About Osteopathic Medical School
The Uniqueness of Osteopathic Medical School
One unique aspect of the osteopathic student’s education is how rotations are conducted in community hospitals and physicians’ offices across the country. Because few osteopathic colleges have their own hospitals, the schools partner with community hospitals across the country to deliver the third and fourth year curriculum as well as internship and residency training. This model of medical education developed by the osteopathic profession has been touted as the new model for all medical education. Current pilot studies are being developed on a national level to evaluate this model of medical education.
Four-year Overview
Many osteopathic colleges have students assigned to work with physicians beginning early in the first year. This process continues throughout the second year in conjunction with the necessary science courses. In the third and fourth years, osteopathic medical students spend time learning about and exploring the major specialties in medicine.
First and Second Years
- Geared toward the basic sciences
- Students learn a core set of clinical examination skills
- Courses cover the various systems of the body
- Lectures and laboratories designed to prepare the student for the last two years of medical school
Third and Fourth Years
- Clinical clerkship years
Specific courses in the curriculum may vary from college to college.
Information used with permission by the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine.
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