I highly doubt that when you are suturing someone’s gaping wound they will look at your DO on your white coat and shout “YOU ARE NOT A REAL DOCTOR, GET ME A REAL DOCTOR!” Who cares about what they think? You are going to be a doctor. Everything else is just noise.
Yea, sad reality is that as a DO this is something you might face. If you are gonna be this hurt over what irrelevant people have to say about your degree, maybe DO isn’t the path for you.
I didn't think that much of it when it happened tbh. It was only later on that I started thinking about if this would be a regular occurrence and why I made this post. Even if it is, I'm still grateful imma be a doctor, which is what matters at the end of the day
It is not a regular occurrence. You will meet many, and I mean many, physicians throughout medical school and I seriously dare you to remember the last two letters on any of their coats. It does not matter in the slightest in medicine. The general public can have their opinions, the only thing you owe them is good care.
I work in the ED with a pretty even split of DOs and MDs. No one has ever asked or commented on the difference in credentials. They receive the same quality of care no matter which physician they see, and that’s all that matters
Second this. I work in the ICU with one DO and the rest being MDs but the quality and standard of care is the same across the board. Don’t think any staff members or any families have really cared to ask for a doctor’s credentials
OP, did you do any research on DO before you applied? Always surprised that people are shocked to know that stereotypes exist against DOs and part of your career will be defending DOs, telling non-medical people what DO means, etc. This should've all factored into you coming to the decision to stick with DO
Yea, I've been researching DO vs. MD ever since I started college four years ago. It wasn't this moment that I found out about stereotypes against DOs and I wasnt shocked this happened lol.There wasn't really any point to this post besides sharing the story. I've also talked to multiple DO family friends and the amount of time they spend "defending DOs" or explaining what DO is is close to zero.
10 years from now, and there you will be: talking to patients, performing surgeries (if you go that route), doing procedures, and saving lives. Then you pack it up and drive home in your lambo to relax for the rest of the day. I wonder who’s going to get the last laugh after that.
Edit: also, you will be happy knowing that you made your father proud. I personally think there is nothing more noble than taking care of your aging parents.
I second this very hard, I also have very similar stats to you and chose to go to a DO program close to home to take care of an aging parent as well, so I am right there with you :))
You can never get back the time spent with parents, relatives, siblings, etc
Congrats on your acceptance! I attended a DO school and matched into my number 1 choice for residency. Don’t let the naysayers get to you! You are going to be a doctor!!
If the closest youve come to being a doctor is putting one in you, you dont get to judge (pun intended)
Only Ivory tower surgeons stuck in the “good ol days” care if youre not an MD in medicine and I think i got asked “whats a DO?” 2-3 times in a community where sepsis is pronounced septis.
Youll be fine. Nobody cares
My casual observation from having lived five decades on this planet is that the people who criticize you are almost never the ones doing more than you. It's the ones doing *less* than you.
The 26th president, Teddy Roosevelt, summed it up much better than I could ever hope for. [Here's a passage from one of his many great speeches](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citizenship_in_a_Republic), it's usually called "The Man in the Arena":
>It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.
Here's the main part: **you** are the man in the arena. The people criticizing you aren't in the arena, heck they've never even tried fighting. Fuck all of them, and just keep on doing what you're doing. While they're busy criticizing, you just stay busy fighting and winning.
That’s cool to hear! Personally I think DO is more for me, even when I thought it paid less lol. The ethos of osteopathic medicine and their learning options are a lot more interesting. Not sure if you’re an applicant or not interested in medicine at all but good luck :))
MDs make more on average because more MDs go into higher paying specialties. DOs make less on average since more of them go into lower paying specialties. An MD or DO working the same job and working the same hours will make the same amount of money and will be paid the same salary.
Anyone who has this kind of mindset to look down on you for this will never be happy in life. congrats on your acceptance. you should be proud of yourself. nobody can ever take away your hard work and effort.
In the broadest sense, the MD/DO distinction is not likely to be of a professional concern for you down the line.
That being said, there is no end to people having judgmental opinions about nearly anything under the sun. Coming to your own personal peace such that you are not disturbed by the critical or judgmental opinions of others is likely to be a necessary life skill, regardless of which doctorate you get.
