Becoming a DO

If you are a well-rounded medical school candidate who believes the practice of medicine is about more than just treating symptoms and diagnosing illness, you might be interested in becoming a DO.

Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine, or DOs, are one of the fasting-growing segments of health care professionals in the U.S.

More medical students than ever before are seeking out the DO difference. In fact, one in four medical students in the U.S. today attends an osteopathic medical school.

Our Unique Approach

From their first days of training, DOs learn to look at the whole person, listening and partnering with their patients to help them get healthy and stay well.

Osteopathic physicians complete four years of medical school, followed by internships, residencies and fellowships. This training lasts three to eight years and prepares DOs to practice a specialty.

Osteopathic medical school admissions committees typically look for students with demonstrated academic excellence, but they are also interested in other qualities you bring to the table. They look beyond test scores to find healers. A DO is an empathetic partner with patients, a skill no textbook can teach, though academics are the foundation of our training.

Students who exhibit excellent communication skills and have a strong background in community service demonstrate an aptitude for providing the kind of empathetic, supportive care emphasized by osteopathic medicine.

Taking the Next Step

The American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine’s Choose DO campaign provides a wealth of information about the osteopathic medical school application process, including interview tips, financial aid information and more.