WCU College of Osteopathic Medicine has joined the country’s Top 100 Medical Schools in both rankings used by U.S. News & World Report to choose the best medical schools in the United States – “Best Medical Schools: Primary Care” and “Best Medical Schools: Research.”
“It’s an honor to be named one of the Top 100 medical schools in the country because it demonstrates how the WCU College of Osteopathic Medicine is fulfilling its promise to Mississippi. These rankings reflect the daily commitment to service shown by our faculty, staff, and clinical partners,” said Dr. Italo Subbarao, dean of the WCU College of Osteopathic Medicine.
U.S. News & World Report released 2023 medical school rankings in September.
Nationwide, WCUCOM placed 90th in primary care and 95th in research. According to U.S. News & World Report, both rankings evaluate schools on faculty resources, academic achievements of entering students, and qualitative assessments by schools and residency directors. Research rankings include two measures of research productivity, while the primary care rankings incorporate two metrics for graduates going into primary care.
WCUCOM also placed 97th nationwide in diversity.
Other findings from the new rankings:
- Established in 2010, WCUCOM is the youngest medical school in the Top 100.
- WCUCOM is one of only five osteopathic medical schools ranked in the Top 100.
- WCUCOM is one of only five Top 100 medical schools in its five-state region – and the only one in the state of Mississippi.
Hattiesburg press conferenceDr. Ben Burnett, president of William Carey University, spoke at a press conference Oct. 4 announcing the WCUCOM’s Top 100 ranking.
“Service to others is a core value at William Carey University, and our College of Osteopathic Medicine models that in its determination to train young doctors to provide healthcare in under-served communities. I’m proud of our medical school, and its clinical partners, who are nurturing a new generation of servant leaders,” Burnett said.
The announcement was big news for the state- and national-level osteopathic medical community, too. Dr. Robert Cain is president and CEO of the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine.
“AACOM congratulates William Carey University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine on its high rankings and well-deserved recognition,” Cain said.
“In a relatively short period of time, WCU College of Osteopathic Medicine has become the largest medical school in Mississippi and it’s built a reputation for training world-class physicians. More importantly, WCUCOM is making a dramatic and positive impact on the quality of healthcare available in Mississippi. Its graduates lead the country in practicing in rural and under-served areas, providing care to patients and communities who too often fall through the cracks.”
These new honors follow other national rankings released by U.S. News & World Report in March:
- No. 1 in producing the highest percentage of graduates serving in rural areas
- No. 4 in highest percentage of graduates practicing in primary care
- No. 4 in highest percentage of graduates practicing in underserved areas
“The WCU College of Osteopathic Medicine continues to impress with more accolades and achievements,” said Dr. Payton Preece, president of the Mississippi Osteopathic Medical Association.
“The culture that Dr. Subbarao and his team have set in motion is changing healthcare in the state of Mississippi. The people of Mississippi are the true beneficiaries of their hard work and dedication in fulfilling their mission.”
Medical student perspectivesWanting the WCU College of Osteopathic Medicine’s students, faculty, and staff to hear the news first, Dr. Subbarao sent an “All-WCUCOM” email after the rankings were released. Here are a few reactions from current medical students.
Second-year student doctor Monica Daswani: “Being a student in a Top 100 medical school is an incredible honor. I think helping those in rural areas, especially in primary care, is the first step in improving overall heath in the United States. I am proud to be at a medical school that focuses on serving those without nearby access to healthcare.”
Third-year student doctor Rod Carlo Columbres, National Institutes of Health Scholar: “WCUCOM played a pivotal role and offered opportunities in my journey to become a physician-scientist. These accolades in research and primary care reflect the WCUCOM faculty and staff’s high degree of excellence and commitment. I am excited to see what the future brings for WCUCOM and Mississippi.”
Second-year student doctor Andres Saucedo: “Here at Carey, the faculty are experts in their disciplines, and we’re able to learn from physicians actively practicing medicine and serving as rural health leaders. We are trained and empowered to go out and make an impact ourselves. I am proud of the national recognition our College of Osteopathic Medicine has received for making a positive difference.”
