Why did YOU choose an MD instead of a DO? (Other than location.)

[Gauss44]

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Why did YOU choose an MD instead of a DO?

This focuses on the main factors that really helped you decide. The differences, other than location, that were most important to you. Cost factor anyone?

PLEASE STAY ON TOPIC.

(I don't want an endless list of trivial differences. I want an MD's or Pre-MD's perspective or reasons why they chose an MD instead of a DO. This cuts to the chase.)

I would like to thank everyone who has already written a thoughtful response.

 

[Ost3oclast]

I'll sum up what your going to get in this thread.

1. More recognized medical degree
2. More prestige
3. No OMM
4. Easier to match competitive specialties
5. Location
6. Cost
7. Research opps

I'm sure there are other minor reasons. These are the most usual. With a thread like this, you are begging to get the good ole MD vs DO debate going. Just do a search.

 

[Chip N Sawbones]

Food. Tulane has gumbo, jambalaya, crawfish, and crab. VCOM Carolina has the Denny's corporate headquarters. It wasn't a difficult choice.

 

[ComradeDoktor]

Better prospects for staying in academia

 

[Gauss44]

MD is really cheaper or easier to get funding?

 

[Bacchus]

Better prospects for staying in academia

False. All of these DO schools and DO residencies need DO faculty members.

 

[SpecterGT260]

False. All of these DO schools and DO residencies need DO faculty members.

He said "better". There are substantially more MD faculty positions. Also, many DO schools farm out their clinical rotations to nearby hospitals. The end result is that MD schools are more likely to have faculty MDs associated with the CoM and DOs are somewhat more likely to work with MDs during a part of their education.

 

[SpecterGT260]

Thanks for the summary.

MD is really cheaper or easier to get funding?

Many DO schools, but not all, have tuition similar to or slightly above most OOS rates. In state MD is the cheapest option at a slim ~250k of debt

 

[karkatvantas]

I plan on moving to New Zealand once I finish my residency (would move earlier but the process is way more complicated/potentially impossible if you're not licensed and board certified in your specialty), and DO degrees aren't recognized in New Zealand (they can practice osteopathy but not medicine).

 

[487806]

Why did YOU choose an MD instead of a DO?

This focuses on the main factors that really helped you decide. The differences, other than location, that were most important to you. Cost factor anyone?

(Internet has a zillion obvious differences and struggles for accuracy.)

I know you have this weird desire to start an md vs do debate, but i'm not falling for it. I like md more than do because that's where my interest lies

 

[Mountaineer12]

For me it was a mix of cost, location, ability to get residencies, and, I hate to admit, but prestige. I could tell that it would get annoying explaining to everyone what a DO was and that I was actually a med student in a DO school. That being said, if a DO school had better cost and location with a good reputation and match I would have picked it so the prestige thing was sort of an added bonus of the MD school I'll be going to.

 

[typicalindian]

Uhh why would I want to become a doctor of optometry when I'm trying to get into medical school? OP pls do some research before making threads. This is like comparing apples to shoes.

 

[mcloaf]

Uhh why would I want to become a doctor of optometry when I'm trying to get into medical school? OP pls do some research before making threads. This is like comparing apples to shoes.

Shoes.

 

[occams_razor]

Many DO schools, but not all, have tuition similar to or slightly above most OOS rates. In state MD is the cheapest option at a slim ~250k of debt

main reason for me as well

 

[Irish Football]

Md > do.

 

[Gauss44]

Regarding searching the internet: I did that. The internet presently lacks FOCUS, is incomplete, inaccurate, inefficient, and redundantly/exasperatingly prioritizes the obvious over the important (on that topic). My question is not same as "How are MDs and DOs different," which in my opinion, leads to the aforementioned problems.

 

[Essene]

Food. Tulane has gumbo, jambalaya, crawfish, and crab. VCOM Carolina has the Denny's corporate headquarters. It wasn't a difficult choice.

This one made me titter.

Regarding searching the internet: I did that. The internet presently lacks FOCUS, is incomplete, inaccurate, inefficient, and redundantly/exasperatingly prioritizes the obvious over the important (on that topic). My question is not same as "How are MDs and DOs different," which in my opinion, leads to the aforementioned problems.

I think you're either not utilizing the proper search tools or, perhaps, you're too lethargic to do so. While your question may not be the same, rather an obvious distinction that didn't need to be made, some or many facets concerning the response to either question will correlate.

 

[mcloaf]

Your distinction is immaterial; people choose MD over DO or vice versa BECAUSE of the differences. What new info are you hoping for?

 

[Bluto385]

I went with MD because I didn't want to waste a minute of my life explaining to people that MD = DO in terms of competency, education, and compensation. It's just easier to not fight public misconception.

