Applications to Osteopathic Medical Schools are on the up rise and have been for several years. Many medical school applicants are opting for DO instead of MD. Two factors account for these trends. First, there is a shortage of physicians and there are many more applicants than seats in US medical schools. As a result applicants are applying to DO schools as an alternative to allopathic schools merely to increase their chances of being accepted. Secondly, the admission criteria is less competitive at DO schools than at allopathic schools thus applicants have an increased chance of gaining entrance to medical school. These are both valid reasons for applying to an osteopathic medical school however you want to be sure that a career as a DO is the right match for you.

All students considering applying to DO schools should do the following

(1) Spend some time evaluating the DO field. Learn what osteopathic medicine really entails and how it is different from allopathic medicine. Make sure DO is a good match for you professionally.

(2) Shadow at least one DO. Ask all your questions during your time together and talk to other physicians in the practice that may not be DO’s. It’s very important for you to understand the differences between a MD and DO education and where you will fit best.

(3) Think about what specialty you are interested in and if osteopathic medicine really would allow you to pursue this direction. Many DO physicians specialize in primary care and/or pediatrics.

Osteopathic medicine is a fine career choice for applicants whose goals, interests, and philosophy match that of the field. Applicants who fit these criteria and whose credentials are not competitive for allopathic medical schools should definitely apply. The application process is very similar to AMCAS and goes through the central agency https://aacomas.aacom.org/.

By guest blogger Theresa Davies-Heerema, Ph.D., who has advised many medical and dental school applicants during her career in post-graduate education.