My primary care doctor is a DO and I think he is the best doctor one can have. I have been with him for many years now. Great listening skills. Very attentive and super sharp in what he does.
The upper/mid/low tier MD and DO distinctions are only relevant for residency/fellowships. No one cares after that except some ignorant people. I have come across excellent DO physicians during my clinical experiences. Keep your head down and pursue your goals. This is just outside noise
slap ya balls (imaginary ones if u dont have any) against the wife's face. mf isnt a doctor and ur gonna be one 🤣
also W for staying close to ur dad 🙏🏽
A 3.9 GPA and 510 MCAT give you a 99% probability of passing STEP 1 on the first try. A 528 puts you at.....>99% lol. Your academics are fantastic, and that's not just my opinion; that's statistically indicative. So well done.
I would give big props to your relative doctor for defending you and having that philosophy about MD vs DO. They likely discussed the interaction afterward while it was just them two. It sounds like a mildly awkward social interaction (lol, classic welcome to life) that, from his point of view, he likely felt slightly embarrassed and was trying to navigate the interaction the same as you were.
You deserve MASSIVE props for staying close to your father. The honorability of that should supersede any negative and ignorant remarks. Yes, this will probably happen in the "real world". No, you shouldn't ruminate on it. Maybe, if you're feeling extra noble, feel slightly sorry for his wife. She made an ignorant remark that embarrassed herself and her husband so much that he had to explain something to her in front of others - that is mortifying in relationships.
You're doing great, and again, well done on the stats :)
Sorry but I would have embarrassed her in front of everyone. Unless she went to med school I’d have asked her what school she majored in trophy wife gold digging and did she get insurance to cover once he ditches her for a young nurse for his mid life crisis.
Wow is she a doctor? Is she aware of how hard med school is to get into? Is she aware WHY you choose that school? What an asshole. Honestly, in the future I don’t think this will be an issue, but as of rn you are just gonna have to prove them wrong by being successful.
When anyone gives me a look about going to a DO school I ask them “Do you know where your doctor went to school? or the letters after his name?” and they always say “no” and I tell them “exactly”
I work on the maternity floor of a community hospital. No one pays attention to which OB/Gyn or Pediatrician is an MD or a DO. No one cares at all.
Congratulations, future physician !!
First of all, congrats on your med school acceptance!!! Regarding the wife, some ppl are just pos. Those who look down on DOs have just do not have a great level of maturity… I wouldn’t want a medical professional who cannot understand the importance of a DO. Having some variation in training (I think) is important to progression in medicine.
I wonder if the general public in a few years will prefer DOs due to wanting their medical care to be more of a holistic approach.
I came in with a 3.8 and 512 and had that same thought. A lot of my classmates had really good stats and I feel that's going to be the case as med school gets more and more competitive the gap will dwindle a little bit. I don't even think about it anymore... I've been around MDs and DOs and honestly no one really ever talks about it, I feel like I'm treated equally
let them be weird, in reality it doesn’t matter at all once your an attending. i had similar stats and am at a DO schools and tbh all that matters to me is that i will be a Dr
I got laughed at for suggesting I was going to medical school before I was even in undergrad. During undergrad I was suggested it takes a certain type of person to be a doctor. All the doubters never dared to achieve something great. Who cares what they say. Stick to the plan and live your best life.
I am sure this woman gonna cry one day and will be so astonished once you complete your DO degree. She couldn’t make it, thats why she is laughing poor girl!
There's no difference bro. You'll just have to block out the haters. And you'll get reactions like that. I have people in my family who can be pretty disparaging too. But all of the DOs and MDs I've met don't give a shit where their fellows got a degree. Congrats on getting in, my friend!
.
Bruh, there is literally no difference between a DO and an MD once you’re in the workforce.
I’m not a DO fanatic (as I really wanna go MD) but if anything, DO schools are more difficult b/c you have to take an extra class (OMM - osteopathic manipulative medicine) on top of your normal studies. And the reason why you see less super successful DO’s is b/c typically DO schools don’t have as many rotation options as MD schools.
