Preparing for a Career as a Physician (D.O.)

Many practicing physicians are actually doctors of osteopathic medicine. This is a slightly different degree from a traditional medical degree and has separate programs and admissions procedures.

• Course Work - Like allopathic medical schools, the minimum course work requirements for osteopathic medical schools are: one year each of general chemistry, organic chemistry, biology, and physics; one semester each of biochemistry, social science, and behavioral science.  Many schools have additional requirements of math and English. It is always wise to check on the specific requirements of schools to which you may eventually apply.

• Course Sequences
  Biology-Chemistry Major
  Biology-Chemistry Major (Fast Forward)

• Experiences - Most schools look favorably upon experience that suggests that you have familiarity with the occupation you are pursuing. This experience fits into two categories:

  • Basic research - Conducted on your home campus or at some other campus, research shows intellectual growth and problem solving skills that may lack from ordinary coursework.

  • Health care-related experience - Job shadow a health care professional, get a summer job in a health care position, or participate in a meaningful volunteer experience.

The following is a quote from the AACOM website about how osteopathic medicine is different from traditional medicine:

"Osteopathic medicine is a distinctive form of medical practice in the United States. Osteopathic medicine provides all of the benefits of modern medicine including prescription drugs, surgery, and the use of technology to diagnose disease and evaluate injury. It also offers the added benefit of hands-on diagnosis and treatment through a system of therapy known as osteopathic manipulative medicine. Osteopathic medicine emphasizes helping each person achieve a high level of wellness by focusing on health education, injury prevention and disease prevention."