U.S. News and World Report recently released its highly anticipated 2024 lists of the best medical schools in the U.S., and the results are in. What makes this year’s rankings particularly noteworthy is the inclusion of many osteopathic medical schools in various categories.
The lists of the best medical schools for research and primary care each included 10 DO schools, showcasing the growing recognition and importance of osteopathic medicine in the healthcare field. Additionally, the lists of medical schools producing the most graduates practicing in primary care, rural areas, and underserved areas also featured numerous osteopathic medical schools.
To determine the rankings, U.S. News surveyed 196 fully accredited medical schools and calculated scores based on their percentile performance among all rated schools. Notably, the primary care rankings no longer include peer assessment and residency director assessments, which were previously weighted at 25% of the ranking. This change was made in response to concerns raised by some schools that felt the ranking measures favored well-resourced institutions.
Instead of ranking schools numerically, the best schools for primary care and research are now placed in four tiers of performance. This adjustment aims to provide a more comprehensive and equitable evaluation of medical schools across the country.
Among the osteopathic medical schools that received rankings in the various categories are the University of North Texas Health Science Center/Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences/College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine—CA, and many others.
The rankings also highlight the top schools with the most graduates practicing in primary care, rural areas, and underserved areas, with a significant presence of DO schools in these categories. The data underscores the vital role that osteopathic medical schools play in addressing healthcare disparities and meeting the needs of underserved communities.
Overall, the 2024 rankings reflect the diverse and impactful contributions of osteopathic medical schools to the healthcare landscape. As the field of medicine continues to evolve, these rankings serve as a testament to the important role that osteopathic medicine plays in shaping the future of healthcare in the U.S.