Optometry School vs. Medical School

[socal2014]

Dr. JL,

I read somewhere that you are recuperating from an injury (Am I correct?). I hope you are getting better. I enjoy reading your posts because they are very informative. I hope that you would continue to share your insights even after you get back to work full-time.

I went to an optometry school (University of Alabama at Birmingham) where we took first 2 years of basic science courses with dental students, so I think that I can compare the rigor of the two schools slightly better than you. In all classes we took together (physiology, pharmacology, etc.), the average test scores of the optometry students were always 1-2 points higher than that of dental students, and I had an impression (observing the stress levels of the two groups of students) that optometry school was slightly more rigorous than dental school( in my school at least).

Having said that, I really do not have any idea about the 3rd and 4th years of dental school, even though one of my sisters is a dentist.

Are the 3rd and 4th years of dental school considerably more difficult than the 1st and 2nd years?

Maybe, the scores of OD students where higher than those of DDS students because the DDS students had to devote more of their time to labs.

But I would agree with JL, in that dent. school is a lot more tougher than optometry school. Essentially, its surgery vs. non-surgery, which reflects the higher incomes of dentists. Potential of income is pretty much equal, however, it is tougher for the OD to accumulate wealth, due to several reasons which are absent in dentistry.

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[DocJL]

Dr. JL,

I read somewhere that you are recuperating from an injury (Am I correct?). I hope you are getting better. I enjoy reading your posts because they are very informative. I hope that you would continue to share your insights even after you get back to work full-time.

I went to an optometry school (University of Alabama at Birmingham) where we took first 2 years of basic science courses with dental students, so I think that I can compare the rigor of the two schools slightly better than you. In all classes we took together (physiology, pharmacology, etc.), the average test scores of the optometry students were always 1-2 points higher than that of dental students, and I had an impression (observing the stress levels of the two groups of students) that optometry school was slightly more rigorous than dental school( in my school at least).

Having said that, I really do not have any idea about the 3rd and 4th years of dental school, even though one of my sisters is a dentist.

Are the 3rd and 4th years of dental school considerably more difficult than the 1st and 2nd years?

Yushin, thank you for the kind words. Yes I had shoulder surgery in December to repair a torn labrum from chronic dislocations. Healing is going well and I have been back to a full schedule for almost a month, even doing surgery myself again (did 3 sets of wisdom teeth last week).

I suppose any professional you ask will tell you their program was the hardest/worse, as we ALL "bled" for our degrees. Right after I joined the Navy another dental officer walked up to me, and looking at my shoulder insignia which designated me as a dental officer, said, "Dentist, huh? Man, didn't dental school just SUCK!" and that pretty much summed it up......

You're right about dental school being 2 basic phases, D1 and D2 mostly class, D3 and D4 mostly clinical, so the "hardest" years depends on each student. I found the first 2 years hardest, as I got into dental school with only the bare minimum of science classes (I only took the required classes in science, I was a 3rd year Accounting student with a 4.0 GPA when I changed my major, and I got straight A's in all the prerequisite science classes also, until I got an early conditional dental school admission, and slacked off and got a couple of B's.). I found (as I've stated in other threads) that dental school was FULL of smart people, and I was no longer the "smartest kid in class". We had guys with masters degrees in a science, we even had a guy with a PhD in Biochemistry in my class - these people breezed through the science classes.

However, I am VERY good with my hands, always have been, and I've also always been good at "fixing things" mechanically, and building things. These skills are huge in dentistry. Many of the most gifted dentists I've met are also very good artists, etc. My school ranked each student for each individual year, and overall. After D1 year my class rank was 29 out of 80 (I was shocked, because I had literally been used to cruising to the top of the class in undergrad). D1 year involved almost NO working with your hands, and very little dental classes, outside of basic dental anatomy. D2 year was half science, and half dental, so the playing field was even, and my rank for second year was in the teens.

I had no problem in my clinical years, for the most part, and my D4 year my class rank was 4th out of 82, finishing 11th of 82 cumulative.

Other students were the opposite, almost top of class after D1 year, but sliding back further and further as clinical skills became more important.

