If you’re a prospective medical student, particularly one interested in primary care, it’s a good idea to consider osteopathic medical programs in addition to allopathic ones. While many students grow up dreaming of an MD behind their name, osteopathic medicine continues to grow in popularity. One in four medical students in the United States attends an osteopathic program, according to the American Osteopathic Association (AOA).
The program requirements for MD and DO programs are similar, although osteopathic students are required to take an additional 200 hours of osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) training, which focuses on the spine, bones, and muscles. “Osteopathic physicians use all of the tools and technology available to modern medicine with the added benefits of a holistic philosophy and a system of hands-on diagnosis and treatment known as osteopathic manipulative medicine. Doctors of osteopathic medicine emphasize helping each person achieve a high level of wellness by focusing on health education, injury prevention, and disease prevention,” the AACOM says.
Additionally, while osteopathic programs are highly competitive, entrants typically have slightly lower GPAs and MCAT scores than their allopathic counterparts.
Mean GPA and MCAT scores for Entering 2023: Osteopathic Students:
Overall GPA: 3.61
Science: 3.52
Non-Science: 3.71
Overall MCAT: 503.9
Psychological, Social, and Bio: 126.9
Bio and Biochemical: 126.1
Chemical and Physical: 125.7
Critical Analysis and Reasoning: 125.2
Mean GPA and MCAT scores for Entering 2023 Allopathic Students:
Overall GPA: 3.77
Science: 3.71
Non-Science: 3.85
Overall MCAT: 511.7
Psychological, Social, and Bio: 128.9
Bio and Biochemical: 128.1
Chemical and Physical: 127.8
Critical Analysis and Reasoning: 127.0
Recipients of both degrees have similarly high residency match rates (over 90 percent for both in 2023), though DOs tend to specialize in primary care at higher rates. In May 2021, the AOA’s Physician Masterfile reported that 56.5% of osteopathic doctors (DOs) practiced primary care (including specialties like obstetrics and gynecology and pediatrics). And in 2022, nine colleges of osteopathic medicine were in U.S. News & World Report’s list of the top 10 schools with the most graduates practicing primary care.
Among the more competitive specialties, MDs continue to outnumber DOs in residency placement. But DOs can increase their competitiveness by taking the USMLE (MD accreditation) in addition to the COMLEX (DO accreditation).
Sounds appealing? Here’s what to keep in mind for your DO application:
Submit your AMCAS and secondary applications first. Then, turn to your osteopathic applications (AACOMAS), which you’ll want to submit by October.
Spend at least 20 hours working alongside a DO and ensure your application demonstrates your understanding of and motivation to pursue a career in osteopathic medicine.
Request a recommendation letter from a DO.
Review the guidelines for any program where you would be considered in-state, as some schools must admit a certain percentage of in-state students.
Review the residency placements for the DO programs you are considering to ensure the school’s placements align with your goals.