Dr. Italo Subbarao, dean of the ̫ӳ College of Osteopathic Medicine, speaks to reporters after a press conference on May 11.
In its 2024 rankings, U.S. News & World Report ranked ̫ӳ’s College of Osteopathic Medicine (̫ӳCOM) No. 1 nationwide in producing the highest percentage of graduates serving in rural areas. This marks the second year in a row ̫ӳCOM has received this distinction.
̫ӳCOM also ranked 6th in the nation for highest percentage of graduates practicing in health professional shortage areas and 8th in the nation for highest percentage of graduates practicing in primary care. ̫ӳCOM also ranked 59th in the nation for best medical school for primary care.
The 2024 rankings, released May 11, include medical schools awarding both MD (Doctor of Medicine) and DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) degrees.
Dr. Italo Subbarao, dean of the ̫ӳ College of Osteopathic Medicine, said the award speaks to the university’s long-range vision.
“This achievement recognizes the dedicated efforts of ̫ӳCOM to nurture physicians with a servant’s heart and transform healthcare for our local communities,” Subbarao said.
“These rankings fuel our passion to continue our mission to compassionate physicians and develop access to care in rural and underserved communities throughout Mississippi and the Gulf South.”
The mission of the ̫ӳCOM is to prepare men and women to become osteopathic physicians through an emphasis on primary care, lifelong learning, research and scholarly activities, osteopathic clinical service, and graduate medical education. Using a community-based training model, ̫ӳCOM educates and trains graduates who are committed to serving the healthcare needs of all individuals, with special attention to the medically underserved and diverse populations of the state, region, and nation.
̫ӳ President Dr. Ben Burnett offered his congratulations.
“This back-to-back recognition by U.S. News & World Report is further confirmation that our College of Osteopathic Medicine is committed to the mission of serving the underserved. I’m proud as president of ̫ӳ – but I’m also proud as a life-long Mississippian who values the importance of serving rural areas in our state,” Burnett said.
Dr. Robert Cain, president and CEO of the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine, congratulated ̫ӳCOM faculty, staff, and students on their achievement.
“This recognition is well-deserved and is setting a shining example of the world-class medical education students are receiving at William Carey. These rankings demonstrate how ̫ӳCOM is improving the lives of thousands of people in Mississippi,” Cain said.
For more information about the ̫ӳ College of Osteopathic Medicine, visit .