Where did your sister go to school? and when did she graduate? I went to Tennessee (Memphis) and for a short time entertained ideas of going to SCO in Memphis. FWIW, I'm glad I chose dentistry as the profession has been a "good fit" and been very good to me financially.


How long have you been out of school? practice owner or employee?

 

[IndianaOD]

Nobody will ever be able to tell you one set of schooling was harder than the other unless they have done both. I guarantee it also depends heavily on the specific schools. All we can say is the pre-reqs are almost identical to OD, DDS, and MD schools.

Look at the entering GPAs at the Canadian optometry school. I think the average is almost 4.0 because of competition.

 

[VA Hopeful Dr]

Nobody will ever be able to tell you one set of schooling was harder than the other unless they have done both. I guarantee it also depends heavily on the specific schools. All we can say is the pre-reqs are almost identical to OD, DDS, and MD schools.

Look at the entering GPAs at the Canadian optometry school. I think the average is almost 4.0 because of competition.

Actually, many OD schools require more pre-reqs compared to med school. I thought about going into optometry, but the year of required psych wouldn't fit into my undergraduate schedule.

 

[IndianaOD]

Actually, many OD schools require more pre-reqs compared to med school. I thought about going into optometry, but the year of required psych wouldn't fit into my undergraduate schedule.

The year of psych is probably more for the student than future patients! Dealing with both Medical and Vision plans is enough to send you over the edge.

 

[yushin]

Yushin, thank you for the kind words. Yes I had shoulder surgery in December to repair a torn labrum from chronic dislocations. Healing is going well and I have been back to a full schedule for almost a month, even doing surgery myself again (did 3 sets of wisdom teeth last week).

I suppose any professional you ask will tell you their program was the hardest/worse, as we ALL "bled" for our degrees. Right after I joined the Navy another dental officer walked up to me, and looking at my shoulder insignia which designated me as a dental officer, said, "Dentist, huh? Man, didn't dental school just SUCK!" and that pretty much summed it up......

You're right about dental school being 2 basic phases, D1 and D2 mostly class, D3 and D4 mostly clinical, so the "hardest" years depends on each student. I found the first 2 years hardest, as I got into dental school with only the bare minimum of science classes (I only took the required classes in science, I was a 3rd year Accounting student with a 4.0 GPA when I changed my major, and I got straight A's in all the prerequisite science classes also, until I got an early conditional dental school admission, and slacked off and got a couple of B's.). I found (as I've stated in other threads) that dental school was FULL of smart people, and I was no longer the "smartest kid in class". We had guys with masters degrees in a science, we even had a guy with a PhD in Biochemistry in my class - these people breezed through the science classes.

However, I am VERY good with my hands, always have been, and I've also always been good at "fixing things" mechanically, and building things. These skills are huge in dentistry. Many of the most gifted dentists I've met are also very good artists, etc. My school ranked each student for each individual year, and overall. After D1 year my class rank was 29 out of 80 (I was shocked, because I had literally been used to cruising to the top of the class in undergrad). D1 year involved almost NO working with your hands, and very little dental classes, outside of basic dental anatomy. D2 year was half science, and half dental, so the playing field was even, and my rank for second year was in the teens.

I had no problem in my clinical years, for the most part, and my D4 year my class rank was 4th out of 82, finishing 11th of 82 cumulative.

Other students were the opposite, almost top of class after D1 year, but sliding back further and further as clinical skills became more important.

Where did your sister go to school? and when did she graduate? I went to Tennessee (Memphis) and for a short time entertained ideas of going to SCO in Memphis. FWIW, I'm glad I chose dentistry as the profession has been a "good fit" and been very good to me financially.


How long have you been out of school? practice owner or employee?

Doctor JL,

I gave this a little bit more thought, and would agree that dental school might be somewhat more rigorous than optometry. I think that the first 2 years are about the same (I mentioned that my class did slightly better than the dental class when I went to school, but in a different year and different classes of students, the opposite might be the case). However, it seems that the 3rd and 4th years of dental school would be more difficult and challenging than optometry school since dental students have to learn multiple surgical skills whereas optometry students do not.

My sister went to Univ. of Maryland. She struggled a lot for few years after she graduated in late 80's, but she does very well now as do most dentists.

