctor's office by witnessing it and experiencing it firsthand. I knew I had nothing to lose and no "MD Chip" on my shoulder.

 

[QuackaDO]

At the time of application my stats were a 3.51 and 29Q. I knew if I didn't apply DO I would more than likely be reapplying. My advisor told me I could get into all of the DO schools on my list. I shadowed a DO who steered me towards applying to atleast PCOM since she was so happy with her education. I experienced OMM in this doctor's office by witnessing it and experiencing it firsthand. I knew I had nothing to lose and no "MD Chip" on my shoulder.

Right, but when asked "why DO" during secondaries or interviews how did you give the impression that DO wasn't a second choice? IMO (and it's just that) the first instant you correlate your score (GPA and MCAT) as the reason you chose DO (unless you have stellar scores in which case you wouldn't be mentioning it) you are saying that they are a second choice, even if it is out of necessity and you do LIKE that second choice. I think that most DO applicants are very comfortable with applying with DO becuase it gives them the opportunity to do what they want to do (and the ones that aren't REALLY shouldn't apply) but the perception that DO was a second choice is going to obvious the first time you mention score or grades in your reasoning, at least thats how I think. Do Adcoms see it differently?? Are they fully aware of this and don't care that they were second choice??

I do want to clarify that I am 100% DEFINITELY for DO schools, their attitude towards forgiveness to applicants, as well as applying to them so that it's not perceived that I have the "MD chip" either. I just don't want to go into an interview and/or submit a secondary with the reason for "Why DO" being "because I can get in and can't get into MD".

 

[Semicolon]

That depends on which schools you're comparing. LECOM is $28,000/year, while Virginia Tech-Carilion is $40,000/year.

I meant overall; I know that some schools are indeed cheaper, but overall DO schools are not cheaper than MD schools. I may just be skewed because I'm going to NYCOM. 😀

 

[Deepa100]

Listen, it really is not that big of a deal in the interviews. I went to 5 and I always told them I applied to both MD and DO and I will pick based on location and husband's job. No one ever pestered me.

Right, but when asked "why DO" during secondaries or interviews how did you give the impression that DO wasn't a second choice? IMO (and it's just that) the first instant you correlate your score (GPA and MCAT) as the reason you chose DO (unless you have stellar scores in which case you wouldn't be mentioning it) you are saying that they are a second choice, even if it is out of necessity and you do LIKE that second choice. I think that most DO applicants are very comfortable with applying with DO becuase it gives them the opportunity to do what they want to do (and the ones that aren't REALLY shouldn't apply) but the perception that DO was a second choice is going to obvious the first time you mention score or grades in your reasoning, at least thats how I think. Do Adcoms see it differently?? Are they fully aware of this and don't care that they were second choice??

I do want to clarify that I am 100% DEFINITELY for DO schools, their attitude towards forgiveness to applicants, as well as applying to them so that it's not perceived that I have the "MD chip" either. I just don't want to go into an interview and/or submit a secondary with the reason for "Why DO" being "because I can get in and can't get into MD".

 

[Quantum Mecha]

MD-
Pros- More well known
Cons- Harder to get into, and do the same thing

DO-
Pros- Does the same thing, easier and cheaper
Cons- Not as well known

True one is more well known than the other, but the bottom line is that they both take the board exams, hence they are held to a similar standard.

have you considered being an OB/GYN? Sounds like you would find that more interesting than radiology or neuroradiology....

I haven't really looked into it, I like radiology because of my background (electrical engineering with various quantum and nuclear courses). this is my perception now, it can easily change once i learn more about others.

 

[Bacchus]

I didn't say I couldn't get into MD, but I knew it would be rough. Whenever asked "Why DO?" it was: OMM. Plain and simple, that is what I have connected with in osteopathic medicine. Forcefeeding holistic, nicer-than-MDs, etc., pisses me off and I would be letting down myself for spitting out these "reasons."

