The field of osteopathic medicine has expanded as the demand for health care professionals with a patient-focused approach continues to grow. In the last decade, the number of DOs in the U.S. has increased by 70%. In 2018, there was a record number of osteopathic physicians who graduated from osteopathic medical schools, and the field has continued to grow.
We opened the Kansas College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2022 with the mission of training osteopathic doctors to provide effective, empathic, and innovative care to patients in underserved communities. Our campus is in the heart of Wichita and is the first osteopathic medical school in Kansas. For individuals pursuing a career in osteopathic medicine, KansasCOM provides the foundation to make a meaningful impact in patient care and the health care industry with the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program.
Field of Osteopathic Medicine in Recent Years
According to a 2024 report by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA), the number of doctors of osteopathic medicine (DOs) in the U.S. nearly reached 160,000, up from 92,028 in 2014, an impressive 70% growth in 10 years. This surge highlights the increasing demand for osteopathic medical professionals, reflecting the interest in more patient-centered care from primary care physicians.
According to the AOA, of the nearly 160,000 DOs, 57% work in primary care specialties, including 30,235 in family medicine, 20,083 in internal medicine, and 8,036 in pediatrics and adolescent medicine. The remaining 43% of DOs are in nonprimary care specialties such as emergency medicine, anesthesiology, OB-GYN, psychiatry, and general surgery.
Of the 136,457 active DOs, 69% of DOs are under the age of 45. Notably, 45% of these professionals are women, significantly increased from 23% in 2000.
Looking to the future, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows an expected 4% increase in physician and surgeon job openings from 2023 to 2033. By 2030, demands are expected to rise 22% for general internal physicians, 13% for family physicians, and 2% for pediatric physicians, highlighting the growing need for professionals in these fields.
Start Your DO Education at KansasCOM
The KansasCOM curriculum is designed to prepare students for clinical practice and leadership roles in various health care settings. With a focus on modern medical concepts, it incorporates modern medical technology, standardized patient encounters, and human-patient simulations to support student success.
In addition to standard medical training, our Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program provides DOs with specialized instruction in the musculoskeletal system and whole person approach to health care. This training emphasizes strong communication skills, allowing physicians to work closely with patients to determine the most effective care and treatment.
Following four years of osteopathic medical school, DOs complete internships, residencies, and fellowships, lasting three to eight years. This comprehensive training qualifies them for licensure and board certification in their chosen specialty. Start your osteopathic studies in Kansas’ largest city, at the Kansas College of Osteopathic Medicine. Apply today to enter an in-demand field that will allow you to positively impact individual patients’ lives and communities.