Osteopathic Graduate Medical Education

Several aspects of osteopathic graduate medical education have gained momentum in recent years. Although the number of 2006 osteopathic graduates dropped slightly compared with the previous year, 2007 graduates totaled 3103, surpassing 3000 for the first time in osteopathic history. A total of 1196 (41%) and 1267 (40%) graduates and previous graduates participated and matched in the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) "Match" program in 2006 and 2007, respectively. With post-Match scramble data, the number of osteopathic graduates and previous graduates in AOA-approved internship positions rose to 1525 (53%) and 1663 (52%) for 2006 and 2007, respectively. Likewise, the number of filled osteopathic residency positions for the 2006-2007 academic year increased by 5%. In light of these increases, the authors compare AOA data with data from the American Council of Graduate Medical Education regarding osteopathic physicians in allopathic residencies. A brief summary of the restructured traditional osteopathic intern-ships, which will go into effect July 1, 2008, is also provided.