 

[QuackaDO]

I didn't say I couldn't get into MD, but I knew it would be rough. Whenever asked "Why DO?" it was: OMM. Plain and simple, that is what I have connected with in osteopathic medicine. Forcefeeding holistic, nicer-than-MDs, etc., pisses me off and I would be letting down myself for spitting out these "reasons."

Interesting... good deal. I worry about this question more than probably any other one in secondaries and interviews becuase I don't feel the answers I have are good enough bu maybe I am wrong... thanks for the perspectives.

 

[UTsksk]

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.

Stats are important as they should be to show knowledge of material, but it's not everything. People with lower GPA's still stand a chance if they have upward trends, great EC's, research or whatever. A person with perfect stats can be a complete tool and not be able to speak with patients(or interviewer) so the won't get in. I'm just saying that there are other factors that come in place. I was looking at one of my school's of interest and a 3.02 was accepted. It really caught my curiosity so I'm just assuming that he/she is an older matriculant, did awesome in an SMP, or did something else amazing to get a high GPA/MCAT kicked off of acceptance.

Oh yeah, if you don't have a high GPA and still want to be "competitive" or whatever you feel is good for a MD school, go to a SMP and literally prove yourself. Just my thoughts.

 

[EricH]

The "search" button is kinda upsy toward the middle right. Its magical....

 

[BennieBlanco]

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

Agreed, don't be too hard on the poster. I used to think that a DO was less or something when I first started. But then after reading, being around hospitals and being in the real world, I understand it is a non-issue. I think the prejudice is largely from pre-med students that are solely looking at grade and gpa stats, which can be lower for DOs (in general). Then the premed student somehow determines they must not be as good.

Then when you step in the real world the only things that matter are competence and who you are.

This is how all things in life are. Students always have warped realities because they lack real world experience. And some even arrogantly believe their warped reality is the one true reality.

 

[ofoshoukno]

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.

Not true, I have a 3.9 GPA with a high 20's MCAT(I only took once) and I am going D.O.

I decided to do D.O. because I got into a pretty good D.O. school with a good residency match list and it was close to home. I know I could have killed the MCAT if I retook,(I took it first time and wasn't as prepared as I could have been)

End of the day Med school whether D.O. or M.D. is what you make of it. You can be a M.D. who ends up not doing so hot on the boards and ends up in Family Medicine or you can be a D.O.(like my camp counselor who matched into Orthopedic Surgery from Lake Erie Med school) and do well enough on your boards to get into a very competitive residency.

I know plenty of D.O.'s who are ER, Radiology, Orthopedic Surgery, Cardiology-all high paying fields-hence smashing the typical misnomer that "D.O.'s cant specialize."

 

[MarieMarie]

End of the day Med school whether D.O. or M.D. is what you make of it. You can be a M.D. who ends up not doing so hot on the boards and ends up in Family Medicine or you can be a D.O.(like my camp counselor who matched into Orthopedic Surgery from Lake Erie Med school) and do well enough on your boards to get into a very competitive residency.

I consider osteopathic medicine's emphasis on primary care to be its real strong point. I think I die a little every time I read this sort of post 🙁

 

[Chocolate Bear]

I consider osteopathic medicine's emphasis on primary care to be its real strong point. I think I die a little every time I read this sort of post 🙁

Don't worry, you're not alone. Many students who feel strongly about the need for PCPs, especially those who go to very PCP-oriented med schools (DO and MD) aren't fans of other students in their class going into specialties.

However, to each his own. If you put in the time and the money for med school, you deserve to be able to pursue whatever you want, provided you're competitive and didn't agree to some sort of sponsored PCP tuition program or something like that.

The world needs all kinds of docs.

 

[MarieMarie]

I absolutely agree that you should have the opportunity to specialize. The attitude of this board might be a general pre-osteo overreaction to the idea that DOs are limited in that regard. But while I'd like to think that an appreciation of primary care sets us apart, I get the impression that most people here just want to get in and jump ship. It's discouraging to read premeds poring over match lists and deeming certain schools inferior because they lack some number of radiologists.

