Choose DO: Why Osteopathic Medicine

A Distinct Approach to Caring for Patients and Communities

Osteopathic medicine represents a powerful and growing pathway in American healthcare - one grounded in the belief that the best care treats the whole person, not just disease. Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs) are fully licensed physicians who practice in every specialty and setting, from primary care to surgery, combining cutting-edge science with a deeply humanistic approach to care.

At its core, osteopathic medicine is built on a holistic philosophy that recognizes the interconnectedness of body, mind, and spirit. DOs emphasize prevention, wellness, and partnership with patients - helping individuals achieve health, not simply recover from illness.

This philosophy is guided by four foundational principles:

• The body is a unified whole - body, mind, and spirit
• The body has the ability to self-regulate and heal
• Structure and function are interrelated
• Effective care is grounded in these principles

Through this lens, osteopathic physicians deliver care that is comprehensive, empathetic, and individualized.

The DO Difference: Training That Prepares You to Do More

Like MDs, DOs complete four years of medical school followed by residency training and can pursue any specialty. What distinguishes osteopathic education is its additional focus on:

• Preventive and community-based care
• Holistic patient assessment
• Osteopathic Principles and Practice/Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OPP/OMM) – a practice philosophy and hands-on techniques used to diagnose, treat, and support healing

This added training enhances diagnostic skill, deepens understanding of the musculoskeletal system, and provides an expanded set of tools for patient care.

Just as importantly, osteopathic medical education instills a mindset - one that prioritizes listening, empathy, and partnership. DOs don’t just treat symptoms; they seek to understand the full context of a patient’s life.

A Growing Profession Meeting a National Need

Osteopathic medicine is one of the fastest-growing fields in healthcare today.

• DOs and osteopathic students now exceed 200,000 nationwide
• More than 1 in 4 U.S. medical students are training to become DOs
• DOs make up roughly 11% of all U.S. physicians

This growth reflects increasing demand for physicians who can deliver compassionate, patient-centered care - especially in rural and underserved communities. Many DOs choose careers in primary care, helping address critical workforce shortages nationwide.

At IUPCOM, this mission aligns directly with our commitment to serve the communities of Pennsylvania and beyond. 

Applying to Osteopathic Medical School: What to Expect

The path to becoming a DO begins with the AACOMAS application - the centralized application service used by U.S. colleges of osteopathic medicine.

Key Features of AACOMAS

• Submit one application to multiple schools
• Include coursework, experiences, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation
• Track your status and communicate with programs

Application Timeline (Typical Cycle)

• May: Application opens
• Summer–Fall: Submit early for best consideration (rolling admissions)
• Fall–Spring: Interviews and admission decisions
• April: Final deadlines for many programs

What Our Admissions Committee at IUPCOM is Looking For

• Strong academic preparation (science GPA and MCAT)
• Clinical exposure and service
• Demonstrated commitment to osteopathic medicine
• Personal attributes such as resilience, empathy, and leadership

Successful applicants understand not just why medicine, but why osteopathic medicine.

Preparing for Success in Medical School

Thriving in osteopathic medical education requires both academic readiness and personal commitment. Strong candidates typically demonstrate:

• Curiosity and intellectual discipline
• A commitment to service and teamwork
• Meaningful clinical or patient-centered experiences
• Alignment with osteopathic values

Medical school is rigorous - but it is also transformative. Students gain not only knowledge and technical skill, but also a professional identity grounded in compassion, lifelong learning, and service.

Financing Your Medical Education

Pursuing a medical degree is a significant investment, but there are many resources available to support you.

Financial Aid Opportunities Include:

• Federal student loans and repayment programs
• Institutional scholarships and grants
• National and osteopathic organization scholarships
• Service-based programs (e.g., military or underserved care)

AACOM also offers:

• Application fee waivers for eligible applicants
• Targeted scholarships supporting diversity and inclusion

Tools like AAMC’s FIRST program help students budget, manage debt, and plan for long-term financial success.

At IUPCOM, we are committed to helping students navigate these resources and make informed financial decisions.

Why Choose Osteopathic Medicine - and Why IUPCOM?

Choosing to become a DO is choosing a career defined by purpose. It is a commitment to:

• Treat patients as whole people
• Serve rural and underserved communities with compassion and integrity
• Lead in a healthcare system that values prevention, access, and equity

At IUPCOM, our mission builds on these principles. We are developing a new generation of physicians who are not only clinically excellent - but also deeply committed to the well-being of the communities they serve.