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Is it harder for D.O.'s to get the same respect as M.D.'s?

I've recently become interested in #osteopathic #medicine. The philosophy of treating patients as a whole instead of just symptoms appeals to me. However, I've heard that it may be hard for D.O.'s to find residencies that are not biased. I hadn't even heard of D.O.'s until a year ago, neither have many people that I know. Will this effect how I will be seen as a #doctor?

#premed #premedical #premedicine #physician #medical-practice #medschool #medical-school #holistic

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Martha Cecile’s Answer

Maria, as an allopathic medical school graduate in 1985, I have yet to see a respect problem between MDs and DOs. As an allopathic physician, I was taught to treat the "whole patient", too. I trained, and have worked, alongside osteopaths with no apparent difference in our approach. Interestingly, it is the patients who wants to have their symptoms treated (with no interference in how they live their lives!) And woe to those physicians who do not prescribe what the patient wants - ruination via social media is next (you can check out scholarly articles about this behavior on Google - haha!).

Thank you comment icon I am by no means a doctor. However, I do listen to a podcast called the Pre-Med Years on spotify. He basically talks about getting into med school or DO school and talks to other medical professionals. From his experience and others, nobody really has a problem with anyone if they went to DO school nor are they treated differently. I also heard that they are moving towards just integrating DO school and medical school because they are so similar. Jade
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Rachel’s Answer

I think DO's command the same respect as MD's. However, there are some residency programs that do not look as favorably on DO graduates as MD graduates.
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Richard’s Answer

No, we have a DO in my large specialty group and he has earned the same respect as the MDs with his actions including his devotion to patients and high quality radiology interpretations.
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Robert’s Answer

Maria,

recently the accreditation organizations that license residency programs have streamlined things and osteopathic and allopathic residencies are the under the same organization. I teach at both types and there just is not any issue with this anymore.

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deb’s Answer

Not anymore. I’m a nurse with many years experience and both are equally respected. Both of my sons are in DO programs because the philosophy matches theirs. The are interested in wellness.

There is a physician shortage and you will have many opportunities

deb recommends the following next steps:

Research the requirements of programs you’re interested in
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Madison’s Answer

During medical school as a DO this was something I definitely was concerned about. And yes, I did feel I had to put more effort into matching into great residency spots, however, that is a challenge you can do! You just have to stand up for yourself and be proud of the unique education you got! You want to show programs both in person and on your application why you are uniquely and equally qualified as the MD applicants! In life/residency/attending, there is truly minimal biased and I have actually never had any patient or co-worker as me about being a DO at all.
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