Welcome to the Pre-SOMA Resource Hub
What is Pre-SOMA?
Pre-SOMA is the undergraduate division of the Student Osteopathic Medical Association (SOMA), a national organization for Osteopathic medical students. Pre-SOMA is a way for pre-medical students to join the Osteopathic medical community before getting into medical school. It’s a way to help decide if Osteopathic medicine is for you!
National Pre-SOMA works hard to promote Osteopathic medicine, increase the number of applicants to Osteopathic medical schools, support aspiring Osteopathic physicians at all levels of education, and continue the proud legacy of Osteopathic medicine. Use this Pre-SOMA Resource Hub to find information on how to get involved as a Pre-Medical student, keep up to date with upcoming Pre-SOMA events, access resources available to Pre-SOMA members, and more.
What we offer
Pre-SOMA hosts national conferences, workshops, scholarship opportunities, a mentorship program, and the chance to develop professional connections with D.O. students, admissions, and physicians nationwide.
As a Pre-SOMA member, you have the opportunity to participate in events held by Pre-SOMA on the local, regional, and national levels!
Learn more about Osteopathic Medicine:
What is Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM)?
Osteopathic Manipulation Medicine (OMM) is a hands-on method for evaluating, diagnosing, and treating patients. The goal of OMM is to use the body's anatomy and biomechanics to assist the body in healing itself. OMM can be used for many conditions, such as breathing issues, bowel issues, chronic pain, musculoskeletal problems, pregnancy complications, sports injuries, etc. OMM is not limited to the listed conditions.
What is a D.O. physician?
The D.O. (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) degree is one of the two degrees conferred in the United States for the full practice of medicine, including surgery. Osteopathic physicians receive additional, comprehensive education in physical and manipulative medicine, enhancing the physician’s ability to diagnose, evaluate, and treat while minimizing costs and side effects. Osteopathic medicine is a community of physicians that practice whole-person care and emphasize preventative medicine.
What is the difference between an M.D. and D.O.?
Allopathic (M.D.) and Osteopathic (D.O.) physicians must complete medical school and residency in order to practice medicine in the United States. The training at allopathic and osteopathic medical schools is nearly identical, with one exception, osteopathic medical students must learn an extra 200 hours of OMM. In addition, osteopathic medical students can sit for the allopathic medical licensing exams. In 2020, residency programs merged and are no longer separated by M.D. and D.O. programs. While osteopathic physicians can specialize in any field allopathic physicians can, a greater portion of osteopathic physicians enter primary care specialties.
What is the AOA?
The American Osteopathic Association (AOA) is the representative member organization for the more than 176,000 osteopathic medical doctors and osteopathic medical students in the United States. The organization promotes public health, encourages academic scientific research, serves as the primary certifying body for D.O.s overseeing 18 certifying boards, and is the accrediting agency for osteopathic medical schools through its Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA).
Did you know that some Osteopathic medical schools require a letter of recommendation from a D.O. Physician to apply?
We are often asked how to find an osteopathic physician to shadow. The button below will link you to practicing Osteopathic physicians in your area!
Upcoming Events
October
October 6th-8th: OMED Convention (Orlando, FL)
Further event announcement coming soon!