Osteopathic physicians have been around for more than 100 years.  But the recent growth in the field of osteopathy, both training facilities and number of graduates, may help reverse a looming shortage of primary-care providers that will hit rural communities especially hard.  Osteopathy programs historically have attracted more older applicants and career changers than MD programs, and recruit applicants in rural locations.  Read more about osteopathic physicians and the role they play in the healthcare workforce. LINK