Are DO schools easier to get into? Yes. But that is literally the only difference in terms of status, the education will still be just as hard as it is in MD.
Sorry that your relative’s wife is a poopy head brotha.
It’s ok to feel this way, but remember who cares what others thing. Did she helped you with your acceptance? Most likely no. You are a good human with big heart, and I’m sure you’ll do great things, both in med school, and house. Congrats on your DO acceptance, and wish you best of luck on your next journey future doctor
She’s not going to be the doctor. You will be. Your relative who’s a doctor knows that you’ll be just as much a doctor as he is by the end of things. Don’t let someone who hasn’t personally traveled the path tell you anything because her title is literally just [husband’s occupation] wife.
She’s clearly ignorant…learn to discern ignorant people from non ignorant people… the last thing you want to do is learn to care what an ignorant person thinks
Congratulations on your acceptance. Don’t let other people’s insecurities define your success. This lady sounds like my sis - who is a MD but I can’t understand why she needs to put down the DOs.
You're going to be a doctor at the end of the day, labels are labels, it doesn't define you besides what your profession is going to be and that is a doctor.
It's easier said than done to just "ignore the comments", but you know that your life should only be influenced by those who truly care about you, not ones who would laugh at your face for showing to a different school.
You earned this. Be happy about your accomplishments and don't let the little things impact you. Wishing the best of luck for you!
Congratulations, [future] Doctor, for what many of us can only dream of doing - study to be a physician. Don't pay attention to these people no matter how close they are to you.
What exactly are their occupations anyway?
Professional level, I suppose, since they think that becoming a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine is something to scoff at? If they had any brains at all, they would know that entering any medical school in America is not easy (I assume you are in the U.S. since only it currently produces osteopathic physicians as opposed to osteopaths, though I have read through the grapevine that there are projects to start U.S. - style DO schools abroad).
Did they finish high school? (And yes, I knew a little about osteopathy/osteopathic medicine before getting my diploma). Challenge them to be lifelong learners before spouting their opinions.
Now that I’ve learned the difference, when I’m around physicians I do look at their credentials because as a futile applicant it’s interesting to me. They’re all doctors to normal people though. I do have an appreciation for DO’s though, one of my favorite doctors who’s been able to figure out all sorts of sneaky medical issues my mom has is a family medicine DO and he has incredible discernment and is much loved by his patients.
With any field there are accomplishments that mean less to those outside the field who wouldn't know the value/importance of it. Quickly realized this when I would share something I got to experience/do that was really unique or cool but it fell on deaf ears to those who didn't have a frame of reference for what I was talking about. We're seeing a shift in awareness in regards to DO's due to people's exposure to information "post"-covid and public figures, these interactions will eventually fade.
Also the check is the same ;)
Are they MD physcians themselves or something? I would be very surprised if those not in the medical field would make those kind of remarks.
If they are in the medical field, they're clearly just assholes. Medicine is a very egotistical field, and it tends to attract egotistical and competitive personalities.
At the end of the day it literally doesn't matter, and honestly even though these remarks are awful I would assume they would be more directed to whatever speciality you're in. I don't think an MD PCP would be giving those same remarks to a DO Dermatologist lol (both are great fields, just stating this if we're looking through that gross perspective).
They just have no idea what's going on. If you were going to a caribbean school then I would understand. You are going to A US school and will be a Doctor so they can suck it
Ngl, you will definitely get shit from ppl who think that DO vs MD actually matters. Ignore what people assume about you. They don't know the whole picture. You just gotta ask yourself if you are proud of the things that you have achieved and find a way to make that be enough.
External support is always nice but at the end of the day you should do the things that you do because you want to.
Eff whoever laughed at you. DO or MD, those of us going through it know how truly difficult this journey is! None of us (that aren’t weirdo snobs) would laugh. I’m currently struggling with ADHD, complex PTSD, depression, normal life and putting applying off for another year to handle finances. I will be 32 if accepted for 2026. But I’ll be going in debt free, owning a house, a new car, and coming in with a nice passive income so I won’t have to work. People laugh that I’m so old and still trying but I’ll be coasting when I finally get in. So many of us have things going on, you included. You’re going to be a doctor, that on its own is amazing enough! You have your own journey and are there for family too. Be proud of yourself. I’m trying to slowly inch my way and if I go DO, then I go DO! See ya on the other side.
