DO Matching into MD residencies?

By Guest on Thursday, 01 September 2016

Posted in Match Center

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Hi Ortho Gate,

Before I get started, I would like to thank anyone who takes their time out to answer my questions! Im a second year Med Student who attends Midwestern University (DO School). Its been on my mind for quite a while now as I have had mixed reviews from many different sources about what my chances of matching into a Ortho residency in general, being a DO. Many say it doesnt matter being a DO as the age of discrimination is coming to an end, but then many say that you are DO and it will be substantially harder. I honestly dont know who to believe. Before selecting between an MD and DO med school, I never realized how big of an impact going to a DO vs MD school would have on my future match. Unfortunately, I did not have the guidance as many of you may be able to relate to, as I am the eldest in my family. Anyways, i have come to this forum seeking guidance from all the well educated contributors on this site.

I would not like to personalize this thread to only my needs, but to be a thread for all students in my situation to learn from.

Im in second year, I attend MWU/CCOM (Which I would think being in the Top 3 DO schools would help?), Not in the top 20, and no research as of now. I literally have no connections and no mentor to steer me in any direction. Help. I know it seems cliche, but Ortho really is all ive wanted entering med school. I understand that you need to have a 250+ on boards regardless, but does being a DO really put me at that big of a disposition? Secondly, i just started second year. What do I need to do now and in the future to optimize my chances of matching into a reputable program? A comprehensive guide to the next 3 yrs until matching would make my life. I would be eternally grateful for any input if that. Advice on rotations, where to schedule them, when to schedule them so they dont fill up. Any tips on attaining research, extracurriculars, anything and everything!!! Thank you.

You are asking a lot in this post. You can get a lot of opinions about the "roadmap" to matching into residency from the countless posts on this topic on orthogate, SDN, reddit, etc.

What it seems like your core question, and the one for which there is less info, is what are your chances of matching into ortho as a DO. In short, it is not easy. MD residencies are becoming more and more competitive, and unless you rotate at a particular program, I think your chances of matching there are pretty close to 0. Even with a strong rotation, you will need to have as good or a better application (board scores, research, clinical rotation grades) to keep yourself in contention for a spot. If you look at MD ortho residency programs, there are very very few DO graduates, and I can only see that number diminishing as the number of US MD graduates going unmatched seems to be increasing.

As for matching into a DO ortho residency, it is probably your best shot, but spots are very limited. I would suggest you find an advisor with knowledge of the DO programs, but at the very least you need to have the standard qualifications (board scores, letters of rec, research, clinical grades).

You are still in the relatively early stages of medical school, but if you are truly serious about a career in orthopaedics, you need to commit soon. Find a mentor, get started on some research, learn more about the field and the potential programs you can get into.

Guest

9 years ago

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#59052

Hi butterfingerbbs,

Thanks for the information. I am also interested in learning more about ACGME residency programs that take DO applicants seriously. On top of doing a rotation, I understand that you need strong board scores and research, but what else would you advise to make yourself appealing to an ACGME residency PD? I have seen that well-regarded programs like Cleveland Clinic and Mayo Clinic have taken DOs in the past. In fact, there are two DO residents currently at Cleveland Clinic (PGY-2 and PGY-3 according to the site), so what do you think set these applicants apart from the gunner MD applicant pool? Was it simply great scores/research and impressive rotations at Cleveland Clinic?

Thank you for any information.

Guest

9 years ago

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#59053

Hi Ortho Gate,

Before I get started, I would like to thank anyone who takes their time out to answer my questions! Im a second year Med Student who attends Midwestern University (DO School). Its been on my mind for quite a while now as I have had mixed reviews from many different sources about what my chances of matching into a Ortho residency in general, being a DO. Many say it doesnt matter being a DO as the age of discrimination is coming to an end, but then many say that you are DO and it will be substantially harder. I honestly dont know who to believe. Before selecting between an MD and DO med school, I never realized how big of an impact going to a DO vs MD school would have on my future match. Unfortunately, I did not have the guidance as many of you may be able to relate to, as I am the eldest in my family. Anyways, i have come to this forum seeking guidance from all the well educated contributors on this site.

I would not like to personalize this thread to only my needs, but to be a thread for all students in my situation to learn from.

Im in second year, I attend MWU/CCOM (Which I would think being in the Top 3 DO schools would help?), Not in the top 20, and no research as of now. I literally have no connections and no mentor to steer me in any direction. Help. I know it seems cliche, but Ortho really is all ive wanted entering med school. I understand that you need to have a 250+ on boards regardless, but does being a DO really put me at that big of a disposition? Secondly, i just started second year. What do I need to do now and in the future to optimize my chances of matching into a reputable program? A comprehensive guide to the next 3 yrs until matching would make my life. I would be eternally grateful for any input if that. Advice on rotations, where to schedule them, when to schedule them so they dont fill up. Any tips on attaining research, extracurriculars, anything and everything!!! Thank you.

Hey so how'd the match work out for you? LMAO you f*****g creep, Garden City hated you btw, stop paging residents from other services to hit on them and taking vacation days off your audition rotation. You were never built for ortho, glad you didn't end up in our field. And you actually you thought you had a chance at an MD ortho spot, delusional thoughts from fantasy island.

Guest

7 years ago

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#59054