Touro did as well? Did not know this actually
Yup. Pretty soon there will be a McTouro and a McRVU on every block!
I hope this sheds light on this situation. Does the AOA hate new schools? No, probably not, because more schools and graduates would mean more possible membership in the future, but that hasn't panned out that way so far. I have seen no evidence at all that the AOA is out actively recruiting people to open schools though. If they were, then maybe stating the AOA is trying to flood the market might be true. Remember, the AOA and COCA are not the ones opening the schools. COCA is a council within the AOA organization structure that only has the ability to say that a school meets a standard or not. It is not in their purpose to weigh in on the true merit of the application. If a school provided what is believed to be true data, they have no choice but to accept that application into the accreditation pathway. They are actually trying to be stringent on applicants for new schools. Many of the newer applications have seen significant delays because COCA has forced them to go back and improve things that are not meeting the standards. When a school comes back with data showing correction of the issue, not much else can be done. The real issue is all the institutions and corporate entities that see this as a opportunity. They will state it is due to supply and demand and they are filling a need, but we need to understand the need is in primary care but the desire is in sub specialization for students. All these combine to create what we all see as a system that can not sustain the current pathway it is on. All sides must step back and address this from a rational standpoint.
That AOA is the professional leadership organization of the entire osteopathic enterprise. They openly support the rapid expansion of new schools and are actively driving the degree into the ground. The corruption is astounding.
AOA: "More DOs good!"
I am sorry for whatever turned you so venomously against the profession that gave you the opportunity to become a physician. I would like to think there is part of you that we can get to rejoin the profession, as you do keep the DO in your name. I am actually not much of a fan of the AOA either, but I have a rational freethinking mind and look deeper into issues than following the herd and believing everything I read, particularly in online forums. I am also involved in the profession vigorously trying to make a difference and create changes from within. Is expansion a negative? maybe, but there are also good things associated with expansion (on the MD side as well, which IS expanding too this is not isolated to DOs).
I am sorry for whatever turned you so venomously against the profession that gave you the opportunity to become a physician. I would like to think there is part of you that we can get to rejoin the profession, as you do keep the DO in your name. I am actually not much of a fan of the AOA either, but I have a rational freethinking mind and look deeper into issues than following the herd and believing everything I read, particularly in online forums. I am also involved in the profession vigorously trying to make a difference and create changes from within. Is expansion a negative? maybe, but there are also good things associated with expansion (on the MD side as well, which IS expanding too this is not isolated to DOs).
U.S. Medical School Enrollment Surpasses Expansion Goal
Averting Physician Shortage Now Depends on More Slots for Residency Trainingwww.aamc.org
AAMC Endorses Regional Medical Campus Expansion Legislation
The AAMC endorsed the Expanding Medical Education Act (H.R. 801), which would authorize grants to regional medical campuses, on May 3.
Did that expansion allow students such as you a chance to realize your dream of becoming a physician and getting to a surgery residency, absolutely, so I think that is a good thing. Are there people at these newer schools that are busting their backsides to help every student achieve in their education and profession, absolutely. You need to take a look at the all aspects with an open mind, so please return to getting involved in the profession, voice your opinion, advocate for change. Don't simply be another "Let's go BRANDON!" person who isn't sure why they are mad and attacks someone for bringing other thoughts into a conversation. I need more students/residents/colleagues like you to help spread the truth about medicine and osteopathic medicine, the good, the bad and the ugly. But with fully informed decisions and platforms that will allow for real change and progress within the profession. That is why I am on here now, I will definitely share the bad, like how the single accreditation pathway sure seemed like an AOA power grab to force DO's to get osteopathic board certification (at the time linked to AOA membership). That is a BAD BAD look on the AOA's part, especially veiled as a "we have heard the students voices and support them in a simplified GME process" approach they took. So I stand by my other info, the AOA sure doesn't hate more schools, because it does mean more potential members, but the AOA is not the ones opening the schools and COCA, by way of the US Dept of Education, is bound to assess applications as yes/no to whether the school meets the standards and elements. Part of that application is documentation of "need" or justification for the school, as required elements. Until something is done to change that, the profession is somewhat standing with its hands tied to limit growth.
