Pre-Professional Medicine at Southern Oregon University
On this page, students can find more information about what it means to pursue a path aligning to MD or DO programs across the US, more about the curricular expectations, health-related experiences, and the popular comparison of "MD vs DO".
Labor Statistics
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, for a Physician or Surgeon in 2018:
Median Pay: $208,000 per year (about $100.00 per hour)
Typical Entry-Level Education: Doctoral/Professional Degree
Number of Jobs: 756,800
Projected 10-year Growth: 7% (about 55,400 jobs)
What is the Pre-Professional Medicine program at SOU like?
Overview of Pre-Professional Medicine
SOU is proud to offer intensive and diverse preparatory curriculum for Pre-Professional Medicine. This field tends to represent one of the most elaborate pre-professional fields that SOU has to offer, and is similarly structured to Pre-Dentistry and Pre-Veterinary Science in the first two years. Students commonly major in Biology or Chemistry in this field, but may major in non-science fields. Pre-Medicine (Pre-Med) students will experience a well-synergized curriculum in biology, chemistry, math, and social science with the purpose of not only meeting graduate school requirements, but also ideal preparation for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). Though pre-professional programs represent a core set of recommended coursework, they are not academic majors themselves. This program is meant be completed in addition to standard degree programs, and will serve the student by providing necessary prerequisite coursework for their desired professional goals, but offer the flexibility to change some of that coursework to suite a preferred professional schools.
Brief Introduction to Educational Pathway
Typically, this program starts off with a strong foundation in chemistry, biology, math, and writing. Once the student's foundational curriculum is completed, they can inquire about the potential for an informational interview with a specialist in the Rogue Valley through the partnership SOU has with Providence Health & Services. In the middle years of curriculum, students will complete advanced courses in organic chemistry and biochemistry, while developing skills in genetics, cellular and microbiology, and medically-oriented electives such as immunology, pathophysiology, and molecular biology. Students can also accessorize their curriculum with minors in Biology, Chemistry, Psychology, Health Promotions or elective coursework in a foreign language. After completing the middle years of the curriculum, students may inquire about the potential for a 1-2 day observation/shadow of a physician in the Rogue Valley. Generally, students will be ready to take the MCAT in the Spring or Summer before their last year at SOU, where they will finish any remaining major curriculum and potentially continue a shadowing experience with a physician.
Students should take time to explore the wonderful opportunities offered through the SOU Biology and Chemistry Programs.
Biology and Chemistry First-Year Plans
Below are the recommended starting guides for students interested in Biology and Chemistry
Biology Pre-Med Program
Here is a sample planning guide for students interested in majoring in Biology as a Pre-Professional Medicine Student
Please note this plan is only a guide and each student's path may look different. This degree includes the more competitive course path options, and others may exist. It also includes a minor in Chemistry. Please contact the STEM Division (541-552-6341) to speak with an Advisor.
Chemistry Pre-Med Programs
Here is a sample planning guide for students interested in majoring in Chemistry as a Pre-Professional Medicine Student. This is a BA in Chemistry
Pre-Med BA in Chemistry Planner
Please note this plan is only a guide and each student's path may look different. This degree includes the more competitive course path options, and others may exist. Students would likely receive a minor in Biology. Please contact the STEM Division (541-552-6341) to speak with an Advisor.
What is the difference between a Medical Doctor (MD) and a Doctor of Osteopathy (DO)?
Allopathic vs Osteopathic Medicine: Two Distinct Philosophical Approaches
The key areas where MDs and DOs begin to show a difference start early on. While many students enter higher education with the goal of wanting to practice medicine as an idea, they don't often ask how they want to practice medicine. Allopathic practitioners, or traditional Medical Doctors, are what many people think of when they perceive what a doctor is, some people can often confused an osteopathic practitioner (DOs) with a naturopathic provider. In essence, allopathic physicians are often thought of as those who strictly practice from a diagnosis-treatment model, wherein they use modern techniques and approaches to identify and treat a given underlying ailment. Whereas, osteopathic physicians are thought of as those who treat the patient from a wholistic approach, incorporating things to impact things like nutrition, personal education, self-prevention and others. Until recent centuries, allopathic approaches were considered almost taboo. The truth is, many MDs and DOs have overlapping approaches to patient care, though they each receive different educational approaches to treating an underlying condition. Additionally, they both use modern techniques to diagnose and treat conditions. In summary, while their philosophical upbringing through education may be different, they both must attend an appropriately accredited medical school, specialty training, residencies and pass a board-certifying exam to practice medicine in all 50 states.
