2020-2021 Student Guide to Osteopathic Medical Colleges - CHOOSEDO.org - Choose DO
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2020-2021 Student Guide to Osteopathic Medical Colleges 2020-2021 STUDENT GUIDE TO OSTEOPATHIC MEDICAL COLLEGES CHOOSEDO.org CHOOSEDO.org Facebook “f ” Logo CMYK / .eps Facebook “f ” Logo CMYK / .eps
Visit ChooseDO.org to access the online version or download a free PDF copy. Special Note The 2020-2021 Student Guide to Osteopathic Medical Colleges About the manufacture of this publication: is published by the American Association of Colleges of • Environmentally friendly vegetable-based inks were used throughout Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM). the print process. The Student Guide is a collaboration • All printing papers used were certified to follow the between AACOM and the colleges “Going Green” world environmental initiative. of osteopathic medicine. AACOM would like to thank everyone who provided and/or reviewed content. 10% Post-Consumer Waste Although AACOM has attempted to verify the accuracy of the data submitted by the colleges, AACOM Copyright ©2020 American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic cannot, as such, guarantee the accuracy of the data and as such the Medicine. All Rights Reserved. information in this book is provided to you “as is.” AACOM assumes no responsibility and shall not be liable for damages of any kind whatsoever based upon your use or reliance on the information provided in this book. The AACOM Application No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any Service (AACOMAS) and the form or by any means electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, individual colleges are subject to recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without applicable federal, state, and local written permission from the American Association of Colleges of laws prohibiting discrimination. Osteopathic Medicine. Cover photos courtesy of University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine (UNE COM).
2020-2021 Student Guide to Osteopathic Medical Colleges Choose DO is an effort by the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine, a national organization representing osteopathic medical education in the United States. The information contained in this publication is subject to change throughout the application cycle. To view the most up-to-date version of this publication, visit ChooseDO.org. CHOOSEDO.ORG Facebook “f ” Logo CMYK / .eps Facebook “f ” Logo CMYK / .eps
Photo courtesy of Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine (NSU-KPCOM) TABLE OF CONTENTS Welcome Letter from AACOM’s President ........................................................... 3 General Admission Requirements..................................................................... 16-17 Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine – Admissions Offices................................ 4-5 • Mean Grade Point Averages for Entering Students Timeline: Prepare to Apply to Osteopathic Medical Colleges ....................6-9 • Mean MCAT Scores for Entering Students Overview of Osteopathic Medicine ..................................................................10-11 • Letters of Recommendation • Osteopathic Medicine is a Distinctive Form of Medicine • Criminal Background Checks and Drug Testing • DOs Work in Partnership with Their Patients and Are Trained to Look Financial Aid................................................................................................................... 18 at the Whole Person • Federal Programs • Fifty-Six Percent of All DOs Choose to Practice in the Primary Care • AACOM Scholarships Disciplines of Family Practice, General Internal Medicine, and Pediatrics • AACOMAS Fee Waiver • Osteopathic Medical Students Learn how Structure Influences Function Application Deadlines................................................................................................. 19 • DOs Conduct Clinical and Basic Science Research to Help Advance Diversity in Osteopathic Medical Education....................................................... 20 the Frontiers of Medicine About the AACOM Application Service (AACOMAS)...............................21-23 • Tenets of Osteopathic Medicine • Accessing the Application • What Does a DO Do? • Official MCAT Scores • Consider a Career in Osteopathic Medicine • Academic History and Transcripts • Osteopathic Medicine in an International Context • SPAM Blocking and Technical Compatibility • Learning About the Practice of Osteopathic Medicine and Shadowing a DO • Application Fees Overview of Osteopathic Medical Education and Accreditation .......... 12-13 • Early Decision Program • Accreditation • Application Traffic Guidelines • Osteopathic Medicine Four-Year Curriculum • Applicant Protocol Graduate Medical Education.................................................................................... 14 • AACOMAS Certification and Release Statements • GME • Note to Applicants • Osteopathic Recognition The Admissions Interview................................................................................... 24-25 • Residency Match • Interview Suggestions Board Examinations and Licensure........................................................................ 15 • Interview Resources • Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensure Exam (COMLEX-USA) Suggested Sources for More Information..................................................... 26-27 • United States Medical Licensure Examination (USMLE) Individual College Descriptions (with table of contents)............................28-70 2020-2021 STUDENT GUIDE TO OSTEOPATHIC MEDICAL COLLEGES 1
Photo courtesy of A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona (ATSU-SOMA) 2 CHOOSE DO A NEW GENERATION OF DOCTORS
AACOM Leading Osteopathic Medical Education PRESIDENT’S LETTER Congratulations on your decision to pursue a career in medicine! I invite you to explore what it means to be an osteopathic physician and to “Choose DO.” Dear Future Physician: Mission This guide is designed to provide aspiring physicians with information about osteopathic The American Association of Colleges medicine, the nation’s osteopathic medical colleges, applying to osteopathic medical school, of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) and other resources you may find helpful as you go through this process. leads and advocates for the osteopathic Osteopathic medicine’s traditional principles and practice have been recognized as central to medical education community to improve the nation’s health care system. Osteopathic tenets seek to improve the health care system the health of the public. by embracing care of the whole person to help each live well. We rely upon our principles AACOM represents and advances to champion the quality practice of medicine, balance human need and scientific evidence, the continuum of medical education by promote a diverse practice community with shared values, and build a healthier society. supporting our member institutions as Our values are patient-centered and health-oriented with a focus on preventive care. they educate