 

[Essene]

I chose MD because it was all I knew about as a child. When I found out about the osteopathic paradigm- I immediately ascribed "a holistic approach" to the DO title. The way a DO may look at a problem, from what I've read and seen, seems to be a better path where surgery/pushing pills should be resorted to only if the necessity of the situation requires it. To me, it's like "why would you risk an open surgery when you could, just as well, solve the issue laparoscopically?" When osteopathic manipulation techniques are apropos - they should be used. However, I will still go for my MD solely because of the title. But I completely plan on factoring the methodology of osteopathy into both prognostication of ailments and treatment.

 

[Gauss44]

I went with MD because I didn't want to waste a minute of my life explaining to people that MD = DO in terms of competency, education, and compensation. It's just easier to not fight public misconception.

Agreed. Part of what I want to do is travel the world helping with disaster situations. DO plus language barriers could be fun, or not.

I would also like to thank Essene and the first several for thoughtful responses, the summary, and food options.

 

[Bacchus]

For me it was a mix of cost, location, ability to get residencies, and, I hate to admit, but prestige. I could tell that it would get annoying explaining to everyone what a DO was and that I was actually a med student in a DO school. That being said, if a DO school had better cost and location with a good reputation and match I would have picked it so the prestige thing was sort of an added bonus of the MD school I'll be going to.

I haven't explained to more than a handful of people what a DO is.

 

[Bacchus]

Agreed. Part of what I want to do is travel the world helping with disaster situations. DO plus language barriers could be fun, or not.

I would also like to thank Essene and the first several for thoughtful responses, the summary, and food options.

Doctors without Borders and other established groups accepts MDs and DOs.

 

[ComradeDoktor]

False. All of these DO schools and DO residencies need DO faculty members.

I realize DO schools need faculty too, but that's not where the big NIH money is going. I'd think it's a lot easier for a professor at an MD school to get grants for their projects than a professor at DO school.

 

[pasiley]

1) The largest factor - My SO has a career that could possibly take them abroad if they keep progressing in their field. Especially to countries that aren't very DO friendly.

2) Cost - No State DO school and allopathic schools tend to give out more money to offset the cost of tuition. There are some very reasonably priced DO schools and had they been in a better location, might have enticed.

 

[487806]

Let's try to avoid an MD vs DO debate. Just explain why you want to choose a track without degrading the opposing track.

 

[thefritz]

Let's try to avoid an MD vs DO debate. Just explain why you want to choose a track without degrading the opposing track.

It's a legitimate debate. It's misleading to imply that the degrees are equivalents when a DO degree adds obstacles to career prospects and residency options. It's bull****, but it's the way it is. To point out this fact is not "degrading" the opposing track. It's the truth and sometimes the truth hurts.

 

[Essene]

Agreed. Part of what I want to do is travel the world helping with disaster situations. DO plus language barriers could be fun, or not.

I would also like to thank Essene and the first several for thoughtful responses, the summary, and food options.

You're welcome.

 

[Bacchus]

1) The largest factor - My SO has a career that could possibly take them abroad if they keep progressing in their field. Especially to countries that aren't very DO friendly.

2) Cost - No State DO school and allopathic schools tend to give out more money to offset the cost of tuition. There are some very reasonably priced DO schools and had they been in a better location, might have enticed.

MSU and OSU are state DO schools.

 

[Bacchus]

As is TCOM. Well, its cheap at least.

 

[pasiley]

MSU and OSU are state DO schools.

Lol, I meant for my state. No state DO school in my state. 🙁

 

[Kaputt]

I never considered DO schools, largely because I hadn't heard about them before I was already applying. But even if I had known about them I wouldn't have applied to any, cause:

1. My numbers were good enough to get into an MD school
2. I'd have to fill out an extra application to apply to DO schools...what a hassle
3. There was like one DO school in my state and it was in a tiny town
4. I'm not sure what specialty I want to do, and the match is easier on MD students should I choose something competitive at the last minute
5. Research is better at the top MD schools than at lower MD schools or DO schools
6. I got into a somewhat "name-brand" MD school that's strong in my region
7. OMM sounds goofy to me
8. The only DO school I'd want to go to would be the one Goljan teaches at
9. etc

 

[Chir0nex]

I chose MD primarily because it gives more flexibility for matching and career path. Going DO makes it much harder to get top residencies, and also greatly limits what specialities you have a realistic shot at (e.g CT Surgery, Ortho, Derm). This ties into prestige as well, since most of the grant boards and hospital admins all have MDs, and thus are more likely to be open to MDs versus a DO who is seen as inferior. While I'm sure there are many qualified DOs, as long as it continues to be the "safety" option for doctors, they will get less respect from the current leaders of the medical field. For these reasons, and MD is a much safer investment as far as insuring you actually do what you want as a physician, rather than risking being unable to find your dream position.