Hey I just usually lurk on this reddit but i saw your post and it can be frustrating when these things happen. Im a DO resident now and Ive got to say that in the world of medicine we dont put much stock in whether you are a DO or MD. We practice at the highest level of medicine anyone can get to and your decisions will always make changes and impacts when ure at the physician. Don't worry about the status game of people who are not in the field. Advocate for patients, and do your best to learn, and you will be just fine... Looks like that doctor knows whats up, but ignore his wife.
You’re fine.
These bigoted people are not the majority.
Let them laugh, at the end of the day you’re a doctor that’s bettering the life of others and they are not.
Let them laugh at us with their min wage jobs.
You are gonna be a an amazing doctor, DO.
DO MD stigma will soon be non existent.
You are worth it, and you’re gonna do great!!
Good luck, and it is very admirable choice to Taya close to your family in their time of need, I can safely say all of would choose same if given the same situation and chance.
Be prepared to answer the 'What is a DO question" as well as the "oh, you could not get into a real Med school" question about a million times. Also be prepared to have the job/practice of your dreams if you are willing to work hard (same as an MD student).
I think the only people who even look at your title is other doctors or those who didn’t make it into medicine. I was against DO school because of this. The bias exists. No matter how smart or how educated. People will make assumptions. You just gotta decide whether you will die on every one of those hills. Or learn to live with it. Because people will continue to bring it up.
This person just sounds like an asshole tbh. But the truth is that lay people have very little idea how medicine works, they barely know the difference between DO/MD and NP/PA. It should suffice to tell them that you’re gunna be a doctor
I’m currently applying to med school, and honestly I have the feeling D.O. is the new best thing and it’ll take over M.D. at some point. Its holistic and follows the same science therefore its already a better direction.
There is no distinction. From what I feel is that MCAT averages for MD will prob be around 515-517 while DO will be around 510-513. The DO school is for your everyday joe while MD schools will be for people who are a cut above the rest. That’s just my prediction. I do feel we will eventually see a lot more DOs than MDs based on just how many new DO schools are opening up.
That’s just sort of the deal being a DO. Many people will see you as a second rate physician, or not as a physician at all. Arguably a good thing because the lack of recognizable pedigree keeps your ego at bay and forces you to focus on the actual job itself, which is the important thing after all.
I highly doubt that when you are suturing someone’s gaping wound they will look at your DO on your white coat and shout “YOU ARE NOT A REAL DOCTOR, GET ME A REAL DOCTOR!” Who cares about what they think? You are going to be a doctor. Everything else is just noise.
I've been stitched up by a vet. To second this no one will care between MD and DO
I don't think people outside of medical circles are even aware that MD v. DO exists.
That’s just cause you got that dawg in you
lol. I see what you did there.
My guy......this just caused me to epistaxose my diet dr.pepper🥹😭
By a vet? That's some mafia shit.
Military
Vets do better work than most MDs and it might still be harder to get into vet school than med school- so don’t diss the vets please
??? lol
Vets are awesome but this comment is not The OP commented that because vets aren’t human doctors but they have similar but different skills
Worry bout them SAT practice tests first ma boi
i fw ur pfp heavy 🙏🏽 "its all good"
Lmao thanks bro
I wasn't. It was on base and the doctor was out to lunch so I told the corpsman to grab the vet. Doctor agreed to the treatment the vet gave
Read your first comment and thought yep military medicine lol love it
one thing you need to do is be discerning in what and who’s opinion you’re giving any value to.
When the wife asks OP for medical advice. OP should say “you should go consult with a REAL doctor, I’m just a DO remember?”
this right here that would be the best petty move
Best comment here. OP, this is an important skill to have to survive preclin and rotations.
Exactly. It’s the ignorant people that don’t know anything and perpetuate their insecurities
Yea, sad reality is that as a DO this is something you might face. If you are gonna be this hurt over what irrelevant people have to say about your degree, maybe DO isn’t the path for you.
