Osteopathic physicians embrace a holistic philosophy by considering the body as a unit of interrelated systems that work together to ensure good health. The philosophy and practice of osteopathic medicine was first developed by Dr. Andrew Taylor Still in the late 19th century. The focus of osteopathy is on the workings of the musculoskeletal system, in conjunction with the patient's mind and spirit. Osteopathic training provides physicians with a better understanding of how an ailment in one part of the body can affect another. In osteopathic medicine, a strong emphasis is placed on preventive health care and a tradition of helping patients in underserved areas. D.O.s (Doctors of Osteopathy) utilize Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT), which focuses on the relationship between the anatomy and physiology of the body to promote self-healing. Most schools also offer training in communication skills for physicians.
D.O.s practice in all areas of medicine. About 60% of D.O.s are primary care physicians, in family practice, internal medicine, and/or pediatrics. Yet, more and more D.O.s are pursuing specialty training in areas including emergency medicine, anesthesiology, OB/GYN, psychiatry, and surgery.
Osteopathic Skills and Attributes
Those interested in medicine must have a desire to serve patients, be self-motivated, and be able to survive the pressures and long hours of medical education and practice. Other traits essential to a physician include a good bedside manner, emotional stability, and an ability to make decisions in an emergency situation. Physicians must also be willing to continue studying throughout their career in order to keep up with the most current medical news and technology. Osteopathic Medicine is a people-oriented profession that demands dedicated and empathetic individuals.
Degrees Offered
Schools of Osteopathic Medicine offer Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degrees, whereas allopathic institutions offer the Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree. Some schools offer joint programs providing D.O. with MBA, MPH, or Ph.D degrees. In the U.S. there are 19 colleges of Osteopathic Medicine in 16 states. Osteopathic Medicine is a four-year program beyond an undergraduate degree. Then a rotating one-year internship and residency program is completed. This program typically lasts for 2 to 6 years, depending on specialty. For licensure, all D.O.s and M.D.s must pass a national medical board exam. D.O.s are eligible to take the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX) and the U.S. Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE). There are 3 parts to each exam, taken throughout the medical education experience. Additionally, all physicians must pass a state licensing exam.
Recommended Undergraduate Preparation
For medical school preparation, any major is appropriate. While medical schools like to have students with a diversity of backgrounds, students should realize that all applicants must meet certain requirements and expectations before applying to medical school.
The medical school application process includes submission of transcripts, MCAT scores, and letters of recommendation. Often, medical schools will also require that the applicant interview with members of the admissions committee. Schools will also consider characteristics of applicants not relating to undergraduate coursework. These include personality, character, leadership, and participation in extracurricular activities.
Most U.S. osteopathic medical schools use the American Association of Colleges of Osteopath Medicine Application Service (AACOMAS) for application processing. Students initiate the application process by submitting official transcripts and MCAT scores directly to AACOMAS. Then students submit the AACOMAS application (paper or online), College Designation Form, Professional School Academic Record (if applicable), and application processing fee. Upon verification, AACOMAS will forward an Applicant Profile to you and submit your application materials to your designated institutions. Most institutions then forward supplementary applications to students meeting their GPA and MCAT requirements after receiving the application materials from AACOMAS.
The Medical College Admissions Test, or MCAT, is offered twice a year in April and August. The test should be taken by April (or earlier) of the year before graduation. Most medical schools will only accept MCAT scores within two years of taking the exam.
Links for More Information
- The American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine is a good place to start looking for more information: http://www.aacom.org.
- American Osteopathic Association: http://www.aoa-net.org
- Osteopaths Online: http://www.osteopathonline.com
- For information on reasons to consider a career in Osteopathic Medicine, a list of Osteopathic colleges in the United States, financial aid information etc: Osteopathic College Information (pdf)
- For more information on the MCAT, visit the official MCAT website: http://www.aamc.org/students/mcat/start.htm.
- Student Doctor is a site with more information for prospective health sciences students: http://www.studentdoctor.com.
Illinois Wesleyan Contact Person
For more information on allopathic medicine, contact either Professor Jeff Frick, jfrick@titan.iwu.edu, 556-3159, or Professor Tim Rettich, trettich@titan.iwu.edu, 556-3140.