Unpublished Dissertation, Arkansas State University, 2018/01, 82, type of study: ,css,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

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Keywords:

cross sectional study [894]
demographics [28]
medical students [693]
osteopathic medicine [2108]
undergraduate medical education [80]
USA [1751]

Abstract:

The purpose of this study was to investigate factors that influence the decision to apply to the medical doctor program or the doctor of osteopathic medicine program. This study examined selected demographic factors that influence students’ decision to apply to the medical doctorate program or the osteopathic medical program. This study consisted of an online self-report questionnaire that was sent to undergraduate pre-med programs around the United States. The quantitative research questions were be analyzed using SPSS statistical software. The Mann Whitney U and the Kruskal Wallis test were used to determine whether there was a difference in beliefs and knowledge about the doctor of osteopathic medicine program compared with the medical doctor program among pre-med students. The study found statistical differences in 17 of the 23 belief or knowledge statements, with students considering the DO program agreeing with the statement more than students considering the MD program. The study also found family influence was statistically significant when listing priority factors. Demographic factors with statistical significance included gender, age, race, and region. Finally, students reported that knowing a DO or an MD influenced their decision when applying to medical school.