ATSU-KCOM, ATSU-SOMA top U.S. News & World Report Best Medical Schools rankings
Posted: June 11, 2025
Rankings published recently by U.S. News & World Report show graduates of A.T. Still University’s Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (ATSU-KCOM) and School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona (ATSU-SOMA) continue to lead their peers in providing healthcare to the underserved.
U.S. News & World Reports’ 2025 Best Medical Schools list found ATSU-KCOM ranked No. 1 in graduates who go on to practice in rural areas, while ATSU-SOMA graduates ranked No. 1 in practicing in primary care fields.
The magazine worked with the Robert Graham Center, a division of the American Academy of Family Physicians, as the data provider, and ranked medical schools by the percentage of each school’s 2016-18 graduates practicing direct patient care in primary care fields. The rankings include all osteopathic (DO) and allopathic (MD) medical schools.
“We are honored ATSU-KCOM ranked No. 1 in producing physicians for rural America, because access to whole person healthcare matters to our nation’s remote and often underserved populations,” said Gaylah Sublette, MBA, interim president of ATSU’s Missouri campus. “This particular ranking is an accurate reflection of our University’s mission.”
“I am so pleased ATSU-SOMA has been recognized and ranked No. 1 for medical schools with the most graduates practicing in primary care,” ATSU-SOMA Dean Sharon Obadia, DO, FNAOME, ’97, said. “I am incredibly proud to share in this impressive distinction with our ATSU-SOMA alumni, faculty, staff, community partners, and students as a testament to our thriving mission fulfillment.”
Additionally, ATSU-KCOM ranks No. 6 nationwide in both graduates practicing in medically underserved areas and primary care fields. The report found 31.9% of those ATSU-KCOM graduates practicing in rural areas, 67.7% practicing in medically underserved areas, and 41.8% practicing in primary care fields.
“This meets our mission and values to have graduates who serve in communities that need them most,” said ATSU-KCOM Dean Margaret Wilson, DO, ’82. “This long-standing commitment to producing primary care physicians for all underserved areas of need truly makes an impact on healthcare for the country. We are proud of our graduates and the lasting effect our school has made.”
Data shows 47.9% of those ATSU-SOMA graduates practicing in primary care. The report also found nearly 31% of ATSU-SOMA graduates are practicing in medically underserved areas.
“I am confident that each of our graduates will go forth as compassionate osteopathic physicians and healthcare leaders who extend the healing touch of human kindness to our nation’s patients and communities most in need,” Dr. Obadia said.