the future physician Osteopathic medical schools are educating the very physicians needed to deliver this kind workforce; increasing awareness of of care. DOs (doctors of osteopathic medicine) enjoy a great amount of recognition for their osteopathic medical education and excellence and contributions to the medical profession. osteopathic medicine; promoting excellence in medical education, policy, Over the past 10 years, the number of students applying to osteopathic medical schools has research, and service; and fostering nearly doubled. For the incoming class of 2020, more than 23,000 aspiring physicians applied innovation and quality throughout to become osteopathic medical students (compared to more than 12,600 in 2009-10). medical education. The education received by osteopathic medical students is rigorous and thorough. Incoming DO students are required to have strong undergraduate science backgrounds, excellent About AACOM Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) scores, and must meet stringent admissions criteria. Founded in 1898 to support and DO students participate in years of classroom, clinical, internship, and residency training assist the nation’s osteopathic medical before they become board-certified physicians who are able to choose among the full range schools, AACOM represents all 36 of medical specialties and are licensed to practice medicine in every state in the U.S.—and in accredited colleges of osteopathic more than 65 countries abroad. medicine—currently educating nearly I hope you will take time to carefully review the resources available for you in this book and on 31,000 future physicians, 25 percent of our website as you consider your options for medical education. I invite you to “Choose DO” all U.S. medical students—at 57 teaching and apply to become an osteopathic physician, and wish you the very best in your pursuit of a locations in 33 U.S. states, as well as fulfilling career in medicine. osteopathic graduate medical education professionals and trainees at U.S. medical centers, hospitals, clinics, and health systems. Robert A. Cain, DO, FACOI, FAODME AACOM President and CEO www.aacom.org American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine 2020-2021 STUDENT GUIDE TO OSTEOPATHIC MEDICAL COLLEGES 3
COLLEGES Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine – Admissions Offices The American Osteopathic Association’s Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA) accredits 36 colleges of osteopathic medicine offering instruction at 57 locations in 33 states. Alabama College of Osteopathic Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine Medicine (ACOM) (BCOM) (ICOM) 445 Health Sciences Blvd., Dothan, AL 36303 3501 Arrowhead Dr., Las Cruces, NM 88001 1404 E. Central Dr., Meridian, ID 83642 (334) 699-2266 (575) 674-2210 (208) 795-4266 www.acom.edu https://bcomnm.org www.idahocom.org Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine of California Health Sciences University College Kansas City University of Medicine and Midwestern University (AZCOM) of Osteopathic Medicine (CHSU-COM) Biosciences College of Osteopathic 19555 North 59th Ave., Glendale, AZ 85308 2500 Alluvial Avenue, Clovis, CA 93611 Medicine (KCU-COM) Toll Free: (888) 247-9277 (559) 712-4222 Locations: Kansas City and Joplin, MO (623) 572-3215 https://osteopathic.chsu.edu 1750 Independence Ave., Kansas City, MO 64106 www.midwestern.edu (816) 654-7160 Campbell University-Jerry M. Wallace www.kcumb.edu Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine School of Osteopathic Medicine (CUSOM) (ARCOM) 4350 US Hwy 421, Lillington, NC 27546 Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine 7000 Chad Colley Blvd., Fort Smith, AR 72916 Toll Free: (855) 287-6613 (LECOM) (479) 308-2200 (910) 893-1770 Locations: Erie and Seton Hill, PA; Elmira, NY www.acheedu.org/arcom/ https://medicine.campbell.edu 1858 West Grandview Blvd., Erie, PA 16509 A.T. Still University Kirksville College of Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine of (814) 866-6641 Osteopathic Medicine (ATSU-KCOM) Midwestern University (CCOM) www.lecom.edu 800 West Jefferson St., Kirksville, MO 63501 555 31st St., Downers Grove, IL 60515 Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine Toll Free: (866) 626-2878 x2237 Toll Free: (800) 458-6253 Bradenton Campus (LECOM Bradenton) (660) 626-2237 (630) 515-7200 5000 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Bradenton, FL 34211 www.atsu.edu/ www.midwestern.edu (941) 756-0690 kirksville-college-of-osteopathic-medicine Des Moines University College of www.lecom.edu A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Osteopathic Medicine (DMU-COM) Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona (ATSU-SOMA) 3200 Grand Ave., Des Moines, IA 50312 Medicine (LUCOM) 5850 East Still Cir., Mesa, AZ 85206 (515) 271-1499 306 Liberty View Ln., Lynchburg, VA 24502 Toll Free: (866) 626-2878 x2237 www.dmu.edu/do (434) 592-7444 www.atsu.edu/ www.liberty.edu/lucom school-of-osteopathic-medicine-arizona 4 CHOOSE DO A NEW GENERATION OF DOCTORS
Lincoln Memorial University–DeBusk Philadelphia College of Osteopathic University of North Texas Health Science College of Osteopathic Medicine Medicine (PCOM) Center at Fort Worth/Texas College of (LMU-DCOM) 4170 City Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19131 Osteopathic Medicine (UNTHSC/TCOM) Locations: Harrogate and Knoxville, TN (215) 871-6700 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76107 6965 Cumberland Gap Pkwy., Harrogate, TN 37752 www.pcom.edu Toll Free: (800) 535-TCOM (8266) Toll Free: (800) 325-0900 (817) 735-2204 PCOM Georgia (423) 869-7090 www.unthsc.edu/ 625 Old Peachtree Rd., NW, Suwanee, GA 30024 www.lmunet.edu/ (678) 225-7500 University of Pikeville–Kentucky College of debusk-college-of-osteopathic-medicine/ www.pcom.edu/campuses/georgia-campus Osteopathic Medicine (UP-KYCOM) Marian University College of Osteopathic 147 Sycamore St., Pikeville, KY 41501 PCOM South Georgia Medicine (MU-COM) (606) 218-5257 2050 Tallokas Rd., Moultrie, GA 31768 3200 Cold Spring Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46222 www.upike.edu/osteopathic-medicine (229) 668-3162 (317) 955-6183 www.pcom.edu/south-georgia/ www.marian.edu/osteopathic-medical-school/ Edward Via College of Osteopathic Rocky Vista University College of Medicine–Auburn Campus (VCOM-Auburn) Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (RVUCOM) 910 South Donahue Dr., Auburn, AL 36832 Osteopathic Medicine (MSUCOM) Locations: Parker, CO and Ivins, UT (334) 442-4050 Locations: East Lansing, Detroit, and 8401 S. Chambers Rd., Parker, CO 80134 www.vcom.edu/auburn Clinton Township, MI (720) 874-2477 965 Wilson Rd., East Lansing, MI 48824 www.rvu.edu Edward Via College of Osteopathic (517) 353-7740 Medicine–Carolinas Campus www.com.msu.edu Rowan University School of Osteopathic (VCOM-Carolinas) New York Institute of Technology College of Medicine (RowanSOM) 350 Howard St., Spartanburg, SC 29303 Osteopathic Medicine (NYITCOM) One Medical Center Dr., Stratford, NJ 08084 (864) 327-9906 Locations: Old Westbury, NY and Jonesboro, AR (856) 566-7050 www.vcom.edu/carolinas Northern