So I have had a lot of internal debate about whether I should apply to allopathic medical schools, osteopathic medical schools, or both. I am really interested in Osteopathic Manipulative Technique...my Primary Care Provider is a DO (and she is *fabulous*)...but then I don't want to have to defend my credentials the rest of my career("yes, I am a REAL Doctor")...

I am really interested in Neurology and Emergency Medicine...and I was concerned, as (I think) many others are, that I might not be able pursue either one if I went to an Osteopathic school. (I sort of thought DO's could only specialize in FP or OB).

Great news, though! I was wrong!

I realized that 3 of the 7 Neurologists at the hospital I work at are DO's and, (I already knew this next part) a whole bunch of our ER docs are DO's as well. I work at a very reputable hospital that is part of a very conservative healthcare system, so it's not like it's some exceptionally progressive "hippie-dippie," group in Humboldt, CA or something. ( I love Humboldt, I just don't want to be limited in where I would able to work).

So, my point in writing this post? If you are having difficulty figuring out which path to pursue (or both or whatever)and were worried about being limited with which specialities you could pursue as a DO maybe it isn't really that much of a concern...(although I do understand from most things I have read, it can make things difficult with getting published/doing research) *everyone*feel free to correct me if I'm wrong about any of this.

(see below, taken from a **wonderful** blog written by an allopathic medical student www.journeysinmedicine.blogspot.com...)

18 Specialties For D.O.'s

Here's a list of the 18 Specialties that D.O.'s can become board certified in (not counting sub-specialties):


1. Anesthesiology
2. Emergency Medicine
3. Dermatology
4. Family
5. Internal (plus 11 sub-specialties - Cardio, Allergy, ID, GI, Oncology, etc.)
6. Neurology and Psychiatry
7.Neuromusculoskeletal
8. Nuclear Med
9. OB/GYN
10. Ophthalmology
11. Orthopedics
12.Pathology
13.Peds
14. PMnR
15. Preventative
16. Proctology
17. Radiology
18. Surgery


Not to mention, DO's can apply to allopathic residencies and then apply for board certification in those as well....


Doesn't seem so limiting now, eh?




Whoa.... psychiatrists and neurologists... relax. The AOA lists them that way. Don't shoot the messenger.


Musings By Ella at 2:39 PM 4 cups of coffee today!
Labels: Osteopathy, Pre-Med Advice

Yep, no big deal. From a DO student here. Just make sure you go to one of the top DO schools with good rotation sites- CCOM, DMU, UMDNJ COM, MSUCOM, TCOM are some of the better schools. There are others too, I am sure.

I have never had to "defend my credentials" even when I rotated at an allopathic institution. My CV speaks for itself and I get at least 10 jobs in my email everyday. There is such a primary care shortage in this country right now (especially in rural areas) the letters behind my name aren't even noticed.

Nobody cares ie DO versus MD. The only time this may be an issue is if you want to do overseas type work? but not sure if this is changing. Do whatever you want.

As an HPSP (military scholarship) medical student, I thought I would also add that military residencies do not give any preference to MD vs DO.