I've been out of school for about 15 years, and have a small practice.

Just like you, I had also debated going to dental or optometry school, but chose optometry as I did not like the idea of having very close physical contact with patients and I didn't think that I was good with my hands ( I have had a slight tremor in my hands. I'm praying it's not Parkinson's, LOL).

Unlike IndianOD, I do not have a great regret over not choosing dentistry for as the life turned out, I never married and do not have kids. I keep my life simple, and do not need a lot of money. However, had I married and have kids like most people do, it would be a completely different story.

There was one time I did regret not being a dentist though. I had signed up with a dating service about a year ago. When I was asked what I do for living by a date specialist, I told her that I'm an optometrist. I was told by the date specialist that "most ladies don't have high regards for optometrists, they like dentists" LOL. I think that the ladies also know that dentists make 2x3 times more than optometrists.

 

[DocJL]

Doctor JL,

I gave this a little bit more thought, and would agree that dental school might be somewhat more rigorous than optometry. I think that the first 2 years are about the same (I mentioned that my class did slightly better than the dental class when I went to school, but in a different year and different classes of students, the opposite might be the case). However, it seems that the 3rd and 4th years of dental school would be more difficult and challenging than optometry school since dental students have to learn multiple surgical skills whereas optometry students do not.

My sister went to Univ. of Maryland. She struggled a lot for few years after she graduated in late 80's, but she does very well now as do most dentists.

I've been out of school for about 15 years, and have a small practice.

Just like you, I had also debated going to dental or optometry school, but chose optometry as I did not like the idea of having very close physical contact with patients and I didn't think that I was good with my hands ( I have had a slight tremor in my hands. I'm praying it's not Parkinson's, LOL).

Unlike IndianOD, I do not have a great regret over not choosing dentistry for as the life turned out, I never married and do not have kids. I keep my life simple, and do not need a lot of money. However, had I married and have kids like most people do, it would be a completely different story.

There was one time I did regret not being a dentist though. I had signed up with a dating service about a year ago. When I was asked what I do for living by a date specialist, I told her that I'm an optometrist. I was told by the date specialist that "most ladies don't have high regards for optometrists, they like dentists" LOL. I think that the ladies also know that dentists make 2x3 times more than optometrists.

Glad to hear optometry has been a good choice for you. I've read lots of posters in both the optometry and the pharmacy forums who seem to have some degree of "buyers remorse" with their profession.....

I understand the 80's were a tough time, oversupply of dentists, many schools graduating multiple classes per year, etc. When I was in the military there were a couple of higher ranking dentists who had been in for a few years in the 80's, got out and couldn't make a good living, and came back in the military for a career.

Your dating service story reminded me of the first month of dental school. There was a big barbecue social "mixer" outside the dorm one afternoon, but we had our first set of big block exams the next day. My roommate was talking to a couple of cute girls, they were PT students, I joined the conversation and they were really flirting alot, and when we said we had to leave early to go to the library to study, one of the girls said, "I thought the medical school was off tomorrow?" My roommate answered, "we're in dental school, we all have exams tomorrow".

This girl got this really funny look on her face, then actually said, "Oh, we thought you guys were gonna be DOCTORS!" and the smiles and flirting stopped like a switch had been flipped!

can you spell g-o-l-d-d-i-g-g-e-r?????

 

[thecgrblue]

Glad to hear optometry has been a good choice for you. I've read lots of posters in both the optometry and the pharmacy forums who seem to have some degree of "buyers remorse" with their profession.....

I understand the 80's were a tough time, oversupply of dentists, many schools graduating multiple classes per year, etc. When I was in the military there were a couple of higher ranking dentists who had been in for a few years in the 80's, got out and couldn't make a good living, and came back in the military for a career.

Your dating service story reminded me of the first month of dental school. There was a big barbecue social "mixer" outside the dorm one afternoon, but we had our first set of big block exams the next day. My roommate was talking to a couple of cute girls, they were PT students, I joined the conversation and they were really flirting alot, and when we said we had to leave early to go to the library to study, one of the girls said, "I thought the medical school was off tomorrow?" My roommate answered, "we're in dental school, we all have exams tomorrow".

