LECOM encourages applicants to begin an early exploration of the osteopathic medical profession. The first place to start is meeting an osteopathic physician. Spend some time with the doctor to become more aware of how the physician practices medicine and the osteopathic medical philosophy. This experience will prepare you for the on-campus interview and demonstrates a commitment to the osteopathic profession.

Students should contact a D.O. before applying for admissions as early as possible during undergraduate years.

Admissions officers understand that not everyone will be aware of or have access to an osteopathic physician in their community. Students should start by checking with local, county and state medical associations for D.O.'s near your college or hometown. Many hospitals have D.O.'s on staff; however, if those doctors do not have private practices, they may be willing to meet with you at their hospital.

If a local search doesn't help, contact the LECOM admissions office. Many LECOM graduates and affiliated osteopathic physicians welcome inquiries from students who want to enter the medical profession. Our admissions counselors will help you reach these physicians. They are also aware of current students who may be from your area and would have a D.O. contact. (see admissions contact information below). Your pre-health adviser also may know of former students who applied to osteopathic medical schools and located a nearby D.O.

The American Osteopathic Association (AOA) membership office maintains an online national directory of practicing D.O.'s. The site provides physician contact information and in many cases it will link you to the website of your state’s osteopathic association. Many of the state associations compile lists of their members who have indicated an interest in having prospective
osteopathic medical students shadow them.

Once you have found a doctor near you, call or send the doctor a letter. (Remember most doctors are very busy, so please be respectful if you cannot speak directly to the D.O.) If you explain your interest and share your enthusiasm for the profession, many D.O. offices will be delighted to host you for a day or two. They will be able to show you what they do so that you
can decide if you want to study osteopathic medicine.

For further information, contact the admissions office at the campuse you wish to attend.

Erie Medical College Admissions email click here.

Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
1858 W. Grandview Boulevard
Erie, PA 16509-1025
814-866-6641

For Bradenton Medical College Admissions information email click here.
LECOM Bradenton
5000 Lakewood Ranch Boulevard
Bradenton FL 34211-4909
941-756-0690

To contact the AOA Membership Office:
D.O. Directory: www.osteopathic.org/directory.cfm

AOA website: www.osteopathic.org

If you do not have access to the Internet, contact the AOA at:

American Osteopathic Association
142 East Ontario Street
Chicago, IL 60611
(800) 621-1773
(312) 202-8000 (for international calls)