DO? Help me decide (I ESPECIALLY WOULD LIKE INPUT FROM PHYSICIAN)

insertusernamehere
Fri, 09 Dec 2005 22:10:49 +0000

Okay, from what I have read on the internet and OD and an MD doctor do almost the same thing, and go through very similar training.

I have an opportunity to go to a DO school without having to take the MCAT through a program at my university. It sounds like a very good opportunity to me.

My question is if anyone here can fill me in on what this will mean. I know that originally the DO program was created as a sort of “back door” for people that couldn’t get into MD school, but it is to my understanding that they go through the same training. Both can get state licenses or specialize if they choose to.

I’m just a sophomore, and haven’t taken the MCAT yet, but honestly this SOUNDS like too good of an opportunity to pass up. And since they do virtually the same thing, with only minor differences in their philosophies, I think I would be perfectly happy as a DO.

The only thing that kind of scares me is that the only Physician I have talked to (my uncle who is a cardiothoracic surgeon) seems to think that this is a bad choice. However, I have been told by other people and professors at my school that many MDs look down on the DO program kind of like frat people look down on other fraternities. Is this true? Or is there a real major disadvantage to the DO route?

Right now I have a 4.0, so I would have a shot at MD school if I kept my grades up and scored well on the MCAT (which is definitely not a given I know)… but I this DO opportunity sounds too good to pass up.

I would really appreciate impute from a Physician! But if anyone else has any input I would like that too of course.

Thanks!

Edit: btw, I did a search and read all of what people have said on here about Osteopathic Doctors, but I would still like input on what people think I should do for my particular situation.