OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine: Continuing the Mission of Preparing Physicians for Oklahoma

OSU Center for Health Sciences has earned the No. 1 ranking in the percentage of graduates practicing medicine in Health Professional Shortage Areas and No. 10 in graduates practicing in rural areas from U.S. News & World Report’s annual medical school rankings.

HPSAs designate areas and population groups, both rural and urban, that are experiencing a shortage of health professionals and can also be called medical deserts. About 50% of OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine graduates are practicing in HPSAs, according to U.S. News data.

“I’m so proud of our institution, our graduates, our faculty and staff for their unwavering commitment to this mission. By emphasizing innovation and passion for community, OSU-COM produces graduates eager to work in these medical deserts,” OSU-CHS President Johnny Stephens said.

According to the National Rural Health Association, the patient-to-primary care physician ratio in rural areas is 39.8 physicians per 100,000 people, compared to 53.3 physicians per 100,000 people in urban areas. This uneven distribution of physicians has had an impact on the health of those living in rural areas.“

For more than 50 years, OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine has made it a priority to educate and train doctors to go out and serve in rural Oklahoma where there’s the greatest need,” said Dr. Dennis Blankenship, Dean of OSU-COM. “Recruiting future physicians from rural Oklahoma means there’s a greater chance they return to their hometowns to practice medicine where they are needed most.”

“Being recognized by U.S. News & World Report for the hard work and dedication of our graduates to serve patients in physician shortage areas, these rural and underserved communities, is a testament to the mission of OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine.”

— OSU-CHS President Johnny Stephens