Osteopathic Medical Students Participate in Match Program

2/17/2003

From: Mary Ann M. Pagaduan of the American Osteopathic Association, 800-621-1773, ext. 8040; 312-202-8040

CHICAGO, Feb. 17 -- More than 1,270 osteopathic medical students received match placements regarding their osteopathic internship program, which encompasses internships and residencies, for the next training year. The National Matching Service results, released to students last week, indicate that 92 percent of the participants matched their first choice. Upon graduating and earning degrees as doctors of osteopathic medicine (D.O.s), they will begin their programs on July 1, 2003.

"As these students move on to the next phase of their careers in osteopathic medicine, it is very rewarding to learn that the majority of them are headed to programs representing their number one preference," stated Michael I. Opipari, D.O., the chair of the American Osteopathic Association's (AOA) council on postdoctoral training.

In addition, 81 percent of the participants will continue their training in primary care areas, reinforcing the osteopathic profession's tradition of providing care as family physicians, internists, pediatricians, and obstetricians/gynecologists. In fact, 65 percent of all osteopathic physicians (D.O.s) specialize in primary care areas of medicine.

The official name of the AOA match is the American Osteopathic Association Intern Registration Program.

The American Osteopathic Association represents over 49,000 D.O.s across the country, promotes public health, encourages scientific research, serves as the primary certifying body for D.O.s, and is the accrediting agency for osteopathic medical colleges and health care facilities.