Types of Programs
Types of Programs
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MD vs. DO
There are two types of medical schools in the United States: allopathic (also known as MD) and osteopathic (also known as DO). Admissions practices and requirements are very similar for both types of programs. Grade point average and MCAT scores tend to be slightly higher for successful candidates to MD schools. Once admitted, students in DO programs do an additional hands-on training called osteopathic manipulative treatment or OMT. This treatment is an extra tool that osteopathic physicians can use when treating patients. This article from the American Medical Association provides more in-depth information on the differences in the two training models.
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Public vs. Private
Medical schools in the United States are either public (funded by local tax dollars) or private. As a result, candidates are always the most competitive at public institutions in their home state. The average candidate will apply to around 18 medical schools. The PMHSC recommends applicants apply to private schools out of state to increase their odds of successful admission. Information on where WSU alumni have been admitted can be found on our admissions date page.
Medical schools in Michigan by type
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Allopathic, Public: Central Michigan University College of Medicine, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, University of Michigan, Wayne State University School of Medicine
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Allopathic, Private: Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Western Michigan University Homer Stryker MD School of Medicine
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Osteopathic, Public: Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Caribbean Medical Schools
Some WSU alumni attend medical school in the Caribbean. These schools are typically private, for-profit institutions that conduct the pre-clerkship years in the Caribbean with the clerkship rotations occurring in the United States. The PMHSC believes that it is important to fully research all the implications of this pathway before committing to it. Topics to investigate include residency match rates, residency locations, gainful employment disclosures, average debt level of graduates, and attrition rates. Candidates can discuss these issues with a PMHSC advisor. Outside reading recommendations include:
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/29/health/caribbean-medical-school.html