I've been working as a pct in ortho for years and worked with numerous DO in ortho, anesthesiology, cardiology, derm, plastics, etc. and I'm a first gen so I truly thought that as long as you grind your shit out, you can make it. Due to me helping with some family issues (my mom has numerous health problems and is losing her vision), I applied VERY late in the cycle to my M.D. schools so I decided to apply D.O. as well. I have some friends who are inexperienced (no ec's or clinical hours) who said some hurtful things, meanwhile other friends are encouraging. I understand that people in medicine (especially our age group) does not have as strong biases but I unfortunately I am one of those people who do care a little about the criticism i receive.

I have an aunt at a T5 program who thankfully is a great mentor and willing to help me and I know its an uphill battle either way but i cant help to think i potentially ruined everything with taking the D.O. route, idk if im pmsing or overthinking.

can anyone please give me a reality check