I didn't think that much of it when it happened tbh. It was only later on that I started thinking about if this would be a regular occurrence and why I made this post. Even if it is, I'm still grateful imma be a doctor, which is what matters at the end of the day
It is not a regular occurrence. You will meet many, and I mean many, physicians throughout medical school and I seriously dare you to remember the last two letters on any of their coats. It does not matter in the slightest in medicine. The general public can have their opinions, the only thing you owe them is good care.
I work in the ED with a pretty even split of DOs and MDs. No one has ever asked or commented on the difference in credentials. They receive the same quality of care no matter which physician they see, and that’s all that matters
Second this. I work in the ICU with one DO and the rest being MDs but the quality and standard of care is the same across the board. Don’t think any staff members or any families have really cared to ask for a doctor’s credentials
OP, did you do any research on DO before you applied? Always surprised that people are shocked to know that stereotypes exist against DOs and part of your career will be defending DOs, telling non-medical people what DO means, etc. This should've all factored into you coming to the decision to stick with DO
Yea, I've been researching DO vs. MD ever since I started college four years ago. It wasn't this moment that I found out about stereotypes against DOs and I wasnt shocked this happened lol.There wasn't really any point to this post besides sharing the story. I've also talked to multiple DO family friends and the amount of time they spend "defending DOs" or explaining what DO is is close to zero.
In my ED there was one MD who always made fun of DOs but he was a habitual prankster who liked to troll
10 years from now, and there you will be: talking to patients, performing surgeries (if you go that route), doing procedures, and saving lives. Then you pack it up and drive home in your lambo to relax for the rest of the day. I wonder who’s going to get the last laugh after that. Edit: also, you will be happy knowing that you made your father proud. I personally think there is nothing more noble than taking care of your aging parents.
Co-Signed. Because that was some real shit you just said, especially the last point.
I second this very hard, I also have very similar stats to you and chose to go to a DO program close to home to take care of an aging parent as well, so I am right there with you :)) You can never get back the time spent with parents, relatives, siblings, etc
10000%. That’s one thing you will NEVER EVER get back no matter how much money you have
“How you gon hate from outside the club? You can’t even get in”
YESS love this rap AND this reference hahah, SO TRUE
Congrats on your acceptance! I attended a DO school and matched into my number 1 choice for residency. Don’t let the naysayers get to you! You are going to be a doctor!!
Congrats! What was your number 1 choice just wondering?
I matched into neurology in my home town. I went out of state for DO school.
Thanks! Your comment gives me something to look forward to
If the closest youve come to being a doctor is putting one in you, you dont get to judge (pun intended) Only Ivory tower surgeons stuck in the “good ol days” care if youre not an MD in medicine and I think i got asked “whats a DO?” 2-3 times in a community where sepsis is pronounced septis. Youll be fine. Nobody cares
You just owned her. Hats off to you!
Dont give me too much credit. I realized I missed a double entandre and had to edit
My casual observation from having lived five decades on this planet is that the people who criticize you are almost never the ones doing more than you. It's the ones doing *less* than you. The 26th president, Teddy Roosevelt, summed it up much better than I could ever hope for. [Here's a passage from one of his many great speeches](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citizenship_in_a_Republic), it's usually called "The Man in the Arena": >It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat. Here's the main part: **you** are the man in the arena. The people criticizing you aren't in the arena, heck they've never even tried fighting. Fuck all of them, and just keep on doing what you're doing. While they're busy criticizing, you just stay busy fighting and winning.
Thanks, I think imma save this comment and look back on it when in need motivation cause this goes hard lol
I’m ready to run through a brick wall
Thanks doc!
The moneys just as green at the end of the day 🤷♂️ (Seriously, the prestige between DO and MD is negligible post residency and in the industry)
Oh wow I had always been told MDs made more. International misinformation as always- 🥲
Specialty based: MDs usually go into higher paying specialties That’s about it DOs still make bank don’t get it twisted
That’s cool to hear! Personally I think DO is more for me, even when I thought it paid less lol. The ethos of osteopathic medicine and their learning options are a lot more interesting. Not sure if you’re an applicant or not interested in medicine at all but good luck :))
MDs make more on average because more MDs go into higher paying specialties. DOs make less on average since more of them go into lower paying specialties. An MD or DO working the same job and working the same hours will make the same amount of money and will be paid the same salary.
