Osteopathic Medical Schools Continue to Lead Nation in Primary Care and Rural Health

Eight of the top 10 medical schools for primary care graduates are osteopathic

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Bethesda, MD) – The American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) proudly celebrates the continued national recognition of colleges of osteopathic medicine (COMs) in the latest U.S. News & World Report Best Medical Schools rankings. This year, COMs accounted for:

• Eight of the top 10 medical schools with the most graduates practicing in primary care
• Six of the top 10 for graduates practicing in rural areas
• Five of the top 10 for graduates practicing in Health Professional Shortage Areas

“The strong performance of our colleges in these rankings clearly demonstrates osteopathic medicine’s central role in tackling the U.S. physician shortage—particularly in primary care and in underserved and rural communities,” said AACOM President and CEO Robert A. Cain, DO. “Our colleges are built around missions that prioritize service and access, and our students are choosing to make a difference in the communities that need them most. These results reflect both the growing influence of osteopathic medicine and the increasing demand for our whole-person, community-focused approach to care. We are proud of the impact our schools and students continue to make across the country.”

Most Graduates Practicing in Primary Care

Osteopathic medical schools make up eight of the top 10 and 13 of the top 20:

1. A.T. Still University-School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona
2. Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
3. William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine
4. Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine
5. Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine
6. A.T. Still University of Health Sciences - Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (tie)
6. Western University of Health Sciences (tie)
9. Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine
11. Marian University Tom and Julie Wood College of Osteopathic Medicine (tie)
11. Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine (tie)
15. West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine
16. Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine
19. Campbell University Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine

Most Graduates Practicing in Rural Areas

COMs represent six of the top 10 and 10 of the top 20:

1. A.T. Still University of Health Sciences - Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine
2. Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine
3. Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine
7. William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine
9. Campbell University Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine
10. Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine
11. Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
15. Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine
16. West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine
17. Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Most Graduates Practicing in Health Professional Shortage Areas

COMs make up five of the top 10 and nine of the top 20:

1. Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
3. Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
4. William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine
6. A.T. Still University of Health Sciences - Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine
10. Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine
11. Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine
12. Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine
15. University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine
20. Campbell University Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine

About AACOM:

Founded in 1898, the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) is the leading voice for the education and training of physicians who practice osteopathic medicine in settings across the medical spectrum—from primary care to the full range of medical specialties. We support our member colleges of osteopathic medicine in their efforts to attract and train individuals who are fueled by a desire to make a difference in our healthcare system by treating the whole person and building a future emphasizing health and wellness for all people. Today, more than 38,000 future physicians—close to 30 percent of all U.S. medical students—are being educated at one of our 42 accredited colleges of osteopathic medicine, encompassing 67 teaching locations in 36 states. To learn more about AACOM, please visit our website.

Contacts:

Joseph Shapiro
Director of Media Relations
(240) 938-0746
jshapiro@aacom.org

Christine DeCarlo
Senior Manager of Media and Public Affairs
(202) 603-1026
cdecarlo@aacom.org