 

[Gut Shot]

I chose MD because it was all I knew about as a child. When I found out about the osteopathic paradigm- I immediately ascribed "a holistic approach" to the DO title. The way a DO may look at a problem, from what I've read and seen, seems to be a better path where surgery/pushing pills should be resorted to only if the necessity of the situation requires it. To me, it's like "why would you risk an open surgery when you could, just as well, solve the issue laparoscopically?" When osteopathic manipulation techniques are apropos - they should be used. However, I will still go for my MD solely because of the title. But I completely plan on factoring the methodology of osteopathy into both prognostication of ailments and treatment.

When you are a physician (MD or DO) you will evaluate patients according to accepted guidelines and make treatment plans based on accepted guidelines. Where there is ambiguity or uncertainty you will rely on your experience and judgement, which is the true source of variation in practice habits from one doctor to another.

The term "holistic" refers to considering an entire system rather than just isolated parts. I would invite you to peruse some example History & Physical Exams from a well known allopathic medical school to see if they fulfill this definition.

Finally, the issue of open vs. laparoscopic surgery has absolutely nothing to do with any consideration of allopathic vs. osteopathic training. None. Zero. Nada. Zip. Zilch.

 

[Ser Demetrius]

LOL


because i wanted options and didn't want to be in a class of 300-400 students (and wear uniforms)

 

[VisionaryTics]

Residency options. It's much, much more difficult to match into certain ACGME residencies as a DO, and there just aren't that many spots in the equivalent DO residencies (e.g. otolaryngology)

 

[Jas1360]

I have an MD program and a DO program that I have a shot at. If I get into both, money will be a big factor in my decision.

 

[Jas1360]

Residency options. It's much, much more difficult to match into certain ACGME residencies as a DO, and there just aren't that many spots in the equivalent DO residencies (e.g. otolaryngology)

It's kind of funny that you mention otolaryngology, only because I just met a DO who is head of Otolaryngology at a metropolitan children's hospital. I'm in no way saying that he didn't have to work very hard to get where he was, only that it is possible for hard working people regardless of MD or DO.

 

[VisionaryTics]

It's kind of funny that you mention otolaryngology, only because I just met a DO who is head of Otolaryngology at a metropolitan children's hospital. I'm in no way saying that he didn't have to work very hard to get where he was, only that it is possible for hard working people regardless of MD or DO.

There were 24 DO ENT spots vs. 283 MD ENT spots last year. Zero DOs matched to an allopathic otolaryngology residency.

I think people going into DO need to be cognizant of the fact that they are closing some doors wrt specialty options. Of course there are outliers. But you can be a slightly above average student at an MD program (230+ Step 1, solid clinical grades, maybe a research project) and match into ENT. That is almost certainly not the case for an equivalent DO student.

 

[Doctor Strange]

Md > do.

👍

 

[235009]

I chose MD because it was all I knew about as a child. When I found out about the osteopathic paradigm- I immediately ascribed "a holistic approach" to the DO title. The way a DO may look at a problem, from what I've read and seen, seems to be a better path where surgery/pushing pills should be resorted to only if the necessity of the situation requires it. To me, it's like "why would you risk an open surgery when you could, just as well, solve the issue laparoscopically?" When osteopathic manipulation techniques are apropos - they should be used. However, I will still go for my MD solely because of the title. But I completely plan on factoring the methodology of osteopathy into both prognostication of ailments and treatment.

your post is a testament to the genius of the DO marketing strategy. They took ownership of a word that sounds great but that most pre-meds can't properly define and made you think that only DO educated physicians possess this wonderful quality. it's hilarious/ridiculous that you think MD surgeons just go around cutting people open when they don't have to.

I chose MD because I didn't want to close any doors before my career even started and because I wanted a school that only taught evidenced based medicine (i.e. no OMM, much of which has not been shown to work in randomized trials)

 

[VisionaryTics]

it's hilarious/ridiculous that you think MD surgeons just go around cutting people open when they don't have to.

I think you need to get your facts straight, because they do. Evidence:

[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZhNeGYYPgIE[/YOUTUBE]

 

[SpecterGT260]

When you are a physician (MD or DO) you will evaluate patients according to accepted guidelines and make treatment plans based on accepted guidelines. Where there is ambiguity or uncertainty you will rely on your experience and judgement, which is the true source of variation in practice habits from one doctor to another.

The term "holistic" refers to considering an entire system rather than just isolated parts. I would invite you to peruse some example History & Physical Exams from a well known allopathic medical school to see if they fulfill this definition.

Finally, the issue of open vs. laparoscopic surgery has absolutely nothing to do with any consideration of allopathic vs. osteopathic training. None. Zero. Nada. Zip. Zilch.

