Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine (LMU-DCOM) has been ranked No. 2 by U.S. News and World Report in medical schools that produce the highest percentage of primary care residents. The ranking is based on 2013-2015 data averages.
“LMU-DCOM was founded with a mission to address the critical health care shortages in Appalachia and beyond,” said Brian A. Kessler, DO, FACOFP, vice president and dean of LMU-DCOM. “Clearly, this U.S. News and World Report data illustrates that the University and its graduates are fulfilling this mission. We are proud to be delivering as promised, but we aren’t sitting on our laurels. The provider to patient deficits in primary care are a real threat to the health care system of our country, and as one of the largest medical schools in the United States, LMU is taking new and innovative approaches to meeting these needs.”
Approximately 80 percent of the members of the class of 2015 LMU-DCOM entered their first year of residency training in a primary care residency, including family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, OB/GYN, emergency medicine, osteopathic manipulative medicine and transitional year/traditional rotating internship. In 2015, 60.69 percent of graduates were placed into osteopathic residency programs. 36.55 percent accepted residency positions with allopathic programs and 2.76 percent are going into military programs. Approximately 25 percent of the graduating class placed into programs within the Appalachian region, and 7 percent within the state of Tennessee.
According to the American Osteopathic Association, 56 percent of doctors of osteopathic medicine (D.O.s) in active practice are primary care physicians. D.O.s are one of two types of fully licensed physicians in the United States. Both D.O. and M.D. schools offer similar, rigorous medical education, but approach the practice of medicine from distinct philosophies. D.O.s emphasize a whole-person approach to treatment and care, and focus on prevention to help people get healthy and stay well. D.O.s also receive additional training in osteopathic manipulative treatment used to diagnose, treat and prevent illness and injury. Osteopathic medicine continually ranks among the fastest-growing disciplines in health care in the United States.
The DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine is located on the campus of Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate. LMU-DCOM is an integral part of LMU’s values-based learning community, and is dedicated to preparing the next generation of osteopathic physicians to provide health care in the often underserved region of Appalachia and beyond. For more information about LMU-DCOM, call 1-800-325-0900, ext. 7108, email dcom@lmunet.edu, or visit us online at www.lmunet.edu/dcom.