This girl got this really funny look on her face, then actually said, "Oh, we thought you guys were gonna be DOCTORS!" and the smiles and flirting stopped like a switch had been flipped!

can you spell g-o-l-d-d-i-g-g-e-r?????

Hilarious, sound like a bunch of gems.

 

[ASharp83]

As someone who has recently graduated from optometry school and is now attending medical school, I think I can offer some advice. In terms of schooling, the medical cirriculum is much more demanding, as it should be. The depth of the material can not even compare to optometry. However, that is not to say that the optometric cirriculum is not easy, because it was also very demanding. However, I can say that in medical school, I felt as though every free moment that I had outside of class, needed to be devoted to studying because the material was sooo voluminous. I never got that feeling in optometry school, even though the material was alot.
As for diagnosing, optometrists can pretty much diagnose any eye disease they wish, but the problem is this: you are often not exposed to the more complicated eye diseases as they are often referred to an ophthalmologist. Therefore, your management of these more complex cases often does not happen in optometry school. The way the rotations are set up during optometry training, you get really good at diagnosing the bread and butter cases (refractive errors, diabetic ret, etc) but you don't get good at handling the more complicated cases (like a systemic uveitis for example) because those cases are few and far between in opto trainining. That is not to say that you can't handle these cases after you're an OD, but that largely depends on the type of setting that you're in, and how comfortable you are at dealing with these cases. In terms of treatments, optometrists can rx glasses, provide as good array of eye meds to tx some eye diseases (like glaucoma), and do minor surgical procedures in some states. As an optometrist you're lifestyle will be better than a physicians for the most part. Lifestyle really depends on the setting that you're in but on average, optometrists work 40-45 hrs/week, compared to physicians who can sometimes work a great deal more. The pay isn't bad $80-120K is around average for opto. As an MD, especially is you want to be a LASIK MD, the sky is the limit for $$$$. The biggest problem I had with optometry is that it did get monotonous for me. Alot of presbyopes, SCL fits, and rx checks; I was expecting to see more pathology, but out of ten patients that you see in a day, 9 will be healthy and just looking for an update in their Rx. Again, the patients that you see will vary a great deal depending on the practice that you are in, but for the average private/commericial practice, this is what is going to happen. The patient interaction is great but the cases soon became somewhat monotonous, which is why I am now in medical school. Anyways, both professions are great, it just depends on what you find important in an occupation. hope this helps

Hi, I'm a 3rd yr optometry student, and I feel that I don't have the amount of knowledge to treat a person, I can't even treat a sick person who comes to my office b/c I'm unqualified. Now I go to a med school that has a an OD program and I have a lot of med school friends, and I seen their notes and know how much material I would have to study, and the thought of med school keeps crossing my mind. I first came into OD school wanting to become an optometrist, now I'm building a desire to go to med school and become more qualified to treat people, and I'm thinking about starting to study for the MCAT. What do you think? And, did your med school accept some of your OD credits from optometry school? Would you recommend international med schools like the caribbean just to save time in applying for med school?

 

[DrSpontaneouz83]

Hi, I'm a 3rd yr optometry student, and I feel that I don't have the amount of knowledge to treat a person, I can't even treat a sick person who comes to my office b/c I'm unqualified. Now I go to a med school that has a an OD program and I have a lot of med school friends, and I seen their notes and know how much material I would have to study, and the thought of med school keeps crossing my mind. I first came into OD school wanting to become an optometrist, now I'm building a desire to go to med school and become more qualified to treat people, and I'm thinking about starting to study for the MCAT. What do you think? And, did your med school accept some of your OD credits from optometry school? Would you recommend international med schools like the caribbean just to save time in applying for med school?

Wow!! My question to you is did you have a "passion" for optometry or did you just choose between med school, pharmacy, optometry, and dentistry? Just thinking of the amount of money that it will cost you and time....makes me cringe. But I am a firm believer that you go after what makes you happy.

Do you feel you are not prepared to treat patients because you have not absorbed the knowledge taught to you in OD school or the school has not provided enough information/experience to treat patients? Please don't take this as criticism, simply curiosity. GL in your decision.

