Osteopathic Education
Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine
Osteopathic medicine is emerging as one of our nation's fastest growing
healthcare professions. And with good reason. Because of their
commitment to primary care and prevention, osteopathic physicians (D.O.'s)
are becoming the physicians of choice for more and more people.
Osteopathic medicine emphasizes the inter-relationship of the body's
nerves, muscles, bones and organs. The osteopathic philosophy of
treating the whole person is applied to the prevention, diagnosis and
treatment of illness, disease and injury.
Osteopathic physicians provide complete medical care to millions of
people throughout the United States. D.O.'s are trained in family
practice and many receive additional training in specialty areas such as
psychiatry, pediatrics, obstetrics, surgery, ophthalmology and
cardiology.
Preparing for Admission
To be considered for admission to any of the nation's osteopathic
medical schools, applicants typically have a bachelor's degree, with
undergraduate studies that include one year each of English, biological
sciences, physics, general chemistry and organic chemistry. Other
requirements may include genetics, mathematics, and
psychology. Most prospective D.O. students major in sciences with an
emphasis in biology or chemistry; however, applicants may major in any
discipline as long as they meet the minimum course and grade
requirements. Applicants must also take the Medical College Admissions
Test (MCAT).
Osteopathic medicine is a people-oriented profession that demands
dedicated and empathetic individuals. Prospective osteopathic medical
students must exhibit a genuine concern for people. Applicants may wish
to spend some time with a D.O. or do volunteer work in a healthcare
setting before considering a career in this field. Osteopathic medical
colleges require a personal interview to assess an applicant's desire to
become an osteopathic physician.
For a catalog of requirements and information, contact any of the
Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine.
The Osteopathic Curriculum
The first two years of the osteopathic medical curriculum focus on basic
sciences. The third and fourth years emphasize clinical work, with much
of the teaching in community hospitals, major medical centers and
doctors' offices.
During the clinical years, students study general medicine and are
involved in research. They rotate through urban, suburban and rural
settings, gaining exposure to all areas of medicine.
Osteopathic principles and practices, which emphasize the relationship
between body systems, are integrated into the four-year curriculum.
Students learn osteopathic manipulative treatment for prevention,
diagnosis and treatment of disease.
Postdoctoral Training & Licensure
Following graduation, D.O.'s complete an approved 12-month internship.
Interns rotate through hospital departments including internal medicine,
family practice and surgery. Many may then choose to complete a
residency program in a specialty area, requiring two to six years of
additional training.
D.O.'s are licensed for the full practice of medicine and surgery in all
50 states. Each state determines the tests and procedures for licensing
its physicians. In some states, the same tests are given to D.O.'s and M.D.'s; other states administer separate licensing exams.
Continuing Medical Education (CME)
Continuing Medical Education is a lifetime commitment to learning by
osteopathic physicians who recognize that the study of medicine does not
end with completion of medical school. The American Osteopathic
Association requires its members to earn a specified number of
continuing medical education credits every three years in order to
maintain membership.
For more information on admission to a college of osteopathic medicine,
contact:
The Central Application Service of the American Association of Colleges
of Osteopathic Medicine
5550 Friendship Boulevard, Suite 310
Chevy Chase, MD 20815-7231
Tel (301) 968-4100
Fax (301) 968-4101