The transition from classroom didactics to in-person rotations has taught me to celebrate what I can offer as a future DO. During my current family medicine rotation, I have witnessed patients enter through the door with concerns of pain that are alleviated by the time they walk out; moments like these highlight the value that osteopathic physicians add to the medical field. At a time when there are ever-evolving challenges facing our healthcare system, such as the physician shortage or low perception of quality of care despite high cost, the DO difference feels exceptionally meaningful as experts and patients alike search to innovate solutions to these complex problems.

My goal in advocating on behalf of the FAIR Act is in consideration of the bigger picture. If we are looking to go beyond the status quo and increase access to person-centered care, we need increased parity for doctors of osteopathic medicine at all career levels. Government-funded residency programs that neglect to accept a COMLEX-USA score in lieu of the USMLE create unnecessary financial and emotional barriers for my peers to enter a system that they might otherwise have had the opportunity to enhance. My colleagues’ unique talents and ideas, stemming from their osteopathic training, can potentially translate our existing frustrations with modern medicine into its successes.

At this time, students of lower socioeconomic backgrounds are discouraged from taking both the USMLE and the COMLEX-USA because of the high costs related to not only taking both exams, but to affording the separate resources that may otherwise be required for their respective preparation; this creates an unfair disparity favoring those who can incur the expense of both sets of tests. The 2023 exam fees for the USMLE Step 1 and 2 exams are $660 each according to the NBME website. Per the NBOME website, COMLEX-USA Level 1 and the COMLEX-USA Level 2-CE fees will rise to $715 each after May 2023. Therefore, the total cost of taking these four exams is nearly $3,000, which does not include rescheduling or cancellation fees nor score confirmation or score report fees.

The financial barrier that impedes some students of osteopathic medicine from being given a fair chance at a competitive residency position prevents the development of a more diverse healthcare workforce. Passing legislation like the FAIR Act may enable us as a society to do a better job of addressing the disproportionate health outcomes for our minority and marginalized populations if we level the proverbial playing field. The FAIR Act goes beyond fairness to residency candidates; it is a crucial step towards equity for the patients we aim to serve, so let’s give everyone a FAIR shot!