Blvd., P.O. Box 8000 https://som.rowan.edu Edward Via College of Osteopathic Old Westbury, NY 11568 Sam Houston State University College of Medicine–Louisiana Campus (516) 686-3997 Osteopathic Medicine (SHSU-COM) (VCOM-Louisiana) www.nyit.edu/medicine 925 City Central Ave., Conroe, TX 77304 4408 Bon Aire Drive, Monroe, LA 71203 Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran (936) 294-2356 (318) 342-7131 C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine www.shsu.edu/com www.vcom.edu/louisiana (NSU-KPCOM) Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine Edward Via College of Osteopathic Locations: Fort Lauderdale and Clearwater, FL (TouroCOM) Medicine–Virginia Campus (VCOM-Virginia) 3200 S. University Dr., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33328 Locations: New York City and Middletown, NY 2265 Kraft Dr., Blacksburg, VA 24060 Toll Free: (866) 817-4068 2090 Adam Clayton Powell Blvd., Suite 519, (540) 231-6138 (954) 262-1101 New York, NY 10027 www.vcom.edu/virginia https://osteopathic.nova.edu (212) 851-1199, x. 42588 or 42589 West Virginia School of Osteopathic Ohio University Heritage College of https://tourocom.touro.edu/ Medicine (WVSOM) Osteopathic Medicine (OU-HCOM) Touro University College of Osteopathic 400 Lee St. North, Lewisburg, WV 24901 Locations: Athens, Cleveland, and Dublin, OH Medicine–California (TUCOM-CA) Toll Free: (800) 356-7836 or (888) 276-7836 102 Grosvenor Hall, 1 Ohio University 1310 Club Dr., Vallejo, CA 94592 www.wvsom.edu Athens, OH 45701 (707) 638-5200 Toll Free: (800) 345-1560 Western University of Health Sciences/ http://com.tu.edu (740) 593-4313 College of Osteopathic Medicine of the www.ohio.edu/medicine Touro University Nevada College of Pacific (Western U/COMP) Osteopathic Medicine (TUNCOM) Locations: Pomona, CA and Lebanon, OR Oklahoma State University Center for Health 874 American Pacific Dr., Henderson, NV 89014 309 East Second St., Pomona, CA 91766 Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine (702) 777-1750 (909) 469-5335 (OSU-COM) www.tun.touro.edu/programs/osteopathic-medicine Lebanon: (541) 259-0200 Locations: Tulsa and Tahlequah, OK www.westernu.edu/osteopathic 1111 West 17th St., Tulsa, OK 74107 University of the Incarnate Word School of (918) 561-8324 Osteopathic Medicine (UIWSOM) William Carey University College of https://health.okstate.edu/com 7615 Kennedy Hill, San Antonio, TX 78235 Osteopathic Medicine (WCUCOM) (210) 283-6998 710 William Carey Pkwy., Hattiesburg, MS 39401 Pacific Northwest University of Health https://osteopathic-medicine.uiw.edu (601) 318-6316 Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine www.wmcarey.edu/com (PNWU-COM) University of New England College of 200 University Pkwy., Butler-Haney Hall, Osteopathic Medicine (UNE COM) Yakima, WA 98901 11 Hills Beach Rd., Stella Maris Hall, (509) 249-7888 Biddeford, ME 04005 www.pnwu.edu (207) 602-2212 www.une.edu/com 2020-2021 STUDENT GUIDE TO OSTEOPATHIC MEDICAL COLLEGES 5
TIMELINE Prepare to Apply to Osteopathic Medical Colleges This timeline assumes you plan to start medical school in the summer/fall following your college graduation, and that you will complete your undergraduate education in four years. Recommendations for post-college are included at the bottom of this timeline if you wish to take a gap year or different undergraduate path. Please consult with your health professions advisor to establish your own personalized schedule. Premedical Student Checklist Pre- Year One Year Two Year Three Year Four Post- College College Pre-College • Learn more about the osteopathic medical profession and philosophy by reading books, researching online, etc. Sign up to • Meet with your high school counselor to discuss pursuing a health receive The DO (https://thedo.osteopathic.org ) and other health professions career and create an academic plan. related resources. • If your high school offers a pre-health track, work with your • Review the Choose DO website (https://choosedo.org) and Choose counselor to enroll in the courses. DO Explorer (https://choosedo.org/explorer) to assist with your • Take Advanced Placement (AP) math and science classes to medical school research. prepare for more difficult college level coursework. • Begin researching medical schools online. Focus on admissions • Take elective classes that help develop a background in the health requirements and average entering student statistics (average GPA, professions and strong communication skills. MCAT, etc.). • Maintain a competitive GPA. • Attend recruitment events (https://choosedo.org/events/) and visit • Develop strong time-management and study skills. medical school campuses. • Volunteer with health-related organizations (hospitals, the American • Join online mailing lists of programs of interest and start following Red Cross, nursing homes, hospices, etc.). them on social media. • Request assistance from your high school counselor, family • Get involved in pre-health organizations and extracurricular members, or family physicians to schedule job shadowing activities on campus. Keep records of your experiences. opportunities. • Join or start a Pre-Student Osteopathic Medical Association • Research health professions career opportunities through (Pre-SOMA) (https://studentdo.org/pre-soma/) chapter at your college. explorehealthcareers.org (https://explorehealthcareers.org). • Work to develop a relationship with your science faculty members by • Research and attend summer health programs offered by colleges. visiting during office hours, participating in extracurricular activities, etc. • Join or develop a student organization that is geared toward a health • Begin to gain clinical experience in health care fields through professions career. shadowing, volunteering, employment (CNA, EMT, etc.), and internship opportunities. Keep records of your experiences. • Join or start a local chapter of HOSA (www.hosa.org). • Look for opportunities to shadow physicians in clinical settings and Year One keep records of your experiences. Request assistance through a • Meet with your university’s health professions advisor to discuss an health professions advisor. Find DOs specifically at doctorsthatdo.org. overall premedical curriculum. If your college does not have a health • Talk with upperclassmen about how they gained experiences in professions advisor, view resources at the National Association of the health professions or about their medical school application Advisors for the Health Professions process. (www.naahp.org/student-resources/find-an-advisor). • Start taking prerequisite coursework, which typically begins with the Year Two Biology and/or the Inorganic Chemistry sequence. • Meet with your health professions advisor to discuss current coursework and activities, and begin thinking about preparation for • Maintain a competitive GPA and reach out to on-campus academic the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). resources, such as the tutoring center, for assistance. (See General Admissions Requirements • Maintain a competitive GPA and reach out to on-campus academic https://choosedo.org/general-admission-requirements/ for the resources, such as the tutoring center, for assistance. average GPA for entering students.) (See General Admissions Requirements (https://choosedo.org/general-admission-requirements/) for the • Develop strong study skills by forming study groups and using average GPA for entering students). on-campus academic resources. 6 CHOOSE DO A NEW GENERATION OF DOCTORS
