- Joined
- Oct 25, 2000
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- 76
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I've been having difficulty expressing my reasons for not choosing osteopathic medicine (as an alternative route) and was interested if anyone else has experienced this. The question arises frequently, due to an uncompetitive mcat score, and it continues to frustrate me. Let me first preface that I have nothing against Osteopathic medicine. I simply feel that it's not for me.
Anyway, I try (repeatedly!) expressing how I feel to my family, but it doesn't seem to register. Their response is simply, "What's the difference, you practice medicine just like an MD" and their right, often leaving me at a loss for words. As an older/non-traditional student, I originally set out (like many others, I'm sure) to become an MD and not willing to compromise my objective. Why can't people accept that!! (DAMN IT!!) I'm not gonna let some ridiculous 8 hour exam dictate my life, I refuse. If I go DO, it won't be by way of default, but because of my attraction to the philosophy. (This is one of the problems with the whole DO, MD stigma....the fact that DO institutions are perceived as less competitive. Standards for admission should be equal at both degreed programs. The stigma will remain until this changes.) But thats another issue......I guess I just wish people would be more respectful (and understanding!!) of my decision to go allopathic. If it takes another year or so, so be it. Any "constructive" advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
P.S.- I hope I haven't offended any osteopaths for it was not my intent.
Anyway, I try (repeatedly!) expressing how I feel to my family, but it doesn't seem to register. Their response is simply, "What's the difference, you practice medicine just like an MD" and their right, often leaving me at a loss for words. As an older/non-traditional student, I originally set out (like many others, I'm sure) to become an MD and not willing to compromise my objective. Why can't people accept that!! (DAMN IT!!) I'm not gonna let some ridiculous 8 hour exam dictate my life, I refuse. If I go DO, it won't be by way of default, but because of my attraction to the philosophy. (This is one of the problems with the whole DO, MD stigma....the fact that DO institutions are perceived as less competitive. Standards for admission should be equal at both degreed programs. The stigma will remain until this changes.) But thats another issue......I guess I just wish people would be more respectful (and understanding!!) of my decision to go allopathic. If it takes another year or so, so be it. Any "constructive" advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
P.S.- I hope I haven't offended any osteopaths for it was not my intent.