To and Through: The Journey of Medical School
It's no secret, medical school is difficult to get into, but did you know that MDs and DOs attend different medical programs? Allopathic and Osteopathic schools must be accredited by their respective governing bodies, but that also means that there is no school which offers students both programs. This implies that prospective medical school students must choose which path they take.
Are the prerequisites different for MD and DO programs?
Generally, students are expected to have the same natural science background entering these programs, since the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is required for both. While, on average, students going into MD programs have marginally higher MCAT scores and GPAs, there are far fewer DO schools to choose from. It would be hard to argue that one path is more competitive than the other. DO programs typically accept more non-science majors into their programs than MD programs, respectively.
Does Medical School look the same for the two pathways?
Most commonly, the lengths of each program are about the same, ranging from 3-4 years to completion. Both realms of education begin with foundational clinical knowledge and subject matter, and evolve into clincal rotations and practical application. Since DO programs require more holistic approaches, they are required to learn osteopathic manipulative treatments (OMTs). OMT training generally requires a couple hundred hours of clinical experience, on top of what an MD might normally do. Both pathways will see students completing a 4-step exam process ultimately leading them to their terminal credential. General Medical Education (GME) tends to have a significant overlap for students of both programs, though the exams each student will take are different. Students in MD programs will complete the exam track for the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) and students in DO programs will complete the exam track for the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX).
Life After Licensing
Imagine you are finally nearing the end of the medical school experience, and starting to look at residency, fellowship, or advanced training opportunities in your field(s) of interest. Statistically speaking, if you are an MD candidate, you are likely looking into fellowships and advanced training program to specialize in a given field of medicine. A majority of MDs in the practicing world are in some sort of sub-specialization such as cardiology, hemotology, oncology, a variety of surgical fields and many more. If you are a DO candidate, you might be looking into highly specialized fields as well, but may find that these tracks tend to favor allopathic physicians. Again statistically speaking, if you are a DO, you are more likely to pursue a field of family medicine or general practice such as pediatrics or internal medicine.
Residencies and fellowships, by and large, are shared between MDs and DOs across the US. By the end of 2020, the pathways to nearly every residency will be more open to DOs, in a realm where MDs used to traditionally dominate. Regardless of the standing of either program, the pathways for DOs are opening quickly, especially with recent pushes towards self-education, personal nutrition and prevention, and rural health.
What does the world of a doctor look like professionally?
Overview
Doctors (MDs or DOs) serve a critical role in today's world of medicine. They tend to lead the charge on many aspects of medical practice, and assist with oversight of other clinicians such as nurses, physician assistants, occupational or physical therapists and more. They can work in laboratory research or be on the frontline of diagnostic medicine. The American Medical Association serves the largest network of physicians (MD and DO) as well as medical students with professional development, educational guides, and policy information throughout all disciplines. Generally, you will see doctors in a traditional clinical setting either in a primary or consultant care role, or in a surgical setting; however, you can typically count on doctors working as a part of a team to serve patients' needs. There is essentially no field of practicing medicine which cannot be served by a licensed physician, and they will care for patients from conception through passing and everything in between. Whether you are interested in a high-octane research or trauma care environments, high-stakes surgical or treatment scenarios, general family practice, medical education or policy administration you will find a need as a doctor.
