Student Guide to Osteopathic Medical Colleges 2020-2021 STUDENT GUIDE to OSTEOPATHIC MEDICAL COLLEGES
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2020-2021 Student Guide to Osteopathic Medical Colleges 2020-2021 STUDENT GUIDE TO OSTEOPATHIC MEDICAL COLLEGES COLLEGES MEDICAL OSTEOPATHIC TO GUIDE 2020-2021 STUDENT CHOOSEDO.org FaCHOOSEDO.orgcebook “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). MIN 100PX MIN 100PX MIN 60PX MIN 20PX 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. CHOOSEFacebook “f” Logo CMYK / .eps Facebook “f” LogoDO.ORGCMYK / .eps Photo courtesy of PCOM Georgia. ii CHOOSE DO A NEW GENERATION OF DOCTORS 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 Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (ATSU-KCOM) 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)