ATSU-KCOM and ATSU-SOMA again recognized as leaders in U.S. News & World Report rankings

ATSU-KCOM and ATSU-SOMA again recognized as leaders in U.S. News & World Report rankings

A.T. Still University's Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (ATSU-KCOM) and School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona (SOMA) have again been recognized in the U.S. News & World Report's Best Medical Schools list for leading the nation in graduates who practice in rural areas, primary care, and who serve underserved communities.

For the third consecutive year, ATSU-KCOM is ranked No. 1 in graduates who go on to practice in rural areas. Additionally, ATSU-KCOM ranks No. 5 in most graduates practicing in primary care fields, and No. 22 in most graduates practicing in health professional shortage areas.

ATSU-SOMA ranks second for graduates practicing in primary care fields and is No. 24 in graduates practicing in rural areas.

U.S. News & World Report worked with the Robert Graham Center, a division of the American Academy of Family Physicians, as the data provider, and ranked medical schools by the percentage of each school's 2017-19 graduates practicing in primary care fields.

Data shows 23.5% of those ATSU-KCOM graduates are practicing in rural areas, 44.6% in primary care fields, and 58.1% in health professional shortage areas.

"ATSU-KCOM is once again gratified to have served its mission by the rankings noted in U.S. News & World Report," said Margaret Wilson, DO, '82, dean, ATSU-KCOM. "Our commitment to rural communities, the underserved, and the need for primary care is reflected by these lists. The school continues to strive to meet the healthcare needs of the nation and does so with great pride."

For ATSU-SOMA, 47.1% of those graduates are practicing in primary care fields, 10.1% are practicing in rural areas, and 31.9% are in health professional shortage areas.

"I am thrilled ATSU-SOMA has again been recognized and ranked for medical schools with the most graduates practicing in primary care," said Sharon Obadia, DO, FNOAME, '97, dean, ATSU-SOMA. "I am so very proud to share in this impressive distinction with our ATSU-SOMA alumni, faculty, staff, community partners, students, and University leadership as a testament to our thriving mission fulfillment."

According to projections by the Association of American Medical Colleges, the U.S. will face a shortage of up to 86,000 physicians by 2036, including 20,200-40,400 in primary care fields. Another study published by the University of Washington's Rural Health Research Center showed the rural physician workforce is aging rapidly, with fewer young doctors entering the field, widening the gap in access to care between rural and urban areas.

"We are honored to learn that ATSU-KCOM, the founding college of osteopathic medicine, continues to rank as a national leader in producing the type of physician most needed in America today; those who go into primary care specialties and are dedicated to serving rural and other health professional shortage areas. By doing so, we are living our mission and serving those most in need," said Gaylah Sublette, MBA, president, ATSU Missouri campus.

"We are encouraged by this national recognition of ATSU-SOMA's mission and outcomes," said O.T. Wendel, PhD, president, ATSU Arizona and California campuses. "ATSU-SOMA is purposefully aligned with the realities of a growing physician shortage, particularly in primary care, rural, and underserved regions.

"At a time when access disparities are widening and the rural workforce is aging, we believe medical education must be both socially accountable and forward-looking. ATSU-SOMA was designed with that responsibility in mind, and these outcomes affirm that our graduates are not only well-educated but are also choosing to serve where they are most needed. This is the essence of our mission and a point of great pride for our university."