Photo courtesy of Western University of Health Sciences/ College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific (Western U/COMP) • Continue to keep records of extracurricular and clinical • Begin researching the cost of applying to osteopathic medical experiences. school. Keep in mind that the average applicant applies to nine colleges of osteopathic medicine. Year Three – Fall • Attend recruitment events (https://choosedo.org/events/) and visit • Meet with your health professions advisor about evaluations/letters medical school campuses. of recommendation. Inquire about the availability of a pre-health • Attend health professions fairs in your area to learn more about committee. schools of interest. • Begin serious preparation for the MCAT exam, which is offered • Stay involved in pre-health organizations and get involved in between January and September each year. Utilize the Association community service—seek leadership opportunities. of American Medical College (AAMC)’s MCAT prep resources • Join or start a Pre-SOMA (https://studentdo.org/pre-soma/) (https://students-residents.aamc.org/applying-medical-school/ chapter at your college. taking-mcat-exam/prepare-mcat-exam/) for official guidance. • Determine requirements of evaluations/letters of recommendation • Attend recruitment events (https://choosedo.org/events/) and visit for each program of interest and build relationships with professors, medical school campuses to meet with admissions counselors or advisors, and medical professionals. They are future resources for attend an open house. evaluations/letters of recommendation. • Stay involved in pre-health organizations, volunteer experiences, • Work on your communications skills through public speaking and extracurricular activities, especially those that focus on helping courses and leadership opportunities. underserved populations. • Look for opportunities to shadow physicians in clinical settings. • Keep in touch with individuals who might write an evaluation/letter of recommendation. • Investigate participating in undergraduate research. This can take several months to coordinate. • Pursue and complete research opportunities. • Research summer health care opportunities (work, education • Set aside time to work on your personal statement. Revisit and abroad, internship, etc.). rework the statement over an extended period. It is highly recommended that you work with your university’s writing center • Continue prerequisite coursework. for assistance. • Continue researching medical schools online by reviewing admissions • Research and plan how you will pay the application fees to apply to requirements and average entering student statistics (GPA, MCAT, etc.). medical school. Keep in mind that the average AACOMAS applicant • Continue to gain clinical experiences through shadowing, volunteer- applies to nine colleges of osteopathic medicine. ing, employment (CNA, EMT, etc.), and internship opportunities. 2020-2021 STUDENT GUIDE TO OSTEOPATHIC MEDICAL COLLEGES 7
TIMELINE Photo courtesy of Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine (MU-COM) 8 CHOOSE DO A NEW GENERATION OF DOCTORS
• Continue prerequisite coursework. • Submit secondary application materials upon receipt. • Continue maintaining a competitive GPA and reach out to • Use the Check Status tab in AACOMAS to monitor your application. on-campus academic resources, like the tutoring center, for • Meet with your health professions advisor or career center to work assistance. (See General Admissions Requirements on interview skills. If possible, complete a mock interview. (https://choosedo.org/general-admission-requirements/) for the average GPA for entering students.) Year Four • Continue researching medical schools online by reviewing • If invited, participate in interviews at medical schools. admissions requirements, average entering student statistics (i.e., GPA, MCAT, ideal applicant), and mission and vision statements. • Complete prerequisite coursework. Continue to include upper-level science courses. • Continue to gain clinical experiences through shadowing, volunteering, employment (CNA, EMT, scribe, etc.), and internship • Maintain a competitive GPA. (See General Admissions opportunities. Requirements (https://choosedo.org/general-admission- requirements/) for the average GPA for entering students.) Year Three – Spring • Continue to gain additional clinical and/or research experience. • Meet with your health professions advisor to review the details of • Stay involved in pre-health organizations and volunteer activities. your application. • Use the Check Status tab in AACOMAS to monitor your application. • Take the MCAT exam. • Share news of upcoming interviews and acceptances and thank • Stay involved in pre-health extracurricular activities. those who helped along the way—health professions advisors, • Contact the individuals who will be writing evaluations/letters of professors, physicians, family, and friends. recommendation for you. Give them plenty of time (at least four to • Complete the AACOMAS Academic Update in early December to six weeks) to write a quality evaluation/letter of recommendation. submit fall coursework. • Research medical schools that interest you. Contact each school to • Consider post-application plans, whether you are accepted or not. inquire about their specific admissions criteria and schedule a time Think about what you will do between the time you are accepted to visit their campus. (See a schedule of College Recruiting Events and begin school or the steps you will take should you need to https://choosedo.org/events/). reapply. • Review the Choose DO website (https://choosedo.org) and Choose • Complete the FAFSA application for financial aid when it becomes DO Explorer (https://choosedo.org/explorer) to assist with your available in the fall. medical school research. • If you are not accepted or invited to an interview, contact the • Make a list of the medical schools to which you plan to apply and use schools where you applied to request formal feedback on how to be the Choose DO Explorer (https://choosedo.org/explorer) to do so. more competitive should you reapply. • Start the AACOMAS (https://aacomas.liaisoncas.com) application • Explore next steps to increase your competitiveness. These steps process in May. may include gaining additional clinical experience, retaking the • Submit your application when you are ready; earlier is better but MCAT exam, enrolling in a master’s program or postbaccalaureate complete/accurate is best. certificate program (https://choosedo.org/postbaccalaureate- premedical-programs/), taking additional upper-level science • Continue prerequisite coursework. If possible, enroll in upper-level courses, and reapplying for admission. sciences courses, such as Biochemistry and/or Gross Anatomy. • Continue