When I was searching for a medical school, I was looking for an institution that offered a friendly environment where competition wouldn’t hinder the spread of knowledge amongst students. From the moment I entered OSU-COM as a first year student I immediately felt as if I was a part of a family. The smaller class size, caring staff, and numerous opportunities for one on one interaction with professors allowed for a smooth transition from the familial atmosphere of my undergraduate institution.

I believe that techniques I will learn throughout my training in osteopathic medicine will provide me with more options when treating patients. It is my hope that through the use of osteopathic manipulative therapy, I could possibly decrease the amount of medication prescribed to patients, which could possibly save people money, but more importantly, decrease the likelihood of patients being exposed to side effects of medications that may be harmful to some individuals. The principles of osteopathic medicine transcend above just ridding the patients of their symptoms, instead osteopathic physicians search for and target the root of the problem in order to ensure the comfort and well being of the people they have been called to serve.
                                                                                                                            Yakiji Bailey

As an undergraduate student, I visited OSU-COM many times.  I kept coming back because there were always so many great things about the school.  The holistic approach to medicine, small class size and student/teacher ratio that allows faculty to get to know the students, and national ranking all are wonderful reasons to attend OSU-COM.  The major thing that stood out to me though was that they always boasted a family atmosphere, full of compassion and support.  It wasn’t until I actually experienced it that I realized how true they were. 

During my first year of medical school, I lost my father to cancer and had to take some time off.  The outpouring of love and support during that difficult time from not only my fellow classmates but also the administration and faculty opened my eyes to how fortunate I am to have a support system at the medical school.  Professors offered to come in after hours to cover the material that I had missed, and classmates took notes, recorded lectures and helped me catch up so that I could continue with my class.  I am not sure that I would have made it through that year without my OSU family.  

I am now an entering second year and am looking forward to another great year.  I am still not sure what field I want to enter into, but know that whatever I choose, OSU-COM will equip me with not only the knowledge and support, but also a compassionate and caring attitude to become a great physician.
                                                                                                                    Amanda Bighorse