Idaho might be known for its potatoes and stunning landscapes, but it’s also carving a unique space in the field of osteopathic medicine. If you’re wondering “Where Is Idaho” in the landscape of medical education, particularly osteopathic medicine, the answer is: home to the Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine (ICOM), the state’s only osteopathic medical school.
ICOM delivers a comprehensive four-year Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) program. The curriculum is structured to provide students with a strong foundation in medical sciences during the first two years, taught directly on their Idaho campus. The subsequent two years are dedicated to immersive clinical experiences within community hospitals and health systems. This hands-on approach allows students to learn directly from experienced physician instructors while caring for patients, gaining invaluable real-world experience. You can delve deeper into ICOM’s DO program specifics here.
Nationally, the osteopathic medical profession is experiencing significant growth. Data from the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) indicates there are 42 accredited colleges of osteopathic medicine across the United States, spread across 67 teaching locations in 36 states. ICOM holds the distinction of being the sole institution of its kind in Idaho, making it a pivotal point for aspiring DOs in the region.
The osteopathic medical student population is also substantial, with over 38,000 students nationwide, representing approximately 25% of all medical students in the U.S., as per AACOM. This reflects the increasing recognition and popularity of osteopathic medicine. The American Osteopathic Association (AOA) further highlights this growth, reporting nearly 149,000 osteopathic physicians in the U.S. in 2023, marking a 30% increase in just five years.
Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine are trained in Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM), also known as Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT). This unique therapeutic approach involves using touch to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness or injury. You can explore OMM and OMT in more detail here.
The American Osteopathic Association (AOA) is the representative body for nearly 200,000 osteopathic medical students and physicians in the U.S. It’s important to note that Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs) and Doctors of Medicine (MDs) are both fully licensed physicians. They both practice the full spectrum of medicine, are licensed in all 50 states, and can pursue any medical specialty. For those asking “where is Idaho in osteopathic medicine?”, it’s clearly a state with a growing presence, anchored by ICOM as its only osteopathic medical school, contributing to the expanding field nationwide.