to gain clinical experiences by shadowing or volunteering, Post-College (Gap Year or employment (EMT, scribe, etc.). Non-Traditional Career Changer) Year Three – Summer • Speak with programs of interest for guidance on the best path to strengthen your application. • Apply to AACOMAS (https://aacomas.liaisoncas.com). Apply early and read all application directions carefully to avoid delays. • Meet with a health professions advisor to gain insight into your Application processing begins in June. Colleges of osteopathic competitiveness for medical school or your career goals. medicine make admissions decisions on a rolling basis, so they • Take additional courses if prerequisite courses are more than five review applications, conduct interviews, and make admissions years old or to strengthen your background in science. decisions throughout the admissions cycle. Keep in mind that • Gain additional clinical experience to strengthen your background in the interview slots may be awarded and/or classes may be filled if health professions and to confirm your desire to go to medical school. you apply close to the deadlines. Submitting materials early and accurately will support timely processing and help avoid delays. • Retake the MCAT exam if your scores are older than three years or older than allowed by programs of interest. • Work with evaluators to submit evaluations/letters of recommendation. • Order all official transcripts and have them submitted to AACOMAS. • Release MCAT scores to AACOMAS electronically using the AAMC’s MCAT Score Reporting System. 2020-2021 STUDENT GUIDE TO OSTEOPATHIC MEDICAL COLLEGES 9
OVERVIEW OVERVIEW Overview of Osteopathic Medicine n Osteopathic Medicine is a There are more than 114,000 DOs in and clinical outcomes of OMM. The center Distinctive Form of Medicine the United States.2 DOs boast a strong serves as a catalyst for developing and history of serving rural and underserved conducting multicenter, collaborative clinical Osteopathic medicine is a distinct pathway areas, often providing their distinctive research studies. Their present focus is on to medical practice in the United States. brand of compassionate, patient-centered developing a registry to study chronic pain in Osteopathic medicine provides all of the care to some of the most economically the United States and to assess prevention benefits of modern medicine, including disadvantaged members of our society. and treatment options based on emerging prescription drugs, surgery, and the use of aspects of Precision Medicine and the technology to diagnose disease and evaluate n Osteopathic Medical Students biopsychosocial model. injury. It also offers the added benefit of Learn how Structure Influences hands-on diagnosis and treatment through a See more information about osteopathic Function medicine (https://choosedo.org/learn- system known as osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM). Osteopathic medicine about-osteopathic-medicine/). In addition to studying all the typical subjects emphasizes helping each person achieve a you would expect student physicians to high level of wellness by focusing on health n Tenets of Osteopathic Medicine master, osteopathic medical students promotion and disease prevention. complete approximately 200 hours of The American Osteopathic Association’s training in osteopathic manipulative House of Delegates approved the “Tenets n DOs Work in Partnership With medicine. This system of hands-on diagnosis of Osteopathic Medicine” as policy, which Their Patients and Are Trained to and treatment helps alleviate pain, restore follows the underlying philosophy of Look at the Whole Person motion, and support the body’s natural osteopathic medicine.3 The tenets are: They consider the impact that lifestyle structure to help it function more efficiently. 1. The body is a unit; the person is a unit of and community have on the health of each One key concept osteopathic medical body, mind, and spirit. individual, and they work to erase barriers students learn is that structure influences 2. The body is capable of self-regulation, to good health. DOs are licensed to function: If there is a problem in one part of self-healing, and health maintenance. practice the full scope of medicine in all 50 the body’s structure, function in that area states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, 3. Structure and function are reciprocally and in other areas may be affected. For and other territories of the United States, as interrelated. example, restriction of motion in the lower well as in more than 65 countries abroad.1 ankle can restrict motion in the knee, hip, and 4. Rational treatment is based upon an They practice in all types of environments, lumbar spine, causing symptoms elsewhere understanding of the basic principles including the military, and in all specialties, in the body. By using OMM techniques, DOs of body unity, self-regulation, and including family medicine, obstetrics, can help restore motion to these areas and the interrelationship of structure and surgery, and cardiology. eliminate pain. function. From their first day of medical school, DOs Another integral tenet of osteopathic are trained to look at the whole person, n What Does a DO Do? medicine is that the body has an innate ability which means they see each person as to heal itself. Many OMM techniques are • Throughout the country, DOs practice the more than just a collection of body parts aimed at reducing or eliminating impediments full scope of medicine in all specialties that may become injured or diseased. DOs to proper structure and function so that this of the medical field, from pediatrics and are taught that the whole person is greater self-healing mechanism can assume its role in geriatrics to sports medicine and trauma than the sum of his or her parts, and that restoring a patient’s health. surgery. patients should be treated as partners in • DOs receive the same medical training as the health care process. They are trained n DOs Conduct Clinical and Basic other physicians, as well as 200 additional to communicate with people from diverse Science Research to Help Advance hours of OMM training. OMM is a hands- backgrounds, and they are given the the Frontiers of Medicine on approach to diagnose and treat illness opportunity to practice these skills in the and injury. In addition to their strong history of providing classroom and a variety of other settings. high-quality patient care, DOs conduct • OMM has been proven to be effective in n 56 Percent of all DOs Choose clinical and basic science research to help treating a variety of injuries and illnesses. advance the frontiers of medicine and to For example, the use of OMM in treating to Practice in the Primary Care demonstrate the effectiveness of the patients with pneumonia has been found Disciplines of Family Practice, osteopathic approach to patient care. to shorten the length of hospital stays and General Internal Medicine, and Founded in 2002, the Osteopathic Research reduce complications associated with Pediatrics. Center (ORC) (www.unthsc.edu/texas- pneumonia. Because of their whole-person approach to college-of-osteopathic-medicine/tcom- • DOs are trained to focus on the whole medicine, 56 percent of all DOs choose to research/the-osteopathic-research-center/) person, working with patients to achieve practice in the primary care disciplines of in Fort Worth, TX, serves as a professional high levels of wellness and disease family practice, general internal medicine, and research center for osteopathic medicine, prevention. pediatrics. The remaining 44 percent go on to including researching the mechanisms specialize in any number of practice areas.2 10 CHOOSE DO A NEW GENERATION OF DOCTORS
