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There is no better feeling of accomplishment than when a student matches into a desired residency program! This milestone means that students, faculty, administration, and staff have achieved a monumental task. All their planning, strategies, and work have culminated in that one special word: “Matched!”
The excitement continues as graduates fulfill their dreams and move on to the next phase of their training. Osteopathic physicians are at the forefront of their practice choices. Whether they choose primary or specialty care, many fill a critical need by relocating to rural areas of the United States, where healthcare services may not be as abundant or accessible. We are proud of the choices that students make to become part of the “healthcare solution.”
According to a recent article published by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA), residency match and placement statistics reveal a record number of students matching this year, with 53% choosing primary care. In addition, DO students in 2023 had the highest placement rate of all applicant types. Dr. Ira P. Monka, DO, notes that, each year, the profession continues to grow and medical schools ensure a bright and successful future for DO students. Also according to the AOA, in 2023 DO students had the highest placement rate of all applicant types.
Osteopathic colleges are graduating exceptional physicians who will be impactful in solving the healthcare crisis. In addition, osteopathic colleges are fostering educational content that allows future physicians to become leaders, wherever they choose to practice. How well residency programs view our students speaks to the curriculum and to our educators who help students learn.
The goal of faculty is to bring students into the professional world through teaching, mentorship, and advocacy. Faculty in the colleges of osteopathic medicine are exceptionally skilled teachers who help students acquire knowledge and information to make informed decisions. Faculty members have deep ownership of the content and a passion for teaching curriculums that educate students to truly understand wellness and diseases. Students are nurtured, taught, and advised as they learn the basics and master the information. The great work done by faculty empowers students to fully understand and appreciate the workings of the human body, the cell, and the causes of diseases, as well as their remedies. Our future physicians will face unknown emerging diseases and comorbid conditions. Patients will need nurturing and guidance. Faculty have a deep impact on future physicians by giving them the tools needed to face the challenges of taking care of people for the next 30 to 40 years.
Physicians entering residencies are our future workforce, and we are hopeful that their knowledge and experience will lead them into the professional world with skill and compassion. Equally as promising are our residency programs, in which residents are carefully vetted for special program attributes, and individuals await “the match.”
It is with excitement that we watch our new colleagues grow into excellent physicians and leaders. We are encouraged by our work with each osteopathic physician to alleviate the current healthcare crisis. Congratulations to all the graduates. We continue to look forward to your contributions!