I posted the resolution put forth by Jacqui O'Kane calling for Degree Designation Change of DO to MD, DO. To many non-medical professional, this seems to be a trivial point. But to some of us doctors, out title is part of our identity. This question had been put out as a survey question in Sermo, a network of practicing MDs and DOs. Only 76 doctors responded in 48 hours.
Interestingly, the number of DO and MD participants is about the same. About 59% of DOs (44% oppose, 10% calling MD,DO is still DO, 5% calling it is ridiculous) are opposed to the idea of changing DO title, while a large minority (13% support and 21% support a different title) is for some change.
In the allopathic counterparts, 54% of MDs (27% oppose and 27% support the DO title use) are opposed to MD, DO title, 24% call for merger of the 2 professions.
Any push for a change of DO title degree will encounter strong opposition from within and from our allopathic counterparts. Allopathic counterparts would rather osteopathic schools convert to allopathic schools than allowing the MD,DO title because it would imply higher level of education than MD.
Please be advised the results are unscientific because it only represents a very small sample and it was not distributed to every member for their opinion. The survey was posted along with the failed resolution calling for a change of DO degree to MD, DO degree. It attracted responses for the first 48 hours of posting and then showed no signs of activity because the posting may be diluted among other postings after 48 hours.
I am publishing a similar survey to gain more insight, which will be up for input/voting for 7 days. You can find the survey at top right of the screen. As you know that a formal polling requires a more selective system with some kinds of identification (email, name and AOA#), the following polling is only informal and unscientific.
If you are a DO or DO student, would you approve the resolution calling for a formal polling about the change of DO degree title to MD,DO, also known as the resolution presented and defeated at SOMA?
- Oppose
- Support
- Neutral
If you are a MD or MD student, would you support the change of DO degree title to MD,DO?
- Oppose
- Support
- Neutral
I am a D.O. student.
ReplyDeleteThough I am not 100% sure of my stands on this dual designation issue, I would support the resolution. This resolution calls for a formal polling which would at least give us a perspective of how our profession as a whole stand on this issue. Even though the resolution did call for further action if the survey turns out to be in favor of the proposed change, there is no guarantee that the results will be in favor of it and if it did, then that's what the profession wants. I do support this resolution and think even if AOA is not willing to go forward w/ this resolution, some sort of "unofficial" polling should still be done. Lastly, I want to emphasize the importance of wording for the question that will be used in the polling which can potentially influence how people answer the poll. The resolution itself is well written and I hope the polling survey will contain some information that it presented in its whereas clauses. Thank you for bringing attention to this resolution!
Change the DO degree to MD or MD,DO !!
ReplyDeleteThe future of osteopathic medicine is in the hands of current DO students. If we request SOMA to send the official survey to all 28 DO schools, we will surely see a better defined, positive result from the future DOs. I strongly support this resolution, and we must do whatever's necessary to bring this change. In order to spread our osteopathic principles and practice, they must first be accepted by the patients, and this seems to be the only effective way to do so. Let's not give up on creating a positive change for the future of osteopathic medicine.
ReplyDeleteYou may have noticed that i attempted to conduct an informal survey, but the participation is so low. Please refer to the http://www.eyedrd.org/2010/12/analysis-of-informal-polling-results-of.html
ReplyDeleteIn America, we enjoy the freedom of having our votes to be heard or counted, but the majority does not participate in the process. I believe AOA is willing to make the change or evolution if there is a clear evidence of what the majority of DOs want.