n Consider a Career in DOCARE International (https://docareintl.org) • The American Osteopathic Association Osteopathic Medicine is a medical outreach organization that provides (AOA) membership office. The AOA care in underserved areas throughout the world. maintains an online national directory of Do you want to be the type of physician who practicing DOs. A locality search will give sees your patient as more than a symptom Admissions policies at U.S. osteopathic medical colleges vary with regard to applicants who are you contact information and in many cases or disease? Do you want to be the kind of will link you to your state’s osteopathic physician who gets involved in his or her neither U.S. citizens nor hold permanent resident status in the United States. The International association website. community and who spends time getting to know his or her patients as people? Are you Students page lists schools that will consider • State osteopathic associations. Many of the kind of person who is compassionate applicants who are not U.S. citizens. the state associations compile lists of their and enjoys meeting and getting to know a (https://choosedo.org/international-students/) members who have indicated an interest diverse range of people from many different Prospective applicants to osteopathic medical in having prospective osteopathic medical backgrounds and socioeconomic groups? colleges should consider that in the typically students shadow them. Are you the kind of person who has solid seven-plus years between entering medical • Your college’s health professions advisor. communication skills and a healing touch? school and going into practice, the conditions • Your college’s Pre-Student Osteopathic If you answered “yes” to some or all of these and regulations on practice outside the Medical Association Pre-SOMA) chapter questions, osteopathic medicine may be a United States may change significantly. (https://studentdo.org/pre-soma/). good career option for you. Prospective osteopathic physicians can • Once you have found a doctor near you, Generally, osteopathic medical schools are participate in overseas medical missions call or send the doctor a letter. (Remember, looking for a variety of personal qualities in and volunteer work. Participation in such most doctors are very busy, so please be the applicants they admit to their schools programs is generally arranged by the understanding if you cannot speak directly and, ultimately, to the osteopathic profession. sponsoring organization, and U.S. physicians to the DO.) If you explain your interest and Osteopathic medical schools admit many —both DOs and MDs—have practice rights share your enthusiasm for the profession, students from nontraditional backgrounds. extended to them while participating in many DOs will be delighted to host you for Many of these students come to osteopathic these programs. Many osteopathic colleges a day or two. They will be able to show you medicine as a second career and have a sponsor such programs, which may be open what they do so that you can decide if you diverse set of experiences. to participation by their students, faculty, and want to study osteopathic medicine. Osteopathic medical schools have admitted alumni. Current osteopathic medical students are students who have been administrators, man- agers, or executives in business; attorneys; n Learning About the Practice another good source of information about of Osteopathic Medicine and osteopathic medical education, as are professional musicians; newspaper reporters; the Pre-SOMA chapters on undergraduate allied health care providers; and many others. Shadowing a DO campuses. The colleges have student Many of these students have families, and Colleges of osteopathic medicine (COMs) ambassador programs, alumni, student some are single parents. encourage applicants to learn more about government leaders, and members of the Admission to osteopathic medical school is the profession by identifying an osteopathic Student Osteopathic Medicine Associa- competitive and selective. A person who is physician to shadow. Many of the colleges tion (SOMA), all of whom are eager to talk well-rounded, has a broad background with the require applicants to get to know a DO and about their schools with prospective medical qualities listed above, and has demonstrated request a letter of recommendation as part students. academic excellence has the best chance for of the application process. Applicants should meet with and spend time shadowing the For further information, contact the admission to osteopathic medical school. admissions office at the schools in which physician. This provides the applicant with you are interested. n Osteopathic Medicine in an exposure to the osteopathic profession and International Context enhances awareness of osteopathic medical philosophy. Working with a physician will The practice of osteopathic medicine outside prepare the applicant for the application of the United States varies. In more than interview. Completing this crucial step also 65 countries, DOs have full practice rights demonstrates the applicant’s commitment to as they do in the United States. However, the osteopathic profession. only U.S. DOs are trained as fully licensed physicians. In some countries, DO training is Students should contact a DO before concentrated on OMM, and practice rights applying for admission, beginning as early as 1 Source: American Osteopathic Association are typically limited to manipulation. The possible while in undergraduate education. (https://osteopathic.org) most up-to-date information on this topic is The best ways for finding DOs are: available from the Osteopathic International 2 Source: American Osteopathic Associa- • Osteopathic college admissions and tion; 2018 Osteopathic Medical Profession Alliance (https://oialliance.org) and the alumni offices. Admissions and alumni Report (https://osteopathic.org/about/aoa- American Osteopathic Association officials at schools have many contacts in statistics/) (https://osteopathic.org). the osteopathic profession. Contact them, Specific information about Canadian 3 Source: The Journal of the American Osteo- and let them know that you are looking to osteopathic medical practice is available from pathic Association (JAOA), February 2002, shadow and learn more about becoming the Canadian Osteopathic Association Vol. 102, 63-65 (https://jaoa.org/article. a DO. (www.osteopathic.ca). aspx?articleid=2092562) 2020-2021 STUDENT GUIDE TO OSTEOPATHIC MEDICAL COLLEGES 11
