Number
512
Name
Osteopathic-Led Outreach Improves High-School Students' Understanding of Physician Careers and Training Requirements
Date & Time
Monday, June 8, 2026, 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Location Name
Oglethorpe Ballroom
Speakers
Authors
Bhavya Thotakura, Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Detroit Medical Center, MI, USA
Gabrielle Bruno, Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Detroit Medical Center, MI, USA
Liliana Melgoza, Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Detroit Medical Center, MI, USA
Vijayashree Jambunathan, Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Detroit Medical Center, MI, USA
Aubrey Everett, Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, East Lansing, MI, USA
Carolina B.A. Restini, Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, MI, USA
Presentation Topic(s)
Other
Description
PURPOSE. Southeast Michigan has historically been affected by unequal
distribution of educational resources. Lower parental education and financial
barriers are associated with decreased likelihood of applying and
matriculating to medical school. Michigan districts with high proportions of
economically disadvantaged students had greater numbers of novice teachers.
Therefore, educational intervention at the high-school level may benefit
students’ postsecondary education readiness. This study assesses the impact
of interactive presentations delivered by osteopathic medical students (OMS)
on students’ understanding of physician careers.
METHODS. This cross-sectional analytical study (IRB 00007491) included
students enrolled in five public high schools (n=84) across Southeast
Michigan, attending educational interactions with three 2nd-year OMS. An
anonymous 20-question survey was delivered before and after a standard
presentation to collect demographic data and assess two domains: (1)
osteopathic vs. allopathic medicine (2) trajectories to becoming a medical
student. Statistical analyses: Chi-square correlation (CI95) and descriptive
statistics.
RESULTS. Following the interactive presentation, students demonstrated a
19% increase in the understanding of osteopathic versus allopathic
physicians' scope of practice, a 20.3% increase in identifying the
osteopathic tenets, and a 20.3% increase in understanding the uses of
osteopathic manipulative treatment (P <.05). A 10.7% decrease was seen in
students’ understanding of direct-medicine and MCAT-waived programs
suggesting a knowledge gap (P<.05). Associations with increased knowledge
and immediate family members in healthcare and/or pursuing a career in
healthcare were found in some schools.
CONCLUSION. The findings confirm that educational interventions at the high
school level enhance student understanding of physician careers. This study
identifies the gap in postsecondary education readiness differing by school,
family involvement, and exposure. Medical and high school student
interactions statewide can minimize this gap. Further investigation is
required to reproduce these results and understand the complexities of
location and resource level.
distribution of educational resources. Lower parental education and financial
barriers are associated with decreased likelihood of applying and
matriculating to medical school. Michigan districts with high proportions of
economically disadvantaged students had greater numbers of novice teachers.
Therefore, educational intervention at the high-school level may benefit
students’ postsecondary education readiness. This study assesses the impact
of interactive presentations delivered by osteopathic medical students (OMS)
on students’ understanding of physician careers.
METHODS. This cross-sectional analytical study (IRB 00007491) included
students enrolled in five public high schools (n=84) across Southeast
Michigan, attending educational interactions with three 2nd-year OMS. An
anonymous 20-question survey was delivered before and after a standard
presentation to collect demographic data and assess two domains: (1)
osteopathic vs. allopathic medicine (2) trajectories to becoming a medical
student. Statistical analyses: Chi-square correlation (CI95) and descriptive
statistics.
RESULTS. Following the interactive presentation, students demonstrated a
19% increase in the understanding of osteopathic versus allopathic
physicians' scope of practice, a 20.3% increase in identifying the
osteopathic tenets, and a 20.3% increase in understanding the uses of
osteopathic manipulative treatment (P <.05). A 10.7% decrease was seen in
students’ understanding of direct-medicine and MCAT-waived programs
suggesting a knowledge gap (P<.05). Associations with increased knowledge
and immediate family members in healthcare and/or pursuing a career in
healthcare were found in some schools.
CONCLUSION. The findings confirm that educational interventions at the high
school level enhance student understanding of physician careers. This study
identifies the gap in postsecondary education readiness differing by school,
family involvement, and exposure. Medical and high school student
interactions statewide can minimize this gap. Further investigation is
required to reproduce these results and understand the complexities of
location and resource level.
Presentation Tag(s)
Student Presentation