Pre-DO

• Meet with the pre-health advisor at least once every semester and add your name to the pre-med email list. The pre-health advisor assists students in choosing courses, preparing a strong resume, navigating the very complicated application process, reviewing personal statements, and conducting mock interviews. 
• Choose a college major that you enjoy and that provides a good “back-up plan” and career path in case you change your mind about medicine. Common majors include biology, microbiology, chemistry, biochemistry, exercise science, psychology, nutrition, etc.
• Carefully check admission requirements at DO schools of most interest. Consider reviewing the Osteopathic Medical School Directory. In general, DO schools require at a minimum:
  • A year of general chemistry (Chem 111 and 112) with labs
  • A year of general physics (Phys 111 and 112 or Phys 211 and 212) with labs
  • A year of organic chemistry (Chem 277 and 372) with labs
  • A year of biology (Bio 115 and 116) with labs
  • Additional courses that may be required or highly recommended include biochemistry, microbiology, genetics, anatomy, physiology, statistics, English, calculus etc. Review courses listed on the Pre-medicine web page that are needed preparation for the MCAT 2015 including Biochem 300 or 380 , Psych 101 and Soc 101.
• Maintain a competitive GPA. Successful applicants have an average GPA of 3.50. See AACOM Applicant and Matriculant Data - Fall 2013 (pdf)
• Complete the University of Utah Med School Self Assessment (pdf)

• Get significant DO shadowing and clinical experience and maintain a formal log (Professional Development Activities Log). Find out firsthand what the profession is like, decide if it is right for you, explore different areas of the field and in different settings, and be sure to meet clinical experience requirements of your preferred schools. 
• Develop strong relationships with faculty mentors, health care professionals, and others who will be writing letters of reference
• Join the U of I Premed Club and get involved in extracurricular, leadership, and volunteer activities

The application process consists of taking the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT), applying through the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service (AACOMCAS), submitting college transcripts and letters of reference, and then participating in invited interviews.

Other Helpful Links

• American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine
• National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners