OrthoPT
OSRR Newbie
Posts: 3
(12/18/01 2:35:05 pm)
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DO match
I am curious. I know that there are very few DO's in allopathic programs. Is that because the programs
do not want DO's? Are programs willing to look at DO's if they have competitive USMLE scores and good
letters,etc? Or if they have rotated there?
Also, how do the osteopathic ortho residencies stack up?
Any info would be appreciated.
IamNikolas
OSRR Fellow
Posts: 103
(12/19/01 11:53:52 am)
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DO
I have not seen any DO's in any allopathic Ortho residency programs...although i'm sure there are
some...don't know the reason exactly. I spoke to one ortho resident (he was in a DO program), and he
liked it...he said it's a very decent program and he felt like he was getting good training. As to why
allopathic ortho program don't take DO's: I think there is a stereotype of DOs being more primary care
oriented rather than surgeons...I also think MDs in general have inflated egos and don't think DO
schools are as "prestigious" as MD schools. There is a lot of competition among programs (not just us
applicants) as to which residents they get and how that would make their program look. I think there is a
general sense that having DO's in their programs wouldn't look as good as md's.
I think it's a bunch of BS if you ask me.
orthogirl1
OSRR Intern
Posts: 10
(12/19/01 2:57:54 pm)
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DO
BU has a DO in their program
Spirit Mike
OSRR Junior
Posts: 30
(12/19/01 4:24:08 pm)
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Re: DO match
Hi,
I believe Miami has one or two D.O.'s in their program. I don't know how much this has to do with the
fact that Dr. Zych, one of their main trauma guys, is a D.O. himself. He's on the residency committee so
its entirely possible he views D.O.'s in a better light than other programs due to his own personal
experience.
Michael
Orthores
OSRR Intern
Posts: 12
(12/19/01 6:31:20 pm)
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DO's in Allopathic Residencies
Another reason why there aren't many DO's in allopathic programs is the fact that they would need to
complete allopathic accreditation process (Taking the USMLE 1, 2, and 3). I suspect there are other
resons as well.
Orthores
Bone Jock
OSRR Newbie
Posts: 2
(12/20/01 10:28:36 am)
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Re: DO match
I rotated at the Cleveland Clinic where they have a lot of DO rotators come through. I met one that was
just as good as any allopathic resident that I've seen. On the other hand, a few of the allopathic
residents at the Clinic had some "not so good" things to say about the DO rotators that come through. I
think IamNick had a good point when he said that some MD types don't look favorably upon DO schools.
In college I always thought that getting into MD school would be much harder and I would use DO school
as a fallback. Since then, I've grown up and have met a few DO students that would blow me out of the
water. I've also met some that are straight slackers. But then again, the same can be said about a lot of
MD students that I've met too. Fact is, I worked pretty long and hard to get into MD school and be
competitive for an Ortho residency. I'd be a little upset if I were beat out at a program by a DO student.
Just being honest.
OrthoDoc
Orthopedic Surgeon
Posts: 72
(12/20/01 5:51:24 pm)
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Community Supporter
DO Stats in 1999
I refer you to some orthopedic statistics posted in Jama.
OrthoPT
OSRR Newbie
Posts: 4
(12/20/01 7:55:43 pm)
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DO stats
OrthoDoc,
Do you think this stat is a result of the DO schools emphasis on primary care? Or are DO students
opting for ortho left unmatched?
OrthoDoc
Orthopedic Surgeon
Posts: 73
(12/20/01 9:35:56 pm)
Reply
Community Supporter
Re: DO stats
I don't think they are filling unmatched spots as most of them fill quickly anyway. They are probably
stellar candidates that have matched in DO friendly programs and may have even rotated there, I just
don't know. I would suggest contacting those DOs out there and asking them what they did to get in.
You should also look into the history of any program you are interested in and see if they have ever
matched a DO before you stick money into an away rotation/interview etc...
I am a third year DO student who is very interested in Orthopaedic Surgery. I am also interested in applying to Allopathic programs. Realizing how competitive the field is, I'm wondering how sensible this is. I do have contacts at a couple of schools. Do you think that doing a rotation and having these contacts will help get me in the door for more than just a courtesy interview?
Would appreciate any advice.
DS
Absolultely,
I have a friend who is a D.O. who will start in July at the Mayo Clinic. He did a rotation there and fit right in. Not to mention that he was extremely qualified, of course. Any edge helps.