 

[Chocolate Bear]

I absolutely agree that you should have the opportunity to specialize. The attitude of this board might be a general pre-osteo overreaction to the idea that DOs are limited in that regard. But while I'd like to think that an appreciation of primary care sets us apart, I get the impression that most people here just want to get in and jump ship. It's discouraging to read premeds poring over match lists and deeming certain schools inferior because they lack some number of radiologists.

Honestly, most pre meds just want to make sure they're not committing their hard spent time and hard earned money to a degree and to a school that will irreversibly limit them and their careers/lives/earning potential/happiness.

It's a very valid concern, and one I definitely felt at one point.

Even the pre meds who are most convinced about what they want to specialize in (or not) will change their minds at some time.

Even some of the most gung-ho pre-PCPs have been known to find a specialty they love and switch over to the "dark side" around third or fourth year of med school.

There are plenty of reasons why a pre med wouldn't want to necessarily go into primary care. I mean, consider decreasing reimbursements, increasing paperwork, hassles of maintaining a staff, increasing indebtedness of new graduates, and the encroaching rights of NPs, etc., and you have a situation that does nothing but scares people towards the higher paying specialties before many have even had the chance to experience how awesome it can be to be the main care provider for a person. To get to know them and their life and be able to affect their well being from the inside out. It's a shame.

Sorry, I'm not trying to preach, nor am I trying to debate anything with you. I respect your thoughts and feelings. I'm just sharing my experience both in life and on these boards. 🙂

 

[MarieMarie]

Sorry, I'm not trying to preach, nor am I trying to debate anything with you. I respect your thoughts and feelings. I'm just sharing my experience both in life and on these boards. 🙂

Don't apologize, your posts are polite and thoughtful. I was just looking at the tuition thread and realizing that if I don't get into my state school, going PCP will be a lot harder. The physician I shadowed took a loan reimbursement plan, working in a rural community when she was younger. I'm hoping that things will get better 🙁

 

[Chocolate Bear]

Don't apologize, your posts are polite and thoughtful. I was just looking at the tuition thread and realizing that if I don't get into my state school, going PCP will be a lot harder. The physician I shadowed took a loan reimbursement plan, working in a rural community when she was younger. I'm hoping that things will get better 🙁

Don't forget about LECOM's PCP Pathway. You only pay for 3 years of school (25% tuition break off of one of the cheapest DO schools in the country, already) just for getting done more quickly and signing an agreement that you'll do a PC field. If you change your mind and specialize, your punishment is to pay one year of tuition (as if you were a regular student).

It can be a sweet deal for those interested in PC.

Search. We've had discussions about it in here before.

 

[cae2009]

So the DO I am shadowing invited me to a lecture he was giving the Family Practice residents in my town. It was about the lumbar spine, and OMT techniques related to that area. He used me as the "patient" since I was the only non-resident/med student. My new reason to go to DO school: letting other people practice on me! (I feel great!)

 

[demayette]

People need to chill out about that DO vs MD stuff. However, as a RN who wants to pursue the DO route because I like their philosophy based on my experience working with DOs. I must say that I had one experience two years ago with an elderly patient; I was informing the patient about a cardiology consult with Dr "X" that the PCP which is an MD ordered for him; that particular patient asks me if the cardiologist is a DO. My response to him: Will that be a problem if the cardiologist is a DO. He replies: "I do not want to be seen by a DO because they are not qualified to be doctors". I had to go and check the degree of this particular physician and let the patient know that the physician is an MD not a DO. And patient give me the OK to follow up with the consult.
Another troublesome experience I had regarding DOs was when an LPN(Licensed Practical Nurse) ask another physician (MD) what is the difference between MD and DO? The physician (MD) replies: "DO mostly specialized in bones" trust me and I put it in quotation. I had to go out of my way to explain to that LPN the DO philosophy (OMT, DOs see the body as a whole and DOs treat patients as a whole not just the symptoms etc.. ). I was shocked because not even MDs that work with DOs every day know the DO philosophy. I think DOs must do a better job in educating the public about what the DO degree means and their philosophy.
These are the only "bad" experiences regarding the DO degree that I have had in my four years working as an RN.

