I am hoping that the research track would allow me to pursue research with neighboring (or not so neighboring) institutions. Seems like they are open to that sort of thing.
Really enjoyed this level-headed AMA. I can tell the OP is somewhat frustrated that his superior Step 1 score did not take him as far as he wanted to go or felt he should have been able to, but I think his situation is as ideal as it could be in coming from an osteopathic school. Hoping, as others have said, that having superior research experience could help to bridge the gap b/w MD and DO. Also fantastic to hear that the OP felt that KCU's curriculum pushed OP to an excellent step score.
Also, is it weird to say that I like KCU because the word "osteopathic" is not in its name? xD