Osteopathic medicine and physician supply in the United States

Production of physicians in the United States is now widely regarded as inadequate. Annual allopathic medical school output has been flat for years but osteopathic institutions have been increasing the number of graduates. Unlike allopathic schools, most osteopathic schools are financed primarily with tuition revenue and have shown a greater supply response to market demand. Osteopathic schools grew to 15 percent of medical school enrollment in 2006. This has led to greater prominence for osteopathic medicine in the United States. Osteopathic physicians have been more likely to serve rural areas but have been less responsive to Black and Hispanic communities.