Advance Articles

The purpose of this study is to: (1) evaluate the predictive value of major performance measures from preadmission to the clerkship years on COMLEX-USA Level 2-CE, including the new COMLEX-USA Level 1 pass/fail only scoring and the less-studied COMSAE Phase 2 to establish a predictive model; and (2) identify optimal cutoff scores of strong predictors to advise students on their preparation of Level 2-CE.

Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) has been shown to improve athletic performance by enhancing shoulder range of motion, flexibility, and balance in various sports. The present study aims to investigate the effects of OMT, with a focus on muscle energy technique, and its subsequent impact on sprinting performance in young adults.

As healthcare transforms with artificial intelligence (AI) tools offering enhanced diagnostic capabilities, predictive analytics, and administrative efficiency, there is a risk that overreliance on empirical data may undermine the osteopathic patient care. This commentary examines how physicians can ethically integrate AI systems while preserving osteopathic medicine’s humanistic core.

Necrobiosis lipoidica (NL) is a rare chronic granulomatous disease that is historically associated with diabetes mellitus. The exact etiology and pathogenesis are not fully understood; however, microangiopathy is believed to be a contributing factor. NL classically manifests as erythematous papules that coalesce into plaques commonly localized to the lower extremities. The authors present a case of NL arising within a port-wine stain, in which the NL was successfully treated with topical ruxolitinib monotherapy.

Long COVID, a debilitating condition characterized by persistent symptoms following acute SARS-CoV-2 infection, continues to pose a significant public health burden. Currently, research is ongoing regarding risk factors for developing Long COVID. The objectives of this study are to evaluate a cohort of patients who followed up in the Long COVID clinic who were experiencing cardiopulmonary symptoms 8–12 weeks from initial inoculation, and to retrospectively identify any statistically significant risk factors or clinical features present.

Dermatology remains one of the most competitive medical specialties, with successful candidates often demonstrating outstanding academic performance, extensive research experience, and strong letters of recommendation. This study examines the differences in DO and MD match rates following the single graduate medical education accreditation system, focusing on the match performance of DO dermatology applicants.

Evidence supports osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) as an effective manual therapy, although it remains underutilized by Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs). Understanding barriers preventing the broader adoption of OMM is essential to expanding access to it as a noninvasive treatment option, so the authors of this paper surveyed both DOs and non-DO clinicians to identify perceived barriers to OMM.

In March 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic became a national concern, the world of medical education was greatly tested and institutions had to act quickly to account for current capacities and enact rapid changes to meet the needs of faculty, staff, and students. This paper provides an essential comparison of the technology landscape at the COMs from when the COVID-19 pandemic hit to now.

Survey data reveal a decrease in osteopathic medical students’ identification with osteopathy, which is what distinguishes an osteopathic physician’s values, attitudes, and commitment to the tenets of osteopathy. This study aims to determine factors that influence a student’s identification with osteopathy and to precisely quantify these factors’ predictive effect on osteopathic identification while simultaneously controlling for other possibly confounding factors.

Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) have a high prevalence ranging between 15 and 25 % among young adults and adults globally. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the additional effect of forward head posture correction by a cervical extension traction orthotic on myogenic TMD symptoms of pain and function.

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses (SRMAs) are crucial for treatment development, and they must provide guidelines that represent diverse patient demographics to promote equitable health care. As new research and treatment modalities are being developed for geographic atrophy, establishing an equitable research foundation is vitally important to physicians as they personalize their treatment plans. This analysis aims to determine whether SRMAs pertaining to geographic atrophy are reporting equity-related items utilizing the PROGRESS-Plus framework.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by challenges in social communication and repetitive behaviors. This study investigates whether MTHFR activity levels correlate with the severity of ASD, aiming to enhance our understanding of the genetic factors that influence ASD severity and potentially inform more targeted therapeutic approaches.

Clinical research plays a crucial role in advancing medical knowledge and contributing to the resume of medical students attempting to match into a residency, so the creation of sustainable and effective research opportunities within medical education is paramount. The authors describe a template that they've created to assist osteopathic medical students conduct streamlined, scalable, and cost-effective clinical research at their institution, which they believe can be implemented at other COMs.

This commentary examines the sentiments of a Phoenix-area hospitalist who feels underpaid despite earning an objectively high salary. The article concludes that true professional value transcends monetary figures, calling for systemic changes to better acknowledge and support physicians while ensuring their profound contributions are recognized beyond financial metrics.

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of social determinants of health on the prevalence and treatment of asthma in Appalachian vs. non-Appalachian regions of Ohio, and how those factors affect the rate at which sinus surgery is performed in different populations.

The authors report the case of a 66-year-old male with a history of granuloma faciale (GF) and multiple basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) who presented with a pearly plaque on the chest. Biopsy revealed extrafacial GF with a coincidental BCC, representing a rare case of a collision tumor.

