Moment of truth: If I had to do this again. I would have gone to DO school.
GASP!
Not because I don't love my school or my program. I love where I'm at. But I could have gone to DO school years ago. I could have been a doctor by now, half way done with residency. I didn't do it out of pride. Pretty much pride only. Because I wanted to be an MD, and because I didn't want to "defend" my education to others. Which is a pretty BS reason to waste years of your life.
Additionally, I think I would have had a different peer group. More alternative routes to med school, more diverse backgrounds, and more older students. Which is something I do feel that I miss out on here.
I really don't think the education is any different. And while there is undeniable residual stigma associated with osteopathic schools... I think it's lessening. All the time I hear MDs say how cool the DO physical manipulation is. And how so-n-so is a DO and is amazingly good. And I promise... very soon osteopathic schools will have the exact same academic criteria for admission. Some of the best osteo schools are already there (like the Texas program). Others are building their reputations.
Consider it. Or don't... and spend however many extra years of your life stressing about how you can POSSIBLY become an MD.
DO probably used to imply less quality, but it certainly doesn't anymore. Some of the best docs I have worked with are DOs.
ReplyDeleteI have heard though that you can't ever practice oversees (even as a volunteer) as a DO. That may be a bit of a drawback.
However it is nice to have the MD for blog-naming purposes. Our blogs wouldn't have as cool names without the "MD"
ReplyDeleteHi, Ella. I stumbled across your blog several weeks ago and very much enjoy reading it. with my mad detective skillz (ha) I have deduced where you go to school, and it is very likely that I will be there next year. I am very very nontrad (I have a feeling I will be, by far, the oldest student in next year's class - yikes!), so I especially appreciate your perspective on the med school experience. anyhow, I just wanted to thank you for taking the time to write the blog...I will keep reading! good luck with classes and everything, and perhaps I will see you around next year!
ReplyDeleteI've never heard about DOs not being able to practice abroad. While I don't think it would matter to me... Who knows what I may want to do in the future. It kind of sucks because the DO path seems much more aligned with my outlook on the practice of medicine.
ReplyDeleteCurrently DO's are recognized and can apply to practice in about 50 countries... and as time goes on I'm sure this will increase
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeletei just found your blog and LOVE it! Thanks so much! i'll never be a physican, :( but will always be fascinated by medicine.
I guess it depends on what you want to go into. If you want to do primary care, a DO will get you there. Ophtho? Probably not so much.
ReplyDeleteThere ARE DO Ophthalmologists... believe it or not.
ReplyDeleteOh I believe they exist. Technically a DO can go into anything an MD can. However if ophtho is your dream, I don't think you are maxing out on your chances of matching by going to DO school.
ReplyDelete