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Osteopathic medicine was developed as a method of treatment emphasizing the musculoskeletal system and a concern for the patient as a complete entity.  DOs diagnose and treat human diseases and injuries, and practice preventive medicine.  They may be general practitioners or specialists and may combine medical practice with research and/or teach in medical schools.  Their degree is a D.O. (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine)

Acceptance to osteopathic medical schools is extremely competitive and requires not only a strong academic record and standardized test (MCAT) Medical College Admissions Test score, but osteopathic schools also expect evidence of:

  • Leadership
  • Written and oral communication skills
  • Research
  • Service/Volunteerism
  • A working knowledge of the health profession
Major:  Normally students choose to major in biology, chemistry or biochemistry; however, medical schools do not require or expect a specific major for admissions.  Students should major in the subject they enjoy most.  This will more than likely ensure better grades and better understanding since the majority of the courses he/she is taking are ones that he/she enjoys.   Also minors are a great way to enhance their knowledge in a specific area.
Students interested in medical school must take the following courses regardless of their major:

Courses   Recommended
English FYS 101, ENG 101 Freshmen Yr
General Chemistry
with Lab		 CHM 111, CHM 112 Freshmen Yr
General Biology
with Lab		 BIO 101, BIO 102 Freshmen Yr
Organic Chemistry
with Lab		 CHM 227, CHM 228 Sophomore Yr
Physics
with Lab		 PHY 201, PHY 202 Junior Yr
Math Calc I, II, or Stats
(1-2 semesters) some combination of		  
Behavioral Science One year of either psychology or sociolgy  

AP Credit: Most health professional schools do not accept AP credit in Biology, Chemistry or Physics.  Students with AP credit in a science are highly advised to take the freshman sequence (CHM 111/112, BIO 101/102).

Recommended Courses:  Biochemistry, Anatomy & Physiology, Microbiology, Genetics, Cell Biology, Immunology
National average of accepted students for allopathic and osteopathic students for the class of 2010
  Science GPA Overall GPA Average MCAT
Osteopathic Schools n/a 3.40 26.35

For more information:
American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM)  www.aacom.org
American Association of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service (AACOMAS) www.aacom.org/students/mcat
Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) www.aamc.org/students/mcat
Medical Schools base their acceptances on the following criteria

GPA

MCAT (Medical College Admission Test)

Community Service, Volunteer Experience, or Service Learning-Medical schools want to see a commit to serving others this is done by: Volunteering for a long term commitment at a (hospital, food bank, nursing home, habitat for humanity, etc) as well as short term commitments (Relay for Life, Special Olympics, etc)

Leadership Qualities: Taking on responsibilities and deeper levels of involvement.

Research Experience- Work with a college professor in the sciences on a research topic of interest.

Shadowing Experience- Following a physician on his/her daily activities to gain an insight into their profession.

Medical Experience-Work within the medical field as a nurse’s aid or technician (may require additional training either part time or over summers).

For more information:  contact the Pre-Med Office at 716-888-3208 or email: traversc@canisius.edu