Question 1

What is Osteopathic Medicine?

Accepted Answer

The American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) describes osteopathic medicine as a science-based discipline with a strong philosophical grounding that focuses on the whole person. For Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine, or DOs, a whole-person approach includes partnering with patients, considering the connection of body, mind and spirit in delivering care, and recognizing the role of a physician’s hands to diagnose and treat illness or injury. Emphasis on prevention and wellness is central in a philosophy that promotes the body’s natural tendency toward health and self-healing.

Question 2

What is the difference between a DO and an MD?

Accepted Answer

Osteopathic medicine is a science-based discipline with a strong philosophical grounding that focuses on the whole person. It follows the French and Italian model of medical education, emphasizing examination and understanding of the people being cared for. This is in contrast to MD-granting (allopathic) medical schools, which are rooted in the German model of education, emphasizing laboratory-based evaluation of patients. Nevertheless, osteopathic medical school curricula are very similar to those used at U.S. allopathic medical schools, although the exact program varies by college.

DO TRAINING SPECIALIZATIONS

Osteopathic medical school accreditation standards require training in internal medicine, obstetrics/gynecology, pediatrics, family practice, surgery, psychiatry, radiology, preventive medicine, and public health. Osteopathic medical schools emphasize early clinical contact. While the first two years focus on the biomedical and clinical sciences, the second two years delve deeper into patient-oriented clinical training. Most schools include time for elective courses as well.

DO CLINICAL EXPERIENCES

DO clinical education follows a distributive model, wherein students are exposed to practicing in diverse healthcare settings. Although in-hospital experiences are an important aspect of clinical education, osteopathic medical students receive significant training in community hospitals as well as out-of-hospital ambulatory settings.

ACCREDITATION

Osteopathic medical schools are accredited by the American Osteopathic Association Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA), recognized to accredit osteopathic medical education by the U.S. Department of Education. Many osteopathic medical schools are also accredited by a regional educational accrediting organization. New colleges of osteopathic medicine (COMs) hold provisional accreditation status during their first four years of student enrollment. A college holding provisional accreditation status may admit students and offer medical instruction. During the year preceding the graduation of its first class, a provisionally accredited COM will conduct various activities that will allow it to attain fully-accredited status.

Question 3

How many Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine are in the nation?

Accepted Answer

According to the American Association of College of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) there are 44 accredited colleges of osteopathic medicine in the United States. These programs are located in 36 states and represent 71 teaching locations.

Question 4

Why is EKU interested in a College of Osteopathic Medicine?

Accepted Answer

According to the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), only 47.7% of Kentucky’s need for primary care health professionals is met. Nearly all of the state’s 120 counties contain facilities designated as health professional shortage areas (HPSA) for primary care. EKU anticipates that by offering a College of Osteopathic Medicine, the number of shortage areas throughout the Commonwealth may be reduced.

Question 5

Does EKU have established health care programs?

Accepted Answer

EKU has fueled the Commonwealth’s healthcare system with expert graduates from existing university programs including biomedical sciences, nursing, psychology, occupational therapy, public health, exercise and sport science, dietetics/food nutrition and recreational therapy programs for more than 60 years.

Question 6

What are the next steps for EKU's proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine?

Accepted Answer

Next steps include securing escrow funds needed for program accreditation, as well as funding for the university’s Center for Health Innovation. As EKU’s top capital priority for the 2026 legislative session, the new center will promote interdisciplinary learning, simulation and collaboration, preparing graduates to serve Kentucky’s healthcare needs.

Jennifer Mora

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