 

[Meibomian SxN]

Hi, I'm a 3rd yr optometry student, and I feel that I don't have the amount of knowledge to treat a person, I can't even treat a sick person who comes to my office b/c I'm unqualified. Now I go to a med school that has a an OD program and I have a lot of med school friends, and I seen their notes and know how much material I would have to study, and the thought of med school keeps crossing my mind. I first came into OD school wanting to become an optometrist, now I'm building a desire to go to med school and become more qualified to treat people, and I'm thinking about starting to study for the MCAT. What do you think? And, did your med school accept some of your OD credits from optometry school? Would you recommend international med schools like the caribbean just to save time in applying for med school?

As a practicing OD, from what you just wrote and have experienced, it sounds like you will be unhappy with the daily grind of being an OD. But at the 3rd year, I wouldn't expect you to be comfortable in diagnosing/treating patients. That's why the curriculum is 4yrs plus an optional residency.

A 3rd year med student may have memorized a lot of volume, but they are not comfortable in diagnosing and/or treating the myriad of cases either. That's why they do a 1yr internship and a residency.

Because you have practically finished your OD degree I would continue through but instead of medical school (which will be MUCH more demanding mentally, physically, financially etc) you should consider a career in nursing.

Some nurse specialties clear $100K, have loan forgiveness, work less hours, can Rx meds, and are almost ALWAYS in demand.

Think about it this summer....

 

[thiaeyemd]

I would not do nursing if you want to be a physician. As a third year med student I had the basics from rotations to treat basic stuff..after my third year I knew how to treat an MI, Asthma, stroke etc...It took 4th year and internship to start getting into less common stuff and then residency obviously for eye stuff.

As a nurse yes you do make 100k in certain situations but it is a totally different profession than medicine or even optometry. You can't really make any executive decisions without a physician.You do literally give medications and take vital signs but you don't treat people on your own unless you are a nurse practioner.

If medicine is what you are interested in..you should do it. Yesterday I had a lady in my office who was being treated for temporal arteritis. She came in for a followup and was short of breath, and sweating. I asked her whats wrong and she said that she didn't know and she saw her primary doctor last week who said she was fine. I checked her vitals and threw on a 12 lead EKG. She was essentially having an anterior wall MI. I got her on an ambulance and called her primary doc so he could meet her at the hospital. No amount of loan forgiveness, work less hours etc.. can match that feeling...

Also there is a nursing oversuppy currently. Google it...I would finish OD school and then if you are really interested apply to med school. I had a friend who went to optometry school and then went to med school and became a laparscopic surgeon. It doesn't mean you have to become an eye surgeon. You may become into something totally different. I would say as a final point just because something is difficult or demanding it doesn't mean you should shy away from it. There is no easy path or short cut to things that are valuable or worth something in life.

 

[Meibomian SxN]

I would not do nursing if you want to be a physician. As a third year med student I had the basics from rotations to treat basic stuff..after my third year I knew how to treat an MI, Asthma, stroke etc...It took 4th year and internship to start getting into less common stuff and then residency obviously for eye stuff.

Having the basics and being comfortable in diagnosing & treatment are totally different. Treatment for acute MI, stroke etc? A layperson knows "the basics" and can give ASA. And you wonder why July is the worse time to go to the ER....

As a nurse yes you do make 100k in certain situations but it is a totally different profession than medicine or even optometry. You can't really make any executive decisions without a physician.You do literally give medications and take vital signs but you don't treat people on your own unless you are a nurse practioner.

A nurse practitioner is a nurse with an advanced degree. So again, nurses can prescribe meds without physician oversight and can go into varying specialties. Also, an ophthalmologist typically has to score in the highest percentages of their board exams. Doesn't make them "smarter" but it sure does mean that on paper they typically were stellar. Not everyone will meet the high criteria.

If medicine is what you are interested in..you should do it. Yesterday I had a lady in my office who was being treated for temporal arteritis. She came in for a followup and was short of breath, and sweating. I asked her whats wrong and she said that she didn't know and she saw her primary doctor last week who said she was fine. I checked her vitals and threw on a 12 lead EKG. She was essentially having an anterior wall MI. I got her on an ambulance and called her primary doc so he could meet her at the hospital. No amount of loan forgiveness, work less hours etc.. can match that feeling....