OVERVIEW Overview of Osteopathic Medical Education and Accreditation Overview Osteopathic medicine is a science-based discipline with a strong philosophical grounding that focuses on the whole person. It follows the French and Italian model of medical education, emphasizing examination and understanding of the people being cared for. This is in contrast to MD-granting (allopathic) medical schools, which are rooted in the German model of education, emphasizing laboratory-based evaluation of patients. Nevertheless, osteopathic medical school curricula are very similar to those used at U.S. allopathic medical schools, although the exact program varies by college. Osteopathic medical school accreditation standards require training in internal medicine, Photo courtesy of Marian University College obstetrics/gynecology, pediatrics, family of Osteopathic Medicine (MU-COM) practice, surgery, psychiatry, radiology, preventive medicine, and public health. Osteopathic medical schools emphasize a hands-on approach that is used to diagnose During the year preceding the graduation of early clinical contact. While the first two years and treat people in a primary or adjunctive its first class, a pre-accreditation COM will focus on the biomedical and clinical sciences, way, enhancing overall health and the holistic conduct various activities that will allow it to the second two years delve deeper into functioning of the human body. OMM attain fully accredited status. patient-oriented clinical training. Most schools education usually occurs through year-long include time for elective courses as well. first- and second-year theoretical and skills Osteopathic Medicine DO clinical education follows a distributive courses and through subsequent clinical Four-Year Curriculum experiences. OMM education is in addition model wherein students are exposed to Each osteopathic medical school has its to and integrated with medical training on practicing in diverse health care settings. own curriculum. Some are discipline-based, current and emerging theories and methods Although in-hospital experiences are an focusing on each science separately. Others of medical diagnosis and treatment. important aspect of clinical education, allow students to learn through patient-based osteopathic medical students receive For more information on osteopathic or problem-based learning. Many use a mix of significant training in community hospitals as medicine, see the overview (https:// methods. Osteopathic medical school starts well as out-of-hospital ambulatory settings. In choosedo.org/learn-about-osteopathic- with a foundation in the basic sciences of many schools, a community-based primary medicine/). medicine. In addition, students learn a core care rotation in a rural or underserved area is set of clinical examination skills and gain a required aspect of fourth-year training. For Accreditation an understanding of the various systems of information on each school’s curriculum, see Osteopathic medical schools are accredited the body. Lectures, laboratories, and other the individual college pages on page 28. by the American Osteopathic Association learning experiences are designed to prepare Although osteopathic medical education has Commission on Osteopathic College students for the clinical portion of medical changed dramatically since its beginnings in Accreditation (COCA), recognized to accredit school—the clinical clerkship years. 1874, osteopathic medical schools maintain osteopathic medical education by the U.S. Integration of the basic and clinical sciences the core values advanced by the profession’s Department of Education. Learn more here through early clinical exposure is an important early proponents. These values are held as (https://osteopathic.org/accreditation/). part of the curriculum. While specific learning central distinguishing tenets of osteopathic Many osteopathic medical schools are methods and curricular offerings vary from philosophy and practice: providing care also accredited by a regional educational college to college, the chart on page 13 that is holistic, patient-centered, preventive, accrediting organization. provides a general guide to the material and focused on health rather than disease, covered in the osteopathic medical school delivered within a primary care context. New colleges of osteopathic medicine curriculum. Please check with the college to (COMs) hold pre-accreditation status during The osteopathic medical school curriculum is which you are applying. their first four years of student enrollment. A perhaps most distinguished by the inclusion college holding pre-accreditation status may of osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM), admit students and offer medical instruction. 12 CHOOSE DO A NEW GENERATION OF DOCTORS
Core Clinical Other Clinical Year 1 Year 2 Clerkships Clerkships (Years 3 and 4) (Years 3 and 4) Anatomy Gerontology Emergency Anesthesiology Physiology Cardiology Medicine Cardiology Clinical Skills Gastrointestinal Family Medicine Dermatology Radiology System Internal Medicine Gastroenterology Osteopathic Hematopoietic System Obstetrics & Laboratory Medicine Principles & Osteopathic Principles Gynecology Nephrology Practices & Practices Osteopathic Principles & Neurology Microbiology & Pharmacology Immunology Practices Oncology & Hematology Endocrinology Neuroscience Pediatrics Orthopedics Psychiatry Histology Psychiatry & Otorhinolaryngology Respiratory Behavioral Science Biochemistry Pediatric Subspecialties Ethics & Surgery Pathology Jurisprudence Public Health Doctor/Patient Family Medicine Pulmonary Medicine Communication Genitourinary System Radiology Reproductive System Rural Medicine Pediatrics/Growth & Surgical Subspecialties Development Urology Photo courtesy of A.T. Still University Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (ATSU-KCOM) 2020-2021 STUDENT 2020-2021 STUDENT GUIDE GUIDE TO TO OSTEOPATHIC OSTEOPATHIC MEDICAL MEDICALCOLLEGES COLLEGES 13 13
GRADUATE EDUCATION Graduate Medical Education An Overview of Graduate Medical Education (GME) Osteopathic Physician (DO) Medical Education Timeline The education students receive in an osteopathic medical school is undergraduate medical education, and the subsequent Academic Degrees training provided in a residency and fellowship • 4 years undergraduate study program is graduate medical education (GME). (Bachelor’s degree) After graduating from an osteopathic medical • 4 years osteopathic medical school school, students seeking licensure continue (DO degree) training in graduate training programs called “residency,” the first year of which may be Graduate Medical Education called an “internship” or a “transitional year.” Successful completion of a residency program • Complete training to become a physi- is required for specialty board certification. cian includes supervised postdoctoral graduate medical education (GME) GME typically focuses on one field of practice. Examples include family medicine, pediatrics, emergency medicine, surgery, Board Certification/Licensure preventive medicine, dermatology, radiology, • 3 – 7 years internship/residency and others. • 1 – 3 years specialty fellowship As of June 30, 2020, the single GME accreditation system under