Pre-Health Advising: Medicine (MD, DO) Preparation

• There are two types of medical schools: allopathic (MD programs) and osteopathic (DO programs). Though distinct in their philosophical approaches to medical care, both prepare fully licensed physicians.
• You don’t have to decide your specialty area before applying to medical school. In fact, exploring your interests in medical school is encouraged. Keep in mind, some specialties will be easier to apply to with an MD degree, but regardless of medical degree type, seniors can apply to any of their preferred specialties.
• Medical education typically takes 7-12 years to complete, starting with 4 years of medical school education after earning a bachelor’s degree, and then 3-8 years of training in a specialty area.
• Medical Schools in Oregon: Oregon Health and Science University – School of Medicine (OHSU) and Western University of Health Science – College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific Northwest (COMPNW).
• While we encourage students to explore all UO majors, UO Pre-Medical students most commonly pursue: Biology, Multidisciplinary Science, Human Physiology, Neuroscience, or Psychology. We also have pre-medical student pursue majors in the social sciences, humanities, languages, Family and Human Services, Business, Music, and more!

• Completing the prerequisite courses is just one aspect of the process. Applicants must also have a well- rounded application consisting of experience (shadowing, volunteer work, undergraduate research, life experience, etc.), letters of recommendation, MCAT scores, and a strong admissions essay. Some schools may also require the CASper and PREview exams.
• Medical schools look for students who chose meaningful experiences that they can reflect upon during the application process.
• Applying to medical school is a year-long process. Students applying in their final year at UO will have a gap year before starting medical school. Students can work, take courses, travel, etc. during the year. Keep in mind, the average age of a first-year medical student is 24.
• Some medical schools (including OHSU) are moving to a competency-based admission model, recommending, but not requiring, specific pre-requisite courses. Successful applicants demonstrate skills, knowledge, and abilities through reflection of coursework, background, and experiences.
• Be sure to research individual programs about any COVID-19 related changes (Pre-recs, Pass/Fail Policy, remote/in-person course requirements, etc).

The chart below illustrates one way common requirements can fit into a 4-year plan. 

• Keep in mind that a graduation plan is as unique as the student following it - Math placement, major, transfer credits, application timeline, and other factors will help shape your graduation plan and timeline. 
• Following the "common requirements" list above will allow you to cast a wide net when applying to medical school. 
• The list above outlines "requirements that vary" and "highly recommended" courses. Students may use databases to explore programs and ensure their graduation plan captures all of the requirements they need for their programs of interest.
  • Use MSAR to explore MD programs. 
  • Use the AACOM Choose DO Explorer to explore DO programs. 
• Work with a pre-health advisor to solidify your graduation plan! 

Watch the Medical School Prerequisite Overview video to gain a deeper understanding of the prerequisite courses. 

i This is a co-requisite/prerequisite for General Chemistry I. 

Questions? Email pre-health advisors at prehealthadvising@uoregon.edu.