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Friday, March 25, 2011

Clerkships

Hey All,

We are in our third year of med school and are scheduling clerkships/interview rotations. My student was just offered a clerkship at an amazing program however, he is a D.O. student and we can't seem to find any D.O. residents listed for that program. While I understand they wouldn't invite you if you weren't competitive, I'm still a bit hesitant to celebrate.

Does anyone have any input on D.O. friendly programs and this whole process?

Thanks!

5 Comments:

Mandy, The Mother of All Chaos said...: We are in the same boat. He hasn't heard back from any programs yet though so congrats! 2 of the programs he's applied to have taken DOs and 2 haven't... someone has to be the first, right? =); March 25, 2011 at 11:19 PM
Chelsey said...: Well I have mixed feelings about this. My husband is a 4th year DO went through the MD match- and matched in Radiology. Radiology is already competitive enough but being a DO on top of it made it even more difficult for us during the whole interview process. With that said my husband was accepted for an away rotation at a not-so-friendly DO location and learned the hard way that although they were willing to take him for the rotation they were NOT very willing to have a DO on staff. They even asked him to come back and interview and then during the interview pretty much explained that they don't take DO's!! CRAZY! So programs might take your student for a rotation but they might not be willing to hire or even interview him in the end. But that can also be said with a MD. Sorry to be a debbie downer but its the sad truth. Of course you hear of the one DO that gets in an all MD program- but its very rare! Especially in a more competitive program and speciality.

As far as DO friendly programs it depends on what you student wants to go into...

My advice is apply to what you want- the worst thing that can happen is that they say no.

GOOD LUCK!! If you have any questions feel free to ask me!! We just went through it so its very fresh in my mind :); March 26, 2011 at 10:50 AM
Tif Sweeney said...: My husband is a DO in a MD program -- Anesthesiology to be exact, which can be a very competitive program! He did out rotations in MD programs and was able to pencil himself into multiple places beyond that with no problem. In our experiences, many, many programs are open to DOs. However, there are still programs that are NOT open. I would recommend doing your research and try to feel out what the programs truly feel about DOs before moving forward.

According to the most recent stats that I have (October 2010), 53% of DOs actually do an MD internship and/or residency program. That statistic alone says a lot! It is becoming more and more common and DOs are becoming more and more accepted across the country.

I would recommend that you look further into the program. Sometimes you have to go further back into the history to determine if a DO has rotated or did his residency there. Be blunt and ask their feelings about having a DO on staff early. This can be a huge factor as to what future experiences could be like. Remember, just as they are searching for residents, you are shopping for a program that fits you as well! Ask around to people in the area. If you don't know any, then let me know and I would be happy to see if I know someone. I know a number of people across the country that I can send out a query to for more information for you! All you have to do is ask!

Best of luck to you with whatever you decide! :); March 27, 2011 at 1:32 AM
Melisa said...: We are DO looking for MD fellowships because there is no DO fellowships in Head and Neck.; March 28, 2011 at 2:19 PM
Amy said...: Thanks everyone for your comments! It sounds like being diligent with program research and being open about being a DO are the two best things you can do. He has already scheduled his rotation at this particular program so we'll cross our fingers!

I've also shared your comments with my MSIII and he was grateful, too!; April 11, 2011 at 5:27 PM

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Friday, March 25, 2011

Clerkships

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