Support, Governance, and Accreditation
Support
Nationally:
As mentioned above, the American Medical Association is the largest professional support network for physicians of any discipline. However, students will find great support from the American Association of Medical Colleges, which is a large nonprofit organization tasked with the administrative oversight of the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS), and the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). There is a DO-specific organization, known as the American Osteopathic Association (AOA), which serves in a similar capacity as the AMA. The AMA is of more use for MD-track medical students, and those nearing and in the professional medical field. For those interested in a DO-track, the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) is a better option. Students participating in a Pre-Medicine program and exploring medical schools will find more benefit from the AAMC and AACOM resources while exploring their options.
There is also a student-specific resource for Pre-Medical and Medical Students alike, which is the American Medical Student Association (AMSA). Ideally, the resources within this organization heavily favor those who are newly admitted and attending medical school, but they do offer a Premedical Membership for those who are interested in learning more about the field of professional medicine.
In Oregon:
In the state, the largest professional organization for physicians is the Oregon Medical Association (OMA). The OMA is active in political advocacy, government relations, education (and educational programs), professional development and providing mentorship for new doctors. The OMA also oversees the Oregon Medical Education Foundation (OMEF), which serves predominately as a support for medical education for educators and students alike. It houses a repository of scholarships for medical students.
At Southern Oregon University:
All Pre-Health programs can find a home in the SOU Pre-Healthcare Society. Students who are in any health discipline are encouraged to join this group, and its membership is not based on academic major, but rather professional interests in healthcare. Students from medical programs, mental health programs, dentistry, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, and other fields are welcome. To contact this organization, please email SOUprehealthcare@gmail.com.
Governance
While each state has its own requirements for medical licensing, there is a standing national credential required for all practicing physicians who are either DOs or MDs. MDs will be appropriately licensed by attending a medical institution which is appropriately accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) and has sufficiently completed all four exams for initial licensing through the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). DOs will be appropriately licensed by attending a medical institution which is appropriately accredited by Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA), an organization under governance of the American Osteopathic Association (AOA).
In Oregon, the Oregon Medical Board (OMB) oversees licensing for MDs and DOs.
Accreditation
As mentioned above, MDs will be appropriately licensed by attending a medical institution which is appropriately accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) and has sufficiently completed all four exams for initial licensing through the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). DOs will be appropriately licensed by attending a medical institution which is appropriately accredited by Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA), an organization under governance of the American Osteopathic Association (AOA).
Specialties and Licenses
There are over 120 fields for doctors to specialize and sub-specialize in, and students are encouraged to explore all of those options here!
What do I need to get into Medical School?
While there are over 150 MD-granting institutions, there are only about 40 DO-granting institutions in the US and Canada. As mentioned before, while there are fewer opportunities for DO students, the admissions profile for MD students tend to be slightly more competitive. When it comes to looking at what it takes to stand out, students should be thinking about their GPA, MCAT score, and extracurricular experiences.
Common Majors
Common majors for medical school tend to come from the natural sciences and social sciences, but are not limited to any specific field.
You can find majors from Biology, Chemistry, Zoology, Psychology, Sociology, Health Science, and many more.
You might ask yourself, which major is the best major? The answer is, whichever one you personally engage with the most, and you feel provides you with a professionally oriented curriculum. Keep in mind, all of your medical training/science knowledge will come from your prerequisites and graduate programs, so the other courses which make up your degree should be relavent to you.
Myth: "Graduate programs tend to pick only the Biology/Chemistry students with 4.0 GPAs"
Fact: Graduate programs aren't looking for cookie-cutter students who only know the sciences. Physician Assistants serve in a wide array of professional capacities, and therefore must come from a wide array of backgrounds. Good grades, solid prerequisites, and a passion to succeed make the core requirements for these schools, but they are also seeking well-rounded, real people who have a believable reason to work in medicine, and a desire for a given field. Want do do mental health? Consider a major in a social science. Want to do rehabilitative and therapeutic care? Consider a major in the health sciences. What about serving populations with a different heritage language? Think about a degree in foreign languages!
Curriculum Sequencing: How to Plan Your Path!