How many oMD offices have a 12 lead EKG? I'm sure this future optometrist has the basics to know to check the patients blood pressure, which would have been adequate enough.

Also there is a nursing oversuppy currently. Google it...I would finish OD school and then if you are really interested apply to med school. I had a friend who went to optometry school and then went to med school and became a laparscopic surgeon. It doesn't mean you have to become an eye surgeon. You may become into something totally different. I would say as a final point just because something is difficult or demanding it doesn't mean you should shy away from it. There is no easy path or short cut to things that are valuable or worth something in life.

Check the job opportunities for nurses vs ophthalmology vs optometry. Do not just dismiss the option of nursing. Follow a laparoscopic surgeon for 1 week and a nurse for 1 week and then decide if you are willing to "jump ship".

 

[DrSpontaneouz83]

Heck, if I had the option to do it all over again..I would strongly consider being a Physician Assistant..excellent pay (over $80,000 and if you specialize you can clear 100K), very hands on, and depending..can prescribe. You are basically the doctor in many situations, but the doc has to overlook it all and sign you off.

 

[thiaeyemd]

Having the basics and being comfortable in diagnosing & treatment are totally different. Treatment for acute MI, stroke etc? A layperson knows "the basics" and can give ASA. And you wonder why July is the worse time to go to the ER....

-studies have shown July is no different than any other month to go to the ER. Giving ASA and knowing to get a 12 lead EKG, interpret it, get troponins, etc.. is totally different

A nurse practitioner is a nurse with an advanced degree. So again, nurses can prescribe meds without physician oversight and can go into varying specialties. Also, an ophthalmologist typically has to score in the highest percentages of their board exams. Doesn't make them "smarter" but it sure does mean that on paper they typically were stellar. Not everyone will meet the high criteria.

- the Nurse practioner still has to work under an MDs watch and have her notes and rxs signed off on. There is no solo practice NP...Also in this case, he doesn't have to become an ophthalmologist necessarily. There are tons of specialities he can choose.


How many oMD offices have a 12 lead EKG? I'm sure this future optometrist has the basics to know to check the patients blood pressure, which would have been adequate enough.

- most do for sure in their crash cart..checking the blood pressure is in no way diagnostic for an MI...in fact the blood pressure is often completely normal..not sure where that statement came from at all...

Check the job opportunities for nurses vs ophthalmology vs optometry. Do not just dismiss the option of nursing. Follow a laparoscopic surgeon for 1 week and a nurse for 1 week and then decide if you are willing to "jump ship".

- totally agree...I think this is the best method for most people..personally, I think he would be bored out of his mind shadowing a nurse but just my personal opinion...

 

[KHE]

You couldn't pay me enough money to be a nurse.

That is one of the most thankless jobs on the planet. To me, being a nurse is like being a priest. You have to have that calling within you where you just view yourself as Florence Nightengale or something because being a nurse, you just constantly take crap from doctors, patients, families of patients, administrators etc etc. Terrible job.

This is why 90% of the nurses I meet are cranky and cynical.

Isn't there some state where more than 60% of nurses end up in administration once they are past the 7 year mark in their careers? I read that somewhere once.

 

[Meibomian SxN]

Having the basics and being comfortable in diagnosing & treatment are totally different. Treatment for acute MI, stroke etc? A layperson knows "the basics" and can give ASA. And you wonder why July is the worse time to go to the ER....

-studies have shown July is no different than any other month to go to the ER. Giving ASA and knowing to get a 12 lead EKG, interpret it, get troponins, etc.. is totally different

A nurse practitioner is a nurse with an advanced degree. So again, nurses can prescribe meds without physician oversight and can go into varying specialties. Also, an ophthalmologist typically has to score in the highest percentages of their board exams. Doesn't make them "smarter" but it sure does mean that on paper they typically were stellar. Not everyone will meet the high criteria.

- the Nurse practioner still has to work under an MDs watch and have her notes and rxs signed off on. There is no solo practice NP...Also in this case, he doesn't have to become an ophthalmologist necessarily. There are tons of specialities he can choose.


