A Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, also known as a DO, believes in the philosophy that the mind/body/spirit are interrelated and dependent upon one another for good health. Osteopathic physicians combine the holistic needs of the patient with the current practice of modern medicine and when appropriate, also incorporate osteopathic manipulative treatment into the regimen of patient care. Many osteopathic physicians have established their practices in primary care areas of medicine but can choose a specialty like internal medicine, pediatrics or obstetrics.
Students should consult with advisors to help plan a course of study that complies with the requirements for admission to the schools of osteopathic medicine of the student’s choice. In general, schools of osteopathic medicine will require coursework (usually one year each) in biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, and mathematics; these should be courses that the major would take rather than survey courses intended for non-majors. In addition, most schools of osteopathic medicine will require additional coursework in biochemistry, genetics, physiology, and statistics, along with coursework in English, humanities, and the social sciences. A pre-osteopathic medicine student at USD may use the suggested curriculum for the pre-medicine program as a guide in completing prerequisites. However, students should also contact the individual osteopathic medical school about requirements specific to that school.
Generally, schools of osteopathic medicine require at least 90 semester hours of coursework and students are encouraged to obtain the Bachelor’s degree. The student is free to major in any area of interest. Admission to a school of osteopathic medicine is based upon such qualities as academic preparation, scores on the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), character and general fitness for the field of osteopathic medicine. Students may apply to colleges of osteopathic medicine by filing an American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service (AACOMAS) application.
For more information contact: American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (http://www.aacom.org); Academic & Career Planning Center, 605-658-3600; Pre-Med Advisor, 605-658-6328, Health Professions Advisors, 605-658-6326 or 658-6334 or by visiting the following web site: http://www.usd.edu/admissions.
Jessica Messersmith
College of Arts & Sciences/Associate Dean for Academics
Arts & Sciences 110
605-658-3830
Jessica.Messersmith@usd.edu
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