- Year 1: Laying a Foundation
- Year 2: Advanced Exploration
- Year 3: Finishing Exploration and Preparing for the MCAT
- Year 4: Wrapping it Up
Year 1: Laying a Foundation
In Year 1, students should consider working through at least 3 of the following requirements*:
Students with advanced standing should consult with the Student Success Coordinator, Andrew Clum (cluma@sou.edu).
Writing and Oral Communication: University Seminar 101, 102 and 103
Mathematics: MTH 111, MTH 112, MTH 251 or MTH 111, MTH 112, MTH 243 (if non-science major).
Biology: Principles of Biology I, II & III (BI 211/211L, BI 212/212L, BI 213/213L)
Chemistry: General Chemistry I, II & III (Ch 221/227, Ch 222/228, Ch 223/229)
*Students can complete all 4 series with proper structuring and support.
Year 2: Advanced Exploration
In Year 2, students will begin exploring different material, and can consider some of the following course sequences*:
(Lab Sequence) Physics: General Physics (PH 201/224, PH 202/225, PH 203/226) --- Students can take the Algebra or Calculus based version of Physics. Chemistry majors should consult with their advisor before deciding which one is better.
(Priority - Lab Sequence) Chemistry: Organic Chemistry (see below Competitive/Minimum sections to decide which is best)
(Lab Sequence) Biology: Genetics, Cell Biology, Microbiology (BI 341, BI 342, BI 351/353)
Mathematics/Social Science/Humanities: Depending on where students have fulfilled credits, they can explore in these areas. See below Competitive/Minimum sections to decide which is best.
* Students should NOT take more than two lab sequences in this year.
Year 3: Finishing Exploration and Preparing for the MCAT
In this year, students should be completing whichever lab sequence they did not from the year before.
(Lab Sequence) Physics: General Physics (PH 201/224, PH 202/225, PH 203/226) --- Students can take the Algebra or Calculus based version of Physics. Chemistry majors should consult with their advisor before deciding which one is better.
(Priority - Lab Sequence) Chemistry: If students chose to complete the Year-Long Organic Chemistry sequence, they should be taking Biochemistry this year, CH 451, CH 452, and CH 453.
(Lab Sequence) Biology: Genetics, Cell Biology, Microbiology (BI 341, BI 342, BI 351/353) OR Biology Electives (see below Competitive/Minimum sections to decide which is best)
Social Science/Humanities: Depending on where students have fulfilled credits, they can explore in these areas. See below Competitive/Minimum sections to decide which is best.
Year 4: Wrapping it Up
In this year, students should be completing degree and major requirements. Generally this year can be comprised of Biology Electives, Biochemistry or Physics (if not taken earlier), Social Science, and Humanities electives (or other general education requirements which are outstanding). This should be the year of the Senior Capstone in any given major.
Competitive - Recommended Prerequisites at SOU
Ideal candidates can find the best preparation from a major in Biology, Chemistry and Psychology.
Biology & Chemistry
Foundational Biology and Chemistry:
Biology: Year-Long Principles of Biology Sequence (BI 211/211L, BI 212/212L, BI 213/213L)
Chemistry: Year-Long General Chemistry Sequence (CH 221/227, CH 222/228, CH 223/229)
Advanced Coursework (Desired):
Biology: Genetics (BI 341), Cell Biology (BI 342), Microbiology (BI 351/353)
Chemistry: Year-Long Organic Chemistry Series with Spectroscopy (CH 334/337, CH 335/340, CH 336/341), Year-Long Biochemistry Sequence (Lecture only: CH 451, 452, 453)
**Highly Preferred** : Pre-Professional Medicine Students should consider participation in the Organic Chemistry Mentorship program, allowing the advancement of individual organic chemistry knowledge, while helping your fellow students! This is offered in the year after completing Organic Chemistry as a course: CH 434, CH 435, CH 436 (1 credit each).
