Thanks fpr sharing these interesting comments. I particularly like the observation that coughing decreases the pain of injections. I had heard that before but never saw an explanation. I think crying probably does the same thing. Cool! Where did you find these?

Learn why nearly 1 in 5 U.S. medical students is training to be an osteopathic physician. View our video, “Explore the DO Difference!” Then visit www.AACOMAS.org , the centralized application service for applying to osteopathic medical school. AACOMAS verifies, processes and sends your application materials to those osteopathic medical schools you designate

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I think I've read this a couple of times before on here (that D.O. school might be one year longer compared to M.D. school), but it could be that the person who said it didn't know what they were talking about. As far as I know, both programs are generally four years.

I know that the length of residencies vary according to specialty, but let's imagine the following scenario: Suppose one student wants to be a D.O. internist, and another student wants to be an M.D. internist. If they both start medical school at the same time, will they also finish medical school and their residency programs at the same time? If not, how much of a gap in time will there be?

Preferably, I'd like to hear from allopathic and/or osteopathic students/doctors, or anyone who definitely knows the answer to this question. Thanks.

There should not be any gap. Any difference in time of finishing school would be due to personal differences, residency lengths, etc. M.D./D.O. are equivalent here.

I am going back to school for the science requirements and then take the MCAT but what else do I need to do to get accepted by a medical school, I have an osteopathic school in mind if that helps.

I prefer answers by osteopaths, so if you are one please state that in your answer.
After SoteCote's response I need to clarify, I have a bachelors in Accounting and Criminal Justice as well as my CFP certification. I do just fine in school, I just havent taken any biology courses, which I am going back to take. I am wanting to know about the selection process and what to expect when applying to medical school.

First for the public: there are 2 types of medical schools, osteopathic medical schools and allopathic medical schools. Both result in fully licensed physicians in all 50 states able to perform ALL specialties in medicine. One has a DO degree and the other MD degree.

To answer the question: I was in the same exact shoes as you 4 years ago. I was in business and decided to pursue medicine. I went to my undergrad to take the pre-reqs. I took Bio 1&2, Chem 1&2, Organic Chem 1&2, Physics 1&2. That's it. While you do that MAKE SURE YOU GET A's in these classes. I would use a website to find easy teachers at www.ratemyprofessors.com and enroll only in easy classes because as a non-traditional student – you better make sure you get As. And don't worry about not being prepared for med school. You use those about 1% of what you learn in those pre-reqs, maybe.

Enroll in a course or buy books from examkrackers to study for MCAT. I used the latter and scored decent for entrance to multiple med schools.

In the meantime, go to a local hospital and volunteer in the E.R. You will be changing bedsheets most of the time, but you need it for your applications and personal statement. Also, look in the yellow pages for D.O.'s (or online) and try and shadow one AND get a letter of recommendation from one. This will help a lot. Oh, also get letters from your science instructors in the pre-reqs (and 1 or 2 from previous non-science instructors). These are all required when you apply.

I know it sounds like a lot but it's really not. Everything will come into place. I can email you if you need more info. Good luck!

Doing a World of Good – Des Moines University

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I graduated with a 3.0 in chemical engineering and have a 31 MCAT. I worked for 3 summers at an engineering company, and shadowed a plastic surgeon, orthopedic surgeon, and oral surgeon. I do home rehab projects with people at my church in my city and once in another state. I have also been involved a little in habitat for humanity. I live in Missouri so there is Kirksville (DO), WashU STL (MD), UMKC (MD, DDS), St. Louis University (MD), and Kansas (DO).
Also there is Mizzou (MD). Please offer your opinions on carribbean schools also.

There is a large difference between dentists, podiatrists, and physicians. Your credentials give you a good shot at any of these types of schools, but you really ought to decide which one you want to be before you start applying. Career decisions by default acceptance is not the wisest plan for your happiness.