 

[ODorDO]

Don't forget about LECOM's PCP Pathway. You only pay for 3 years of school (25% tuition break off of one of the cheapest DO schools in the country, already) just for getting done more quickly and signing an agreement that you'll do a PC field. If you change your mind and specialize, your punishment is to pay one year of tuition (as if you were a regular student).

It can be a sweet deal for those interested in PC.

Search. We've had discussions about it in here before.

Would that be something you mention during the interview or after accepted?

 

[Bacchus]

People need to chill out about that DO vs MD stuff. However, as a RN who wants to pursue the DO route because I like their philosophy based on my experience working with DOs. I must say that I had one experience two years ago with an elderly patient; I was informing the patient about a cardiology consult with Dr "X" that the PCP which is an MD ordered for him; that particular patient asks me if the cardiologist is a DO. My response to him: Will that be a problem if the cardiologist is a DO. He replies: "I do not want to be seen by a DO because they are not qualified to be doctors". I had to go and check the degree of this particular physician and let the patient know that the physician is an MD not a DO. And patient give me the OK to follow up with the consult.
Another troublesome experience I had regarding DOs was when an LPN(Licensed Practical Nurse) ask another physician (MD) what is the difference between MD and DO? The physician (MD) replies: "DO mostly specialized in bones" trust me and I put it in quotation. I had to go out of my way to explain to that LPN the DO philosophy (OMT, DOs see the body as a whole and DOs treat patients as a whole not just the symptoms etc.. ). I was shocked because not even MDs that work with DOs every day know the DO philosophy. I think DOs must do a better job in educating the public about what the DO degree means and their philosophy.
These are the only "bad" experiences regarding the DO degree that I have had in my four years working as an RN.

This is interesting. I can truly say, "I don't care." Its all about confidence. Its interesting though...we had a QandA panel yesterday at orientation with various attendings and residents and the majority of the panelists, all DOs, say more discrimination occurs by fellow DOs rather than MDs when looking at their experiences. That's the disheartening part... those in our profession "putting us down."

 

[forrealz]

The physician (MD) replies: "DO mostly specialized in bones" trust me and I put it in quotation.

I really hate it when people say that. This has happened to me at least twice before and that's when I considered anger management.

 

[Handy388]

This is interesting. I can truly say, "I don't care." Its all about confidence. Its interesting though...we had a QandA panel yesterday at orientation with various attendings and residents and the majority of the panelists, all DOs, say more discrimination occurs by fellow DOs rather than MDs when looking at their experiences. That's the disheartening part... those in our profession "putting us down."

doesn't that mostly have to do with some DOs vocally stand against the practice of OMM and pride themselves in completely integrating into the allopathic world?

 

[demayette]

Another misconception I have noticed in SDN is regarding people who go to the caribbean to pursue the MD route instead of DO. A lot SDN members are saying they should not do it. I must say for myself, I will exhaust all my options before I consider going to the island. Of course, I understand going to the island put anybody at a disadvantage regarding clinical rotations, residency etc... However, after somebody who went to the islands do their residency, from my experience, I have noticed that they have an easier time than DO to navigate the system... An MD from one the schools in the island that usually talk told me once He believes that MDs have an easier time in getting staff privileges at hospitals than DOs . "I found that hard to believe" . Also, I have never heard or seen any patient in my four years as a RN ever asked any MDs which medical school they attended; however, few of them questioned me about the DO degree because they just did not know.

 

[RG73]

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?

This is pretty easy for me to answer. I do judo, which means that I tend to injure just about every part of my body on a weekly basis. Well, not every part, but my back and anything with a joint. A while back I managed to screw up my back pretty bad, and I also had a lingering ankle sprain. I went to see a DO that practices OMM exclusively. Her technique was just amazing and I was pain free after a couple treatments. I decided that I wanted to be able to do exactly what she did. I've had OMM done by other DOs in the past and had good experiences with it, and I've seen DOs that I shadow use it as well, and I can't really imagine opting to learn medicine and not have that in my bag of tricks.