Advanced Electives (Preferred, choose those which can fit into your schedule):
Immunology (BI 456), Pathogenesis/Pathophysiology (BI 355), Molecular Biology (BI 425), Topics in Human Anatomy w/Lab (Lectures: BI 361, 362, 363, Labs: BI 364L, 365L, 366L), Neurophysiology (BI 315)
Mathematics & Physics
Foundational Mathematics and Physics:
Mathematics: Precalculus I: College Algebra (MTH 111), Precalculus II: Elementary Functions (MTH 112), Introduction to Statistics (MTH 243)
Physics: Year-Long General Physics Sequence (PH 201/224, PH 202/225, PH 203/226) --- Students can take the Algebra or Calculus based version of Physics. Chemistry majors should consult with their advisor before deciding which one is better.
Additional Mathematics Coursework (Preferred)
Applied (Inferential) Statistics (MTH 244), Calculus I (MTH 251) - Chemistry majors will have more math to complete in addition to MTH 251
Minimum - Recommended Prerequisites at SOU
Biology & Chemistry
Foundational Biology and Chemistry:
Biology: Year-Long Principles of Biology Sequence (BI 211/211L, BI 212/212L, BI 213/213L)
Chemistry: Year-Long General Chemistry Sequence (CH 221/227, CH 222/228, CH 223/229)
Advanced Coursework (Desired):
Biology: Genetics (BI 341), Cell Biology (BI 342), Microbiology (BI 351/353)
Chemistry: Organic Chemistry I and II with Labs (CH 334/337 and CH 335/338), and Principles of Biochemistry (CH 350, with instructor approval)
Advanced Electives (Preferred, choose those which can fit into your schedule):
Immunology (BI 456), Pathogenesis/Pathophysiology (BI 355), Molecular Biology (BI 425), Topics in Human Anatomy w/Lab (Lectures: BI 361, 362, 363, Labs: BI 364L, 365L, 366L), Neurophysiology (BI 315)
Mathematics & Physics
Foundational Mathematics and Physics:
Mathematics: Precalculus I: College Algebra (MTH 111), Precalculus II: Elementary Functions (MTH 112), Introduction to Statistics (MTH 243)
Physics: Year-Long General Physics Sequence (PH 201/224, PH 202/225, PH 203/226)
Additional Mathematics Coursework (Preferred)
Applied (Inferential) Statistics (MTH 244)
Social Sciences & Humanities
Foundational Social Sciences and Humanities:
Social Science: General Psychology I and II (PSY 201, PSY 202) and a course in Sociology/Anthropology (Choose 1: SOAN 204, SOAN 205, SOAN 211, SOAN 213)
Humanities: Intro to Philosophy and/or Ethics (PHL 201 and/or PHL 205), Communication Across Cultures (COMM 200). Students can also choose to do foreign languages in this area also. SOU offers Spanish, French, German, American Sign Language and Japanese.
Advanced Coursework (Preferred, choose those which can fit into your schedule)):
Abnormal Psychology (PSY 479), Personality Theory (PSY 432), Drugs in Society (HE 453), Community Health (HE 362), Poverty in Society (SOAN 304)
Entrance Exam Requirements
The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is the industry standard for getting into medical school. All Pre-Professional Medicine students should expect to take this course in their second-to-last or last year at SOU. Ideally, it is timed with the completion of Biochemistry. Below is a table explaining a little more information about the MCAT.
Overview of MCAT
The MCAT is a 7.5 hour standardized, multiple choice test which is comprised of four categories:
- Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
- Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
- Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior
- Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills
These sections all have a specific composition, which SOU spends time preparing students for. Essentially, every medical school students will apply to will require an MCAT score to be admitted, and these scores are generally no more than 3 years old.
For an Overview of MCAT Adminstration, click here.
For an Overview of MCAT Composition, click here.
Extracurricular Involvment/Experience
In this section, students can explore more about the "other" side of the application for medical school, which is not strictly academic. Students should look forward to answering supplemental essay questions on their medical school applications about these areas, and incorporate these topics into their personal statements.
