Osteopathic Physicians

High School

Students who plan a career as a physician, either as a D.O. or an M.D., should take a college preparatory program, ideally advanced placement classes. You'll need a strong foundation in the sciences, especially biology, chemistry, and physics. Psychology is a helpful course in preparing you to work well with a wide variety of people coming to you for treatment. Strive to become as well-rounded an individual as possible.

Postsecondary Training

After obtaining a bachelor's degree, prospective osteopaths must apply to medical school. Students file applications along with their college transcripts and MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) scores. Incoming osteopathic medical students are required to have strong undergraduate science backgrounds, excellent MCAT scores, and meet stringent admissions criteria.

The Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree involves four years of medical school, followed by another three to eight years in internships, residencies, and fellowships.

The curriculum in colleges of osteopathic medicine supports Dr. Still's osteopathic philosophy, with an emphasis on preventive, family, and community medicine. Clinical instruction stresses examining all patient characteristics (including behavioral and environmental) and how various body systems interrelate. Close attention is given to the ways in which the musculoskeletal and nervous systems influence the functioning of the entire body. An increasing emphasis on biomedical research in several of the colleges has expanded opportunities for students wishing to pursue research careers.