How many oMD offices have a 12 lead EKG? I'm sure this future optometrist has the basics to know to check the patients blood pressure, which would have been adequate enough.

- most do for sure in their crash cart..checking the blood pressure is in no way diagnostic for an MI...in fact the blood pressure is often completely normal..not sure where that statement came from at all...

Check the job opportunities for nurses vs ophthalmology vs optometry. Do not just dismiss the option of nursing. Follow a laparoscopic surgeon for 1 week and a nurse for 1 week and then decide if you are willing to "jump ship".

- totally agree...I think this is the best method for most people..personally, I think he would be bored out of his mind shadowing a nurse but just my personal opinion...

This is why I love MDs. They are always just so full of themselves.

So when you checked her vitals, you skipped the BP and ran to get your trusty 12-lead EKG? Crash cart? LMAO! I'm guessing you have an AED also in office? Good for you....

Let me guess, next you realized that the ambulance was taking to long so you pull out your IV cart and yell for the receptionist to "push 10 of epi" while you crack open the Px right then & there with your chalazion kit? Ambulance arrives, you hop in since you are an actual "MD".....next you hand off the patient to the awaiting CT team who thanked you profusely for your valiant efforts of open chest cardiac massage? Then you proceed to the storage closet to hang your trophy in the hottest nurses shelf? Then the Allstate insurance commercial comes on....

Anyways, to the OP: Finish your OD degree at this point and then determine if you want to switch careers.

 

[thiaeyemd]

Dude..why are you getting an attitude? Actually the vitals were checked which were normal. I was just trying to make a counterpoint but didn't realize you would get your panties in a bunch over it...your post reflects that you have some serious overcompensation issues...sorry if I offended you but on this website it is ok to disagree with someone or does that make you angry or something? And I am the one full of myself? Yeah ok.....everyone can see the chip on your shoulder a mile away......either that or you are PMSing big time right now...

 

[Visionary]

Dude..why are you getting an attitude? Actually the vitals were checked which were normal. I was just trying to make a counterpoint but didn't realize you would get your panties in a bunch over it...your post reflects that you have some serious overcompensation issues...sorry if I offended you but on this website it is ok to disagree with someone or does that make you angry or something? And I am the one full of myself? Yeah ok.....everyone can see the chip on your shoulder a mile away......either that or you are PMSing big time right now...

Hey, that's just Meibomian SxN being Meibomian SxN. Same old "arrogant MD/DO" rigamarole that follows any point made by a MD/DO or medical student. Don't let it get to you.

 

[mclem222]

yeah...don't worry there are plenty of people on here who are compensating for a small penis...don't let it bother you

 

[gambit78]

There was one time I did regret not being a dentist though. I had signed up with a dating service about a year ago. When I was asked what I do for living by a date specialist, I told her that I’m an optometrist. I was told by the date specialist that “most ladies don't have high regards for optometrists, they like dentists” LOL. I think that the ladies also know that dentists make 2x3 times more than optometrists.

I got a chuckle from this cuz I've never heard of anything like that, that folks could be THAT picky in terms of selecting someone with the "right" profession. WOW! Cuz medical professionals make up only 10% of the population anyway!

Overseas, it's truly as different. THis may be spoiler alert as it was addressed in the Hangover sequel: in Asia, dentists are not considered real doctors.

 

[KHE]

There was one time I did regret not being a dentist though. I had signed up with a dating service about a year ago. When I was asked what I do for living by a date specialist, I told her that I'm an optometrist. I was told by the date specialist that "most ladies don't have high regards for optometrists, they like dentists" LOL. I think that the ladies also know that dentists make 2x3 times more than optometrists.

LMAO. Any broad that actually thinks that way ain't worth having.

But in their defense, I would say that if it were true, the reason for that probably had little to do with money. It had to do with the fact that most ODs are nebbish little dudes who spend their days sitting alone in a dark room. It doesn't normally make for a good personality.

When it comes to online dating, here's the translation book when it comes to women:

"I dont' care how much money a man makes."
Translation: "I have a HUGE ass."