Previous research has linked the manifestation of multiple chronic diseases that are frequently due to health behaviors to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Despite this, the link between ACEs and the age of type 2 diabetes mellitus diagnosis is scarce. As such, our primary objective was to evaluate and describe the impact of ACEs on the age at diagnosis utilizing the data from the 2021 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.

This study aims to examine gaps in healthcare education by evaluating whether targeted cultural competency training leads to improvement in student physician preparedness to meet the needs of diverse populations.

The goal of this paper is to understand the true mechanism of the muscle energy technique for a superiorly subluxed rib treatment by outlining the treatment technique, involved structures, and other possible proposed mechanisms.

A summer research internship program was established in 2023 to improve research self-efficacy, facilitate research participation, and encourage lifelong research engagement in Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) students. The purpose of this study was to evaluate participant research experience and self-efficacy through pre- and postprogram surveys.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of a standardized myofascial and lymphatic OMT protocol on body awareness, dissociation, and mood symptoms related to anxiety, depression, and stress.

Previous studies indicate an inverse relationship between physical activity (PA) and the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. This review aimed to evaluate existing literature to determine the effects of PA with an emphasis on late-life PA and the minimum levels of PA for older adults.

Asymmetry of bony landmarks, such as the anterior superior iliac spine or posterior superior iliac spine, is often utilized to identify somatic dysfunction in the pelvis. However, establishing good accuracy for these assessments can be challenging, so objective training models have been developed to enhance learning and accuracy. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of training with positional asymmetry models with objective feedback on the improvement and retention of pelvic asymmetry assessment accuracy.

Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) has been utilized in managing chronic neck pain and neck somatic dysfunction. However, osteopathic assessments lack quantitative measures to detect muscle abnormalities and evaluate the effect of OMT. This study aims to investigate the feasibility of utilizing ultrasound shear wave velocity and shear wave relative anisotropy coefficient to assess neck somatic dysfunction and the effect of OMT.

Private equity (PE) involvement in healthcare has generated considerable debate regarding its implications for patient care, healthcare quality, and system sustainability. This Commentary provides an overview of both sides and offers policy recommendations addressing some of the detrimental effects of PE practices on the healthcare sector, to ensure that patient well-being remains the priority.

Existing studies have analyzed gender and race representation among otolaryngology - head and neck surgery (OHNS) applicants and residents in the United States. Further analysis by graduate medical degree type does not currently exist. The objective of this study was to identify and compare gender and racial disparities in osteopathic and allopathic OHNS applicants and residents.

The objective of this study was to assess the geographical distribution, training site characteristics, and match patterns of osteopathic otolaryngology residents from 2020 to 2024, including relationships with medical school location and program history (historically AOA-accredited vs. historically allopathic-only).

Patients with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and hypermobility spectrum disorder (HSD) often complain of palpitations, presyncope/syncope, attributable to postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). This study aimed to evaluate the utility of implantable loop recorders in diagnosing and/or excluding arrhythmias not attributable to POTS in symptomatic patients with EDS and HSD.

There is currently no clinical research investigating the effect of osteopathic manipulation on the milk supply of lactating patients. Herbal and prescription galactagogues are limited and have the potential for serious side effects. The objective of this study was to determine whether OMT can increase milk supply in lactating people with low milk supply.

This study investigates the role that virtual interactive modules play on osteopathic medical students and physician assistant students’ empathy and attitudes toward individuals with diabetes mellitus who are also affected by an array of social determinants of health.

The transition from collegiate sports to life beyond athletics is a critical period marked by significant changes in identity, routine, and lifestyle. For many former athletes, these changes are compounded by mental health challenges, particularly depression and anxiety, which often go unaddressed during this pivotal phase. This review seeks to identify the existing research and gaps concerning the described supports in mental health, particularly depression and anxiety, in retired athletes.

This longitudinal study followed the research competency and scholarly product evolution of Scholar 12 — a free, interactive virtual platform designed for the osteopathic medical community — learners through consecutive academic years at a multi-campus COM, to demonstrate accessibility and application to all institutional remote learning needs during a pandemic and beyond.

This study aimed to compare the outcomes of patients with chronic low back pain treated by osteopathic and allopathic physicians in the United States utilizing a pragmatic design reflecting medical care in real-world settings, including an assessment of potential mediators of osteopathic medical care.

The primary objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of negative fetal outcomes such as low birth weight, birth defects, prolonged hospital stay, and infant mortality in cesarean section deliveries and their increased risk of occurrence among mothers with comorbidities.

The authors of this study assess whether patients with a history of alcohol use disorder (AUD) and/or positive blood alcohol content (BAC+) affect emergency department (ED) wait times.

This study aimed to examine the number of DO graduates in urology residency programs over time and map their current distribution throughout the United States.

The objectives of this study were to gather all relevant literature reporting features of vertebrobasilar insufficiency (VBI) pertaining to atherosclerosis, with the aim to help provide evidence that may guide clinical practice in the use of manual therapy interventions and to raise awareness of the manifestations that VBI may present.