LECOM policy regarding foreign student enrollment: International students (non-U.S. citizens or non-permanent residents) will be considered on an individual basis. Non-U.S. citizens must provide documentation verifying that sufficient funds are available in a U.S. bank to cover all expenses to complete the program at LECOM and submit World Education Services (WES) transcript evaluations for all non-U.S. coursework. Additional requirements and information are available by contacting the Admissions Office at admissions@LECOM.edu.

The Osteopathic Bridge Program

An immersive experience:

The Osteopathic Bridge Program (OBP) is a first of its kind experience for students who hope to apply to medical school. During the course students will get to interact with Osteopathic physicians and students who will review clinical cases from an Osteopathic perspective, learn more about the Osteopathic philosophy, Osteopathic Manipulative Techniques, and what it’s like to be a doctor. Students will also receive advice and coaching on how to be a stronger applicant with help regarding interview skills, personal statement writing, etc. Lastly, and most exciting, students may receive an opportunity to interview at the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) based upon successful completion of the program and a recommendation from the preceptor.

Click the button to read an article on the myths behind being a D.O. and gain a further understanding of how osteopathic medicine has the power to revolutionize medical practice.
Busting 8 D.O. Myths

A Quick Overview

  • Eligible Students

    LECOM offers an opportunity to interview for all students who successfully complete the OBP program and meet LECOM's entrance requirements. An interview opportunity must also be accompanied by a recommendation from the class preceptor.

    Students must be within two years of applying and satisfy all other prerequisites listed in the application.

  • Program Dates

    Classes are held twice a week from 1:00 pm to 2:30pm ET each Saturday and Sunday
    October 1st - October 23rd.

  • Application Deadline

    All applications must be submitted by September 29th. You will be notified of your application's status after it has been reviewed.

    A $100 coupon is available to students who submit an application before September 15th!
    Conditional upon approval and acceptance

Program Benefits

This course is designed to bridge the gap between LECOM and qualified prospective students through clinical education taught through the osteopathic lens. Tuition is $850.

  • Receive education and mentorship on what it means to be a D.O., taught by a D.O.

  • Receive case-based clinical education, taught from the perspective of a D.O.

  • Receive opportunities to master your interviewing skills in small-group sessions so you're ready for Interview Day.

  • Receive 15 hours of clinical shadowing credit upon completion of the live course.

  • Program includes four Specialty Courses providing an additional 24 hours of clinical shadowing credit after all courses have been completed.

  • Receive an interview opportunity at the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine for the 2022/2023 application cycles.

FAQ

  • Why do I need to complete an application for OBP?

    You are required to submit an application for the Osteopathic Bridge Program to ensure you meet the basic educational requirements and benchmarks for Lake Eerie College of Osteopathic Medicine. We do not want to recommend students for an interview that do not meet LECOM’s standard of excellence. The application also gives you the opportunity to express your interest in osteopathic medicine and philosophy.

  • Is an MCAT score required for OBP?

    An MCAT score is not required for acceptance to the Osteopathic Bridge Program.

  • If I am accepted into the Osteopathic Bridge Program, will I have to fill out an application with LECOM?

    All students must officially apply to LECOM. If recommended, an interview will only be extended once within the span of two application cycles depending on a student’s application. Please be aware that students are not 100% guaranteed an interview with LECOM as it is based on student performances, academic requirements, adequate MCAT score, seat availability, and Dr. Behringer’s recommendation to LECOM upon completion of the program. If you are waitlisted after completing your interview and the rest of your application has been completed, you will need to personally follow up with LECOM as a normal applicant.

  • How do I obtain a recommendation for an interview from OBP’s preceptor?

    You will need to fully complete the Osteopathic Bridge Program and all of its materials and requirements. Your overall student performance and participation will be a key factor in earning a recommendation from Dr. Behringer. Though, Dr. Behringer can recommend you to LECOM as a potential candidate, he will not write a letter of recommendation. You will have to acquire a Letter of Recommendation as you would with any other medical school.

  • What are the entrance requirements for LECOM? What MCAT score and GPA are considered competitive?

    See LECOM Entrance Requirements

  • Is an MCAT score required for LECOM?

    The application for LECOM requires an acceptable MCAT or AIS. Minimum scores fluctuate and are determined each cycle. The OBP recommendation is only valid if you meet the MCAT requirement which changes during each cycle often becoming more competitive as the cycle goes on. If your application is rejected due to academic shortcomings or an incomplete application, the Osteopathic Bridge Program will not supersede that.

  • Will I have to submit secondaries?

    Yes. It is a part of the application process. You will also need to send your preceptor confirmation that your secondaries have been submitted.

  • When is the last day I can submit an application to LECOM once OBP4 has finished?

    January 14th, 2023 will be the last date for the 2023 Application Cycle in which a recommendation will be submitted for a student through HEAL’s Osteopathic Bridge Program.

  • Will I be able to receive a recommendation to more than one LECOM campus?

    Successful completion of OBP4 will make candidates eligible for recommendation to one campus only. You will inform Dr. Behringer which LECOM campus you have applied to when you have submitted your primary application as well as your secondaries, and after sending him confirmation of secondary submission.

Meet Your Preceptors

Dr. Christopher Behringer, D.O.


 I’m an Osteopathic Family Medicine Physician in Kentucky. I have a special interest in international medicine, lifestyle management, and Osteopathic Manipulation. I have been mentoring undergraduates on their journey to medical school since I was a 2nd year when I became a TA in the Osteopathic Manipulation Lab. I also gave regular didactics to pre-health groups at my alma mater the University of Central Florida. I continue to mentor pre-health undergraduates as well as medical students and look forward to working with more!
Janet Snoyer

 Janet's advising career in in Ithaca, New York has involved work as a leading strategies counselor, admissions officer at a university, teacher of college success courses and counselor, committee letter writer for medical school applicants, and chief advisor at an Ivy League university that sends over 250 applicants to medical school each year.  She has advised students on every aspect of the medical and dental admissions cycles.

What Do OBP Graduates Say?

  • Farah M.

    "I had a wonderful experience in the Osteopathic Bridge Program, and I think it is a very beneficial and insightful experience for students. I found this program to be immersive, interactive, educational, and collaborative. I really liked how it mirrors the problem-based learning approach that LECOM has."

  • Sonya P.

    "My OBP experience was amazing. I really enjoyed the course, and I gained a great amount of knowledge from the real patient visits that we were able to watch through ReelDx."

  • Hariharan M.

    "The OBP2 experience was amazing. The price absolutely reflected the knowledge that was provided, as well as the opportunities. This was a great investment. ...Working together with a small group enabled me to share and gather information I wouldn't have thought about. I learned so much from these sessions, and aspire to be a successful part of the medical field with this knowledge."

Bundle includes

Here are all the courses that are included in your bundle.

Additional products

Cancellation and refund policy