the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) is established. With the single GME accreditation system, GME programs previously accredited by the American Photo courtesy of Idaho College of Osteopathic Association (AOA), are now Osteopathic Medicine (ICOM) accredited by the ACGME. As a result of this new system, there will be significant changes to GME that will ease the application and participation process, as well as broaden opportunities to participate in GME programs. In pursuing GME, osteopathic medical school Residency Match graduates can choose the following options: Graduating osteopathic medical students Osteopathic Recognition 1. Residency (Categorical): A graduate apply to hospitals and programs that offer of a college of osteopathic medicine can their preferred GME programs. Applications In the single GME accreditation system, match directly into a residency program to GME programs are administered through osteopathic medical school graduates have and start specialty training. A “categorical” the Electronic Residency Application Service the option to pursue ACGME programs with position is one that offers full residency (ERAS). Following interviews that provide an osteopathic emphasis or programs with training required for board certification in students and programs with information “Osteopathic Recognition” designation. Any that specialty. about each other, students submit their ACGME-accredited program can apply to 2. Preliminary: The doctor of osteopathic choices, ranked from their first to last choice. receive Osteopathic Recognition, which medicine chooses to go into a specialty Programs also rank the applicants they would indicates that osteopathic principles and and will be in a first-year program that like to have working in their programs. practices are integrated within the training program. may be separate or linked to the specialty DO students typically enjoy a high rate of training they will pursue. Some specialties placement into GME programs. The 2020 Osteopathic medical students can pursue will require a preliminary year. match is the first single match system admin- programs with Osteopathic Recognition in 3. Transitional Year: A one-year training istered by the National Resident Matching all the options below. Students can view an program in multiple clinical disciplines Program (NRMP). This single system will up-to-date list of programs with the ACGME is designed to facilitate choice of and simplify the matching process for osteopathic Osteopathic Recognition designation on the preparation for a specific specialty. medical school students who previously could ACGME’s website at https://apps.acgme.org/ participate in the AOA National Matching ads/Public/Reports/Report/17. 4. Military GME Service (NMS). A result of the new process Learn more and keep up with changes on the 5. Fellowship: A graduate of a residency will be a shift in the way the match rate transition to the single accreditation system at training program may choose to pursue percentage is reported, and AACOM will www.aacom.org/singlegme. further training in a particular subspecialty. continue to provide details on these changes. 14 CHOOSE DO A NEW GENERATION OF DOCTORS
EXAMS Board Examinations and Licensure Osteopathic physicians are licensed in all Many foreign countries recognize the U.S. DO clerkship training. Level 2-CE is taken during 50 states, the District of Columbia, other degree and grant full licensure to American- the clinical clerkship years prior to graduating territories and areas of the United States, trained DOs who wish to practice internationally. from osteopathic medical school. COMLEX- and many foreign countries. Licensure is The scope of licensure is determined by USA Level 2-PE is an examination developed determined by each state through the each country. For more information, visit the to test physical examination skills and is also appropriate licensing board. International Osteopathic Medicine page on taken prior to graduation. Level 3 is taken To be licensed as an osteopathic physician, the AOA website (https://osteopathic.org). during GME. one must: The COMLEX-USA Level 1 and 2 (CE and Comprehensive PE) are required for graduation from an • Graduate from an accredited U.S. college of osteopathic medicine (COM) Osteopathic Medical osteopathic medical college. Each of the Licensure Exam osteopathic colleges has its own requirements • Successfully complete a licensure exam sequence accepted by a state’s licensing (COMLEX-USA) for progression through the stages of the COMLEX-USA before graduation. board. The Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensure Exam (COMLEX-USA) is a All 50 states in the United States accept • Successfully complete more than one year COMLEX-USA as a licensure exam for of graduate medical education (GME), standardized test of medical knowledge. The goal of the exam is to assess competency in the practice of medicine by osteopathic depending on state licensure requirements. physicians. To learn more about the COMLEX- the areas of knowledge related to practicing • Stay abreast of the latest medical medicine. It tests the medical knowledge USA exam, please visit www.nbome.org. developments related to their specialty and clinical skills that are considered essential training through continuing medical for an osteopathic physician to practice United States Medical education (CME) programs. CME medicine without supervision. The COMLEX- Licensure Examination requirements are determined by each state’s licensure board. The American USA includes standardized test questions (USMLE) and a pass/fail observed clinical examination Osteopathic Association (AOA) also The United States Medical Licensure performed by the student. requires its members to complete a certain Examination (USMLE) is the standard number of CME credits to maintain board The COMLEX-USA comprises Level 1, Level 2 examination for graduates of U.S. MD-granting certification. CE and PE (Cognitive Evaluation and medical schools and graduates of international Performance Evaluation), and Level 3. It is medical schools seeking to practice in the For state-specific licensure information, visit administered by the National Board of United States. Osteopathic medical students www.fsmb.org/fcvs/state-requirements/. Osteopathic Medical Examiners (NBOME). and residents also are eligible to take the Learn more about CME through the AOA The NBOME is independent from the colleges USMLE. The USMLE consists of Step One, (https://osteopathic.org/cme/). of osteopathic medicine and has as its role Step Two CK and CS (Clinical Knowledge and the protection of the public. Clinical Skills), and Step Three. Find information on osteopathic specialties and subspecialties certification (https://osteopathic. Level I of the exam is taken by the end of the To learn more about the USMLE exam, please org/life-career/aoa-board-certification). second year of medical school prior to the visit www.usmle.org. Photo courtesy of Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine (LUCOM) 2020-2021 STUDENT GUIDE TO OSTEOPATHIC MEDICAL COLLEGES 15
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