Ob/Gyn Leaders Call for Equivalence for DOs in Residency Application Process

September 25, 2023

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) published a statement that iterates the value and equivalence of osteopathic medical training and licensing examinations, namely COMLEX-USA.

Their statement reads, in part:

“The ACOG encourages all obstetrics and gynecology residency programs to accept the results of the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination of the United States, also known as COMLEX-USA, and not require or pressure applicants with DO degrees to take additional licensing exams, disproportionately burdening them compared with allopathically trained applicants.”

Read the full statement here.

“As the number of residency applications for OB/GYN programs continues to increase, we are so pleased that ACOG has come forward in support of an equitable holistic review of all applicants,” said John R. Gimpel, DO, MEd, president and CEO of the NBOME. “This formal statement from ACOG, and other specialty organizations, shows DO students that their unique qualifications are valued.”

“We are proud to offer this statement of support for inclusion and equity for DO applicants to residency and fellowship programs, and for equitable acceptance of their COMLEX-USA licensure exam credentials when they apply,” said Anna Marie Connolly, MD, ACOG’s chief for education and academic affairs. “We are delighted to stand shoulder to shoulder with our DO colleagues.”

The NBOME will continue to advocate for a holistic residency application process, which includes COMLEX-USA scores when evaluating DO candidates. For more on the NBOME’s work so far, visit nbome.org/rtdol/navigating-gme/advocacy/.

About the NBOME:
The NBOME is an independent, non-governmental, nonprofit assessment organization committed to protecting the public by providing the means to assess competencies for osteopathic medicine and related health care professions. NBOME’s COMLEX-USA examination series is a requirement for graduation from colleges of osteopathic medicine and provides the pathway to licensure for osteopathic physicians in the United States and numerous international jurisdictions.

MEDIA INQUIRIES
Renee Cree, MA
Director for Communications
rcree@nbome.org