I don't believe OMM is any sort of cure all, but as someone who is often in pain from muscle spasms and sprains and the like, I can testify that it works a whole lot better than ice and Tylenol. So I don't look at it as I can't get into an MD school, so DO is like some second tier thing. I want to be able to do everything an MD does AND have the option to use OMM to treat patients when it is appropriate.

If I were really interested in going into radiology or anesthesiology or pathology or something where I wasn't going to have a lot of hands on patient contact, I suppose MD would be the way to go. But yeah, count me among those rare people who is actually interested in DO specifically because of the differences it has with allopathic medicine.

 

[hospitaldoctor1]

Why are you going for DO? Why not MD?
What interests you to DO rather than MD specifically?

 

[rddoms]

Why not?

The first DO I ever met was an anesthesia resident. She spent 8 hours with me (on call in the operating room, nothing to do) explaining what a DO was, why she chose that route, about her school, etc. She was very bright, but didn't act as if she was better than me. That started my interest.

I visited the school in my senior year of undergrad, and I was sold. The faculty and staff were wonderful, the students were a lot of fun, and the school had been around for a long time.

I applied to only one medical school and was accepted.

 

[n618ft]

Why are you interested in MD and not DO specifically? Both degrees allow you to be a licensed physician. End of story. Anything more like "bragging" rights is a bunch of immature BS that high-wound premeds make to feed their God Complex. If everyone stopped worrying about two freakin' letters and started worrying about becoming great physicians, there wouldn't be this MD vs DO talk. It's like getting an MBA vs an MS in business... it's all on who holds the degree. I honestly DO NOT CARE where I go - MD or DO. What it's going to come down to is what school is cheapest. The state MD schools in FL are like 10k cheaper than NSU. Although NSU is my top DO choice, I'm going to carefully weigh the alternatives if/when they come for financial reasons. I also heard that NSU has a research opportunity that helps with tuition - that might sway me the other way.

Also, there are more and more DO's each year. GPA/MCAT stats are increasing faster than that of MD's. More residencies are added every year too - you've got the opportunity to get in on a "ground level" of something that's on an upward swing. Who knows where it'll be in 5 years.

 

[hospitaldoctor1]

What are the differences in requirements for DO and MD?
I heard that to apply for DO school you definitely need a recommendation letter from a DO doctor and you must have worked with a DO doctor...
is this true?
What is the average GPA and MCAT for DO school?
Do you learn the same material in DO school as in MD school? Are the exams easier than MD?

 

[n618ft]

What are the differences in requirements for DO and MD?
I heard that to apply for DO school you definitely need a recommendation letter from a DO doctor and you must have worked with a DO doctor...
is this true?
What is the average GPA and MCAT for DO school?
Do you learn the same material in DO school as in MD school? Are the exams easier than MD?

Q:What are the differences in requirements for DO and MD?
A: Most DO/MD schools require the same prereqs


Q:I heard that to apply for DO school you definitely need a recommendation letter from a DO doctor and you must have worked with a DO doctor...
is this true?
A: No, some require a letter from a DO... some from any physician, and some might look the other way depending on your stats.

Q: What is the average GPA and MCAT for DO school?
A: GPA: 3.45 cumulative as of 2007. I suspect that's gone up since. MCAT: 25.52 as of 2007. I suspect this is closer to 26 for 2009.

Q: Do you learn the same material in DO school as in MD school? Are the exams easier than MD?
A: Yes, you learn the same stuff plus OMM (do a search), I'm not explaining it... and because you learn the same stuff, you're allowed to even take the MD boards (USMLE) and attend an MD residency. No, the exams are not "easier."

The DO vs MD education is overall the same. It is in no way easier. "DO" isn't as much of a household word as "MD" is. That has a LOT to do with why there's a GPA/MCAT discrepancy. It's all about how many people and who applied to each school. If DO's had more applicants or became more of a household term, the "gap" would close. A good student that's motivated can have equal amounts of success in MD as in DO. Remember: there are plenty of MD schools out there with way worst board pass rates and worse residency matches than the average DO school. Also, one of the best primary care schools in the US is PCOM... a DO school.