AACOM Publications
Osteopathic medical education (OME) plays a vital role in building a strong pipeline of competent, compassionate physicians, especially in rural and underserved communities.
These numbers tell a powerful story. Every new COM, every graduating class and every new physician represents healthier patients, stronger communities and real hope for the future of healthcare.
Robert A. Cain, DO, AACOM President & CEO
AACOM's member colleges of osteopathic medicine (COMs) play an important role in their communities. In addition to serving future physicians and providing high-quality medical education, COMs:
- Address important physician workforce shortages,
- Create programming that improves health and well-being,
- Contribute to local economies and
- Advance innovative research.
Learn more about these topics in AACOM’s landmark publications below.
Current & Upcoming Research Publications
2025 OME Impact Report
Published 12/3/25COMs are investing in communities across the nation by producing physicians that practice where they are most needed and contributing to local economies. This first-of-its-kind report from AACOM examines how the growing OME community is supporting the healthcare workforce, stimulating economies and increasing access to health services in COM communities.
2026 COM Research Publication – Coming soon!
This forthcoming report will present a national picture of osteopathic medical research, from funding to active projects and published works, through data and stories. Be sure to join us at Educating Leaders 2026 to learn more.
Quick Facts About the OME Community
- 44 accredited COMs (as of September 2025)
in the United States - 71 teaching locations
across 36 states (as of September 2025) - 8,428 DO degrees
were conferred by 36 AACOM members in 2024 - More than 38,000 osteopathic medical students
enrolled in the Fall of 2024