SHU Future Doctors Explore Osteopathic Medicine  

The Pre-Professional Advising Center supports students through the exploration, preparation, and application phases of their journey towards a health professional school. During a recent session of Bite Size Learning, the PPAC’s weekly pre-health community meeting, students discussed the differences and similarities of the two degrees those interested in becoming doctors can pursue: MD (Doctor of Allopathic Medicine) or DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine).

Students also discussed the similarities and differences in schooling, licensing examinations, admitted students’ statistics, and other pertinent topics. They were surprised to learn that there were more similarities than differences between the two, however, the most prominent and important differences were in philosophy and the practice of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT). This session also helped students debunk a lot of myths that were circulating regarding the two degrees. 

Allopathic medicine tends to be the field most students are familiar with, as it encompasses modern, evidence-based medical practices in diagnosing and treating symptoms. As such, the PPAC found it important to assist students with exploring a different path in becoming a physician by introducing Osteopathic Medicine as a possible option for future physicians. The Director of the PPAC, Ms. Vergara states, "We want to expose our students to as many options as possible and provide them with the most up to date information so when they are deciding on which professional school they want to pursue they can make an informative decision." 

As a follow up event, on Saturday, April 15, 2023, the PPAC hosted and provided transportation for a trip to the Rowan-Virtua School of Medicine. Through this opportunity, the PPAC was able to provide students with an experience to explore New Jersey’s only Osteopathic Medical school. 

Students toured both the Sewell and Stratford campuses and learned more about the different curriculum options for medical school. The Rowan-Virtua SOM offers both a Problem-Based Learning (PBL) curriculum and a Synergistic Guided Learning (SGL) curriculum. Students also had the opportunity to network with current medical students, meet the Deans and Admissions team, and speak with Financial Aid to learn how to financially prepare for medical school.

Additionally, students learned about Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT). OMT is a treatment unique to Osteopathic Medicine and on this tour, students were able to see a demonstration of different techniques. OMT involves the application of pressure and manipulation to treat structural and functional issues. This opportunity at Rowan-Virtua provided students with an insider's perspective of how medical school is, the curriculums, expectations, and the application process. 

The Pre-Professional Advising Center is committed to providing students with as many options and experiences as possible to help students reach their academic and professional goals. They plan to offer more medical school tours to our undergraduate students and continue exposing students to different health care professions. If you are interested in a health care profession, be sure to make your appointment at the PPAC via COMPASS or stop in during their drop-in hours on Thursdays from 2-4 p.m.

Categories: Education, Health and Medicine