Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine

1. Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine

2. Outline Brief History of Osteopathic Medicine What is a D.O.? Life at PCOM Life after PCOM Dual Degree Programs Admission Process Class Profiles How to be a more competitive applicant Biomedical Science Program Other Programs Q and A

3. Andrew Taylor Still (1828-1917) • Father of Osteopathic Medicine • Dr. Still was dissatisfied with Medicine of the 19th Century. • Started Osteopathic Medicine in Kirksville, Missouri in 1874. • He founded Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1892, which is now A.T. Still University.

4. Andrew Taylor Still (1828 -1917) • Dr. Still developed a philosophy that focuses on the unity of all body parts. • He recognized the body’s ability to heal itself and stressed preventive medicine. • He identified the musculoskeletal system as the key element of health.

5. Tenets of Osteopathic Medicine • 1) A person is the product of dynamic interaction between body, mind , and spirit. • 2) An inherent property of this dynamic interaction is the capacity of the individual for the maintenance of health and recovery from disease • 3) Many Forces, both intrinsic and extrinsic to the person, can challenge this inherent capacity and contribute to the onset of illness. • 4) The musculoskeletal system significantly influences the individual's ability to restore this inherent capacity and therefore to resist disease processes. Rogers et al (2002). Proposed tenets of osteopathic medicine and principles for patient care. JAOA, 102: 63 -65.

6. Principles of Patient Care • 1) The patient is the focus for healthcare. • 2) The patient has the primary responsibly for his or her health. • 3) An effective treatment program for patient care is founded on these tenets. Rogers et al (2002). Proposed tenets of osteopathic medicine and principles for patient care. JAOA, 102: 63 -65.

7. What is Osteopathic Medicine? • Focuses on examining and treating the whole person not just the symptoms. • Focuses on preventative maintenance. • Uses manipulation (OMM/OMT) as a modality of treatment. • Training as a generalist first and a specialist second.

8. Similarities Application process Four year program National boards State licensing boards Unlimited rights to practice all phases of medicine (including writing prescriptions) Distinctions Philosophy (holistic/preventive care) Emphasis on musculoskeletal system Generalist education/Primary care(Family practice, OB/GYN, Pediatrics, General Internal Medicine) Osteopathic vs. Allopathic

9. Life at PCOM • 1st and 2nd years • “Doctors from Day One” • Integrated Curriculum • Primary care skills integrated with basic and clinical biomedical sciences and Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM). • Systems-Based Curriculum • Uses a variety of methods to present this information: • Lectures, laboratory study, small group conferences, student-centered study and projects, problem-oriented cases, and selected symposia.

10. Life at PCOM • Opportunities for research, community service, and campus involvement • Sigma XI Scientific Research Society • Center for Chronic Disorders of Aging (CCDA) • Clubs and interest groups on campus: • Rugby, PCOM East, Surgery Club, Pediatric Club, etc.

11. Life at PCOM • 3rd and 4th Years • Series of clerkships • Urban (required) • Rural (required) • International (elective)

12. According to a survey conducted by PCOM for the 2008 graduating class: 87% of student received one of their top 3 choices and 91% were happy with their match Students match into a variety of residencies ranging from Internal Medicine and Family Medicine to Surgery and Cardiology. Examples: PCOM Consortium, Thomas Jefferson University, Geisinger Health System, etc. Life after PCOM

13. Dual Degree Programs • D.O./Masters of Business Administration (with St. Joseph’s University) • D.O./Masters of Public Health (with Temple University) • D.O./PhD in Health Policy (with the University of the Sciences) • D.O./Masters of Science in Forensic Medicine (PCOM Graduate Program) • D.O./Masters of Science in Organizational Development and Leadership (PCOM Graduate Program)

14. Admission Process • Apply Through Centralized Application Service- AACOMAS • https://aacomas.aacom.org/ • Supplemental Application • Premedical Committee/Advisor Letter • Personal Statement • Additional supporting letters of recommendation (faculty, PhD’s, MD’s, etc.) • D.O. Letter (strongly recommended) • Admissions Committee Interview

15. 2007 Class Profile • 3,484 applicants in the pool • 717 were invited to interview • 635 were interviewed • 375 were accepted • 268 matriculated in Class of 2011

16. 2007 Class Profile (cont’d) • Overall GPA: 3.4 • Science GPA: 3.3 • Non-Science GPA: 3.4 • MCAT Scores: Average of at least 8 per section • 47% male, 53% female • 63% Pennsylvania residents • 172 PA Residents • 96 Other States in the US

17. 2007 Class Profile (Georgia Campus) • 2614 applicants in the pool • 322 were invited to interview • 287 were interviewed • 142 were accepted • 86 matriculated

18. 2007 Class Profile (Georgia Campus) cont’d • Overall GPA: 3.3 • Science GPA: 3.1 • Non-Science GPA: 3.4 • MCAT Scores: 23 (average of 7/8 per section) • 42% male, 58% female • 50% Georgia residents • 43 GA Residents • 43 Other States in the US

19. How can I be a more competitive applicant? • Apply early in application cycle (Rolling Admission) • Share experiences with premed advisor • Recommended coursework • Biochemistry • Immunology • Anatomy & Physiology • Microbiology • If possible, take a preparatory class for the MCAT • Shadow a DO • Volunteer • Post Baccalaureate or Graduate Program

20. Biomedical Science Program • Program offered at both campuses • Certificate Program (1 Year) • Leads into Master’s Degree • Coursework similar to 1st year medical student. • Molecular Basis of Medicine, Infectious Process, Anatomy, Physiology, Histology, Pharmacology, Neuroscience • Master’s Degree ( 1 Additional Year) • Several Tracks • Thesis, Non-Thesis, Forensic Biology, Neuromusculoskeletal Research, Organizational Leadership in the Biosciences

21. Other Degree Programs • Physician Assistant Studies (MS) • Forensic Medicine (Pathway, Certificate, MS) • School Psychology (MS, EdS, PsyD) • Counseling and Clinical Heath Psychology (MS) • Clinical Psychology (PsyD, CAGS, post-doc) • Organizational Development and Leadership (MS)

22. Suggested Reading • Gallagher, R. Michael and Humphrey II, Frederick ‑ Osteopathic Medicine ‑ A Reformation in Progress • Gevitz, Norman ‑ The DO's: Osteopathic Medicine in America • Northrup, George - Osteopathic Medicine – An American Reformation • Walter, Georgia Warrener - Osteopathic Medicine: Past and Present

23. Websites • American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine http://www.aacom.org • American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service (aacomas) https://aacomas.aacom.org • American Osteopathic Association http://www.osteopathic.org • MCAT http://www.aamc.org/students/mcat/start.htm

24. PCOM Office of Admissions 4170 City Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19131 Phone: 215-871-6700 • 800-999-6998 Fax: 215-971-6719 E-mail: admissions@pcom.edu www.pcom.edu