MSK9's Medical School Thread & Guide

[MSK9]

Nice reading about your journey! I am a physician recruiter and have been for 9 years.

Being a DO is great! For most states, you get your licensed after PGY-1 (1st year of residency) and this will allow you to moonlight sooner than your MD counterparts. Can save you a lot of money in the long-term.

I would strongly urge you against the Carribean schools. Not because they are not comparable, but because it can be a lot harder to get into residency than an AMG (American) school. I know plenty of physicians that were not able to get a residency spot and have not practiced.

Remember, when you go an IMG (International) graduate, you compete against graduates from all around the world and it becomes much harder.

DO is the way to go. 

Here are some schools to consider:

DO:
Touro University California 
Touro University Nevada
California Health Sciences University
Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine
Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine

MD:
Kaiser Medical School in Pasadena (TUITION FREE)
California Northstate University

You're right, based on my research it is certainly more challenging securing a residency (especially a competitive one) as an International Medical Graduate. That said, I know several (all Americans) who had a much easier time matching than non-American graduates.

I'm certainly not opposed to DO - in fact, most of my applications are for DO programs. As I understand it, the DO application cycle interview invitations can go out as late as March/April, so I'm still waiting on word from many of the schools I've applied to. Thanks for your input!

What is your background (aside from recruiting), if you don't mind me asking?