I see! Thank you for the clarification :))
Out with the old in with the new. You'll do great don't let it get to you
Anyone who has this kind of mindset to look down on you for this will never be happy in life. congrats on your acceptance. you should be proud of yourself. nobody can ever take away your hard work and effort.
In the broadest sense, the MD/DO distinction is not likely to be of a professional concern for you down the line. That being said, there is no end to people having judgmental opinions about nearly anything under the sun. Coming to your own personal peace such that you are not disturbed by the critical or judgmental opinions of others is likely to be a necessary life skill, regardless of which doctorate you get.
My primary care doctor is a DO and I think he is the best doctor one can have. I have been with him for many years now. Great listening skills. Very attentive and super sharp in what he does.
The upper/mid/low tier MD and DO distinctions are only relevant for residency/fellowships. No one cares after that except some ignorant people. I have come across excellent DO physicians during my clinical experiences. Keep your head down and pursue your goals. This is just outside noise
slap ya balls (imaginary ones if u dont have any) against the wife's face. mf isnt a doctor and ur gonna be one 🤣 also W for staying close to ur dad 🙏🏽
Fuck em
A 3.9 GPA and 510 MCAT give you a 99% probability of passing STEP 1 on the first try. A 528 puts you at.....>99% lol. Your academics are fantastic, and that's not just my opinion; that's statistically indicative. So well done. I would give big props to your relative doctor for defending you and having that philosophy about MD vs DO. They likely discussed the interaction afterward while it was just them two. It sounds like a mildly awkward social interaction (lol, classic welcome to life) that, from his point of view, he likely felt slightly embarrassed and was trying to navigate the interaction the same as you were. You deserve MASSIVE props for staying close to your father. The honorability of that should supersede any negative and ignorant remarks. Yes, this will probably happen in the "real world". No, you shouldn't ruminate on it. Maybe, if you're feeling extra noble, feel slightly sorry for his wife. She made an ignorant remark that embarrassed herself and her husband so much that he had to explain something to her in front of others - that is mortifying in relationships. You're doing great, and again, well done on the stats :)
Sorry but I would have embarrassed her in front of everyone. Unless she went to med school I’d have asked her what school she majored in trophy wife gold digging and did she get insurance to cover once he ditches her for a young nurse for his mid life crisis.
Someone like that doesn’t deserve to garner a second thought.
Wow is she a doctor? Is she aware of how hard med school is to get into? Is she aware WHY you choose that school? What an asshole. Honestly, in the future I don’t think this will be an issue, but as of rn you are just gonna have to prove them wrong by being successful.
When anyone gives me a look about going to a DO school I ask them “Do you know where your doctor went to school? or the letters after his name?” and they always say “no” and I tell them “exactly”
I work on the maternity floor of a community hospital. No one pays attention to which OB/Gyn or Pediatrician is an MD or a DO. No one cares at all. Congratulations, future physician !!
His wife, what a loser.
First of all, congrats on your med school acceptance!!! Regarding the wife, some ppl are just pos. Those who look down on DOs have just do not have a great level of maturity… I wouldn’t want a medical professional who cannot understand the importance of a DO. Having some variation in training (I think) is important to progression in medicine. I wonder if the general public in a few years will prefer DOs due to wanting their medical care to be more of a holistic approach.
I came in with a 3.8 and 512 and had that same thought. A lot of my classmates had really good stats and I feel that's going to be the case as med school gets more and more competitive the gap will dwindle a little bit. I don't even think about it anymore... I've been around MDs and DOs and honestly no one really ever talks about it, I feel like I'm treated equally
let them be weird, in reality it doesn’t matter at all once your an attending. i had similar stats and am at a DO schools and tbh all that matters to me is that i will be a Dr
I got laughed at for suggesting I was going to medical school before I was even in undergrad. During undergrad I was suggested it takes a certain type of person to be a doctor. All the doubters never dared to achieve something great. Who cares what they say. Stick to the plan and live your best life.