Thank you.... I could feel my BP rising reading that post. I wish SDN would censor out the word "holistic". It would just fix a lot of things if the medical community as a whole addressed this issue and squelched any further misuse of this term or misunderstanding of what medicine is as a result of its misuse.

EDIT:

Also +1 to skinMD. Wanted to avoid another post string but you nailed it with 1 exception. Nearly NOBODY can define holistic accurately. They confuse it with "alternative" or "new age". A reflexologist pounding your feet to help with your IBD is no more holistic than an MD treating it with anti-inflammatories. It has nothing to do with avoidance of pharmaceuticals incorporation of a spiritual, faith, or mystic component (read: placebo).
p.s. I'm not really trying to correct you here so much as just flesh this out a little further for anyone who is lurking or otherwise still unclear on this subject. :thrubmup:

 

[SpecterGT260]

I think you need to get your facts straight, because they do. Evidence:

[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZhNeGYYPgIE[/YOUTUBE]

you... you are being facetious, yes?

It is my naive and under trained opinion the Dr. Obama is incorrect in his assessment.
Those sorts of things definitely happen, but they are not the norm nor are they as extreme as cutting on a kid just to make a buck. Those doctors tend to weed themselves out via liability payouts.

 

[VisionaryTics]

you... you are being facetious, yes?

It is my naive and under trained opinion the Dr. Obama is incorrect in his assessment.
Those sorts of things definitely happen, but they are not the norm nor are they as extreme as cutting on a kid just to make a buck. Those doctors tend to weed themselves out via liability payouts.

God, you're easy.

 

[SpecterGT260]

God, you're easy.

I can't always tell.... and you wolf's denners tend to be all over the map in terms of opinions and various sorts of "Is" and "Qs" we also get a healthy number of plain motards in here and I just refuse to hold myself responsible for keeping them all strait 🙂 There is also a part of me that is worried that some starry eyed noob will latch on to something sarcastic that sounds good as if it was true. That happens quite a bit.

But fair enough. You got me 😳

 

[Gut Shot]

you... you are being facetious, yes?

It is my naive and under trained opinion the Dr. Obama is incorrect in his assessment.
Those sorts of things definitely happen, but they are not the norm nor are they as extreme as cutting on a kid just to make a buck. Those doctors tend to weed themselves out via liability payouts.

Obama should have his knuckles rapped for making such a clumsy statement, but his underlying point is valid. Hospitals and providers absolutely prefer high reimbursement procedures/management, even if they are of dubious effectiveness.

Atul Gawande wrote a brilliant piece on this in 2009, where he traveled to the US town with the highest per capita Medicare spending.

The problem with Obama's characterization is that it makes providers look somewhat malicious. The truth is that we all see ourselves as doing good, even when our actions have deleterious consequences. A hospital, for instance, may collect millions off of imaging and use that money to support the labor and delivery unit. Would it matter if a lot of the imaging provides no discernible benefit to patients? From the hospital's perspective it is behaving rationally given the reimbursement system in this country. To an outsider it looks greedy. To either party it should look dysfunctional.

 

[SpecterGT260]

Obama should have his knuckles rapped for making such a clumsy statement, but his underlying point is valid. Hospitals and providers absolutely prefer high reimbursement procedures/management, even if they are of dubious effectiveness.

Atul Gawande wrote a brilliant piece on this in 2009, where he traveled to the US town with the highest per capita Medicare spending.

The problem with Obama's characterization is that it makes providers look somewhat malicious. The truth is that we all see ourselves as doing good, even when our actions have deleterious consequences. A hospital, for instance, may collect millions off of imaging and use that money to support the labor and delivery unit. Would it matter if a lot of the imaging provides no discernible benefit to patients? From the hospital's perspective it is behaving rationally given the reimbursement system in this country. To an outsider it looks greedy. To either party it should look dysfunctional.

I agree. I was with him for the most part until the gross generalization at the end. Yes, doctors do plenty to make sure they are getting the most reimbursement possible for what they do. The problem with the statement was suggesting that doctors are all doing unnecessary treatments just to make a buck. A more realistic description is "you need treatment X regardless, I can give it to you such that the hospital bills $5, or I can do it such that the hospital bills $50. I'm doing the latter"

A good example of this that I heard had something to do with back injections. I am not 100% on the details but what I heard via another student who saw this in the clinic was that if the nurse were to give the shot the clinic could only bill out for about 1/10th the amount vs if a doctor had done it. So they have the nurse prep everything and the doctor just shows up to press the plunger. It isnt necessarily good or bad. it is business.

 

[SoulinNeed]

Is there like some rule that we have to have a MD vs. DO thread everyday? Lol

 

[zipnogg]

I decided to attend Creighton because the school fit me best overall (DMU was a very very close runner-up). Before I attended interviews, I had no idea where I wanted to go; I was just going to be grateful for whichever school let me in.