Leadership
Leadership comes in many different forms, though in the context of college, many students will associate it with school-based organizations. While this is a common, convenient option, it is not the only choice for students. Leadership can arise from a place on employment, religious and other community-based organizations as well. Students should aim to get involved in student organizations if they can, and try to obtain positions of increasing responsibility. Student government (ASSOU), lobbying groups (OSPIRG), and discipline-specific (Pre-Healthcare Sociey, Biology, Chemisty) clubs are a great place to get started, but you can also become involved in things like mentorship, acting, or residence hall associations. It is discouraged for students to join numerous clubs wherein they might extract little leadership opportunity from, but rather they should join one or two groups and aim to be an influence on the culture of the organization.
Diversity
Diversity is not a simple concept to nail down, nor should it be the goal of a student to narrow the idea of diversity to a small set of things. Diversity is present in nearly everything we do, from the way we write, through the way we speak, perceive, and live. Students should not think of diversity as a matter of socioeconomic status and demographic only, but more experiential. Students can gain diversity experience through nearly everything, but it generally involves stepping outside of their comfort zone. Learning a new language, studying abroard, hosting a community event or symposium, volunteering at an assisted care facility, or simply joining an organization outside of their traditional scope are all ways of learning more. Diversity is about understanding other perspectives, and most importantly, acknowledging them.
Community Engagement
Community Engagement can incorporate ideals from all of these extracurricular areas, and place them into an accessible format for engagement. For example, a student may volunteer at a health provider like La Clinica, and then network with someone at the Maslow Project in Medford, OR. Through their exposure, they learn about the plights befalling youth in the region, and decide to create an educational program to support the health needs of these individuals. They decide to work jointly with Maslow and La Clinica to create a program for under-resourced adolescents in the Rogue Valley focused on self-care, nutrition, and resources. Community engagement is a great way for students to learn more about themselves, and people who may eventually come to them for personal care.
Medical Experience
Medical Experience should never be discounted as important. Of course, students can choose to do a vocational training program like a CNA, MA, EMT, or other to gain skilled-experience. However, they can also do so through volunteering, shadowing, and observation. At SOU, students who excel academically can request a chance to have an informational interview, shadowing, and extended observational experience with a physician in the region to learn more about what a physician does. Students are encouraged to at least volunteer in medical practices around the region, but may find more value out of a traditional training program such as an EMT or CNA program, which is short term. Students who complete human anatomy and physiology can request the ability to help prepare the human cadavers for student learning in the Biology department.
Research
Research is a key way to demonstrate academic skills in a practical setting. Students can begin their path to research by excelling in their foundational coursework, demonstrating to their faculty that they have the skill set and motivation to go beyond the scope of the courses they take. They may find research opportunities with faculty at SOU in the Biology and Chemistry departments, the SOURC staff (social science research), or at another institution or organization through summer programs and extended internships... possibly both!
Applying for Medical School(s) [MD, MD/PhD, or DO]
When applying to different medical programs, it is important to utilize the AMCAS for MD programs and the AACOMAS for DO programs. Each application system has a great deal of similarity, but each school can have minor nuance differences. In general students should expect to have to enter their transcripts manually into each system, and letters of intent/personal statements as needed. Some schools will have separate requirements.
Students interested in MD/PhD programs should refer to the AAMC list of schools to see the process for your school(s) of interest. Students can still expect schools to require MCAT scores, though some may request additional requirements.
Social Sciences & Humanities
Foundational Social Sciences and Humanities:
Social Science: General Psychology I and II (PSY 201, PSY 202) and a course in Sociology/Anthropology (Choose 1: SOAN 204, SOAN 205, SOAN 211, SOAN 213)
Humanities: Intro to Philosophy and/or Ethics (PHL 201 and/or PHL 205), Communication Across Cultures (COMM 200). Students can also choose to do foreign languages in this area also. SOU offers Spanish, French, German, American Sign Language and Japanese.
Advanced Coursework (Preferred, choose those which can fit into your schedule)):
Abnormal Psychology (PSY 479), Personality Theory (PSY 432), Drugs in Society (HE 453), Community Health (HE 362), Poverty in Society (SOAN 304)