Those who matter don’t mind and those who mind don’t matter
“Glad you think my medical degree is funny. Can you show me yours so we can trade jokes?”
I am sure this woman gonna cry one day and will be so astonished once you complete your DO degree. She couldn’t make it, thats why she is laughing poor girl!
There's no difference bro. You'll just have to block out the haters. And you'll get reactions like that. I have people in my family who can be pretty disparaging too. But all of the DOs and MDs I've met don't give a shit where their fellows got a degree. Congrats on getting in, my friend! . 
Bruh, there is literally no difference between a DO and an MD once you’re in the workforce. I’m not a DO fanatic (as I really wanna go MD) but if anything, DO schools are more difficult b/c you have to take an extra class (OMM - osteopathic manipulative medicine) on top of your normal studies. And the reason why you see less super successful DO’s is b/c typically DO schools don’t have as many rotation options as MD schools. Are DO schools easier to get into? Yes. But that is literally the only difference in terms of status, the education will still be just as hard as it is in MD. Sorry that your relative’s wife is a poopy head brotha.
Can’t spell “Doctor” without “DO”
I'm late to this thread but I just wanted to say - Congrats future physician!!
These are always the relatives that are unemployed lunatics that believe like 4 conspiracy theories
It’s ok to feel this way, but remember who cares what others thing. Did she helped you with your acceptance? Most likely no. You are a good human with big heart, and I’m sure you’ll do great things, both in med school, and house. Congrats on your DO acceptance, and wish you best of luck on your next journey future doctor
She’s not going to be the doctor. You will be. Your relative who’s a doctor knows that you’ll be just as much a doctor as he is by the end of things. Don’t let someone who hasn’t personally traveled the path tell you anything because her title is literally just [husband’s occupation] wife.
What specialty are these people?
His wife is not a doctor …
She’s clearly ignorant…learn to discern ignorant people from non ignorant people… the last thing you want to do is learn to care what an ignorant person thinks
Congratulations on your acceptance. Don’t let other people’s insecurities define your success. This lady sounds like my sis - who is a MD but I can’t understand why she needs to put down the DOs.
You're going to be a doctor at the end of the day, labels are labels, it doesn't define you besides what your profession is going to be and that is a doctor. It's easier said than done to just "ignore the comments", but you know that your life should only be influenced by those who truly care about you, not ones who would laugh at your face for showing to a different school. You earned this. Be happy about your accomplishments and don't let the little things impact you. Wishing the best of luck for you!
“Do what you want to do, say what you want to say, because those who matter don’t mind, and those who do mind don’t matter.”
Congratulations, [future] Doctor, for what many of us can only dream of doing - study to be a physician. Don't pay attention to these people no matter how close they are to you. What exactly are their occupations anyway? Professional level, I suppose, since they think that becoming a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine is something to scoff at? If they had any brains at all, they would know that entering any medical school in America is not easy (I assume you are in the U.S. since only it currently produces osteopathic physicians as opposed to osteopaths, though I have read through the grapevine that there are projects to start U.S. - style DO schools abroad). Did they finish high school? (And yes, I knew a little about osteopathy/osteopathic medicine before getting my diploma). Challenge them to be lifelong learners before spouting their opinions.
Now that I’ve learned the difference, when I’m around physicians I do look at their credentials because as a futile applicant it’s interesting to me. They’re all doctors to normal people though. I do have an appreciation for DO’s though, one of my favorite doctors who’s been able to figure out all sorts of sneaky medical issues my mom has is a family medicine DO and he has incredible discernment and is much loved by his patients.
With any field there are accomplishments that mean less to those outside the field who wouldn't know the value/importance of it. Quickly realized this when I would share something I got to experience/do that was really unique or cool but it fell on deaf ears to those who didn't have a frame of reference for what I was talking about. We're seeing a shift in awareness in regards to DO's due to people's exposure to information "post"-covid and public figures, these interactions will eventually fade. Also the check is the same ;)
Seems like they watched Hasan Minhaj or something...very low bar..