"I don't have troube meeting guys. I have trouble meeting the RIGHT guy."
Translation: "I have Herpes."

"I love to laugh!"
Translation: I have a drinking problem.

"I am addicted to reality TV."
Translation: I am ******ed.

 

[thiaeyemd]

I don't think most women really care about what exact profession one does. I think women categorize men into a couple different categories based on their job (working class, middle class, professional etc..) and that is about it...If a women is trying to choose between an optometrist, dentist, doctor based on income or what their perceptions are...probably not worth your time..

 

[IndianaOD]

Hi, I'm a 3rd yr optometry student, and I feel that I don't have the amount of knowledge to treat a person, I can't even treat a sick person who comes to my office b/c I'm unqualified. Now I go to a med school that has a an OD program and I have a lot of med school friends, and I seen their notes and know how much material I would have to study, and the thought of med school keeps crossing my mind. I first came into OD school wanting to become an optometrist, now I'm building a desire to go to med school and become more qualified to treat people, and I'm thinking about starting to study for the MCAT. What do you think? And, did your med school accept some of your OD credits from optometry school? Would you recommend international med schools like the caribbean just to save time in applying for med school?

Relax.

During my optometric residency I spent some time around some first year ophthalmology residents. Talk about scary! They don't know the right side of a condensing lens. It takes time for everyone to be confident. Third year is a tough call. I wouldn't blame you bailing if it was just first year.

 

[mclem222]

not sure if the original poster was expressing discontent with being able to treat sick patients for non eye conditions like heart failure vs being unconfident about treating patients with eye problems. There is a clear distinction that should be clarified. If it is the latter then IndianaOD is correct. If it is the former then you are in the wrong school

 

[200UL]

As a practicing OD, from what you just wrote and have experienced, it sounds like you will be unhappy with the daily grind of being an OD. But at the 3rd year, I wouldn't expect you to be comfortable in diagnosing/treating patients. That's why the curriculum is 4yrs plus an optional residency.

A 3rd year med student may have memorized a lot of volume, but they are not comfortable in diagnosing and/or treating the myriad of cases either. That's why they do a 1yr internship and a residency.

Because you have practically finished your OD degree I would continue through but instead of medical school (which will be MUCH more demanding mentally, physically, financially etc) you should consider a career in nursing.

Some nurse specialties clear $100K, have loan forgiveness, work less hours, can Rx meds, and are almost ALWAYS in demand.

Think about it this summer....

Please don't minimize what a 3rd year medical student is capable of. Please don't imply that medical school curriculum is overkill for those that "just want to take care of eyes."

A third year medical student for internal medicine = a day 1 optometric graduate for eye care (ie lots of knowledge, little training in putting knowledge into practice). The difference between MD's is that we realize some patients present with complex problems and having a superficial understanding is not enough (society has back this up - while medical school curriculum (3rd and 4th year completed) would make one an outstanding internist in principal, becoming an internist actually involves caring for patients on your own during a 3 year residency - people like competent doctors and not a bunch of doctors that simply "talk a big game").

In other words, we actually "practice" our trade with real patients with increasing independence - no matter if it is internal medicine or ophthalmology.

I am shocked that optometry graduates are allowed on day 1 to independently treat patients to the level of OK and KY doctors- this even involves surgery or prescribing any medicine available (even though they have never used it before). Strange system. This must be terifying for some optometric students/graduates. As optometry schools water down training experience for more students/more money, residencies will be a must for even the most competent / confident graduates. For Meibomian SxN it is all very easy, however. I guess what you don't know won't hurt you (or your patients). Sorry, Meibomian Sxn, my training in all facets of eyecare is so superior to yours. The fortunate thing is that we live in America - anyone can complete the training I have completed if they desire.

 

[Commando303]

The fortunate thing is that we live in America - anyone can complete the training I have completed if they desire.

That's the only part of your inane, gerbil-brained rant with which I'll even bother to take issue. The American way, at least in terms of education, is not that of opportunity. Opportunity would involve having access to education not only socially, but economically, as well. We don't have that, here.

 

[KHE]

Well, I guess it's time to flush yet another of these threads down the toilet.