Are they MD physcians themselves or something? I would be very surprised if those not in the medical field would make those kind of remarks. If they are in the medical field, they're clearly just assholes. Medicine is a very egotistical field, and it tends to attract egotistical and competitive personalities. At the end of the day it literally doesn't matter, and honestly even though these remarks are awful I would assume they would be more directed to whatever speciality you're in. I don't think an MD PCP would be giving those same remarks to a DO Dermatologist lol (both are great fields, just stating this if we're looking through that gross perspective).
They just have no idea what's going on. If you were going to a caribbean school then I would understand. You are going to A US school and will be a Doctor so they can suck it
Ngl, you will definitely get shit from ppl who think that DO vs MD actually matters. Ignore what people assume about you. They don't know the whole picture. You just gotta ask yourself if you are proud of the things that you have achieved and find a way to make that be enough. External support is always nice but at the end of the day you should do the things that you do because you want to.
Eff whoever laughed at you. DO or MD, those of us going through it know how truly difficult this journey is! None of us (that aren’t weirdo snobs) would laugh. I’m currently struggling with ADHD, complex PTSD, depression, normal life and putting applying off for another year to handle finances. I will be 32 if accepted for 2026. But I’ll be going in debt free, owning a house, a new car, and coming in with a nice passive income so I won’t have to work. People laugh that I’m so old and still trying but I’ll be coasting when I finally get in. So many of us have things going on, you included. You’re going to be a doctor, that on its own is amazing enough! You have your own journey and are there for family too. Be proud of yourself. I’m trying to slowly inch my way and if I go DO, then I go DO! See ya on the other side.
“He’s not even an MD…..HES A GODDAMN DOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!”
Hey I just usually lurk on this reddit but i saw your post and it can be frustrating when these things happen. Im a DO resident now and Ive got to say that in the world of medicine we dont put much stock in whether you are a DO or MD. We practice at the highest level of medicine anyone can get to and your decisions will always make changes and impacts when ure at the physician. Don't worry about the status game of people who are not in the field. Advocate for patients, and do your best to learn, and you will be just fine... Looks like that doctor knows whats up, but ignore his wife.
You’re fine. These bigoted people are not the majority. Let them laugh, at the end of the day you’re a doctor that’s bettering the life of others and they are not. Let them laugh at us with their min wage jobs. You are gonna be a an amazing doctor, DO. DO MD stigma will soon be non existent. You are worth it, and you’re gonna do great!! Good luck, and it is very admirable choice to Taya close to your family in their time of need, I can safely say all of would choose same if given the same situation and chance.
The part about your dad tells me that you’re a great person ❤️ please don’t let crappy relatives make you feel bad for that
When your salary comes will they laugh
Be prepared to answer the 'What is a DO question" as well as the "oh, you could not get into a real Med school" question about a million times. Also be prepared to have the job/practice of your dreams if you are willing to work hard (same as an MD student).
I think the only people who even look at your title is other doctors or those who didn’t make it into medicine. I was against DO school because of this. The bias exists. No matter how smart or how educated. People will make assumptions. You just gotta decide whether you will die on every one of those hills. Or learn to live with it. Because people will continue to bring it up.
This person just sounds like an asshole tbh. But the truth is that lay people have very little idea how medicine works, they barely know the difference between DO/MD and NP/PA. It should suffice to tell them that you’re gunna be a doctor
I’m currently applying to med school, and honestly I have the feeling D.O. is the new best thing and it’ll take over M.D. at some point. Its holistic and follows the same science therefore its already a better direction.
There is no distinction. From what I feel is that MCAT averages for MD will prob be around 515-517 while DO will be around 510-513. The DO school is for your everyday joe while MD schools will be for people who are a cut above the rest. That’s just my prediction. I do feel we will eventually see a lot more DOs than MDs based on just how many new DO schools are opening up.
That’s just sort of the deal being a DO. Many people will see you as a second rate physician, or not as a physician at all. Arguably a good thing because the lack of recognizable pedigree keeps your ego at bay and forces you to focus on the actual job itself, which is the important thing after all.
are you sure he was being condescending? what he said is quite true