William Carey University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine continues to be highly regarded nationally.
For the fourth consecutive year, the Hattiesburg-based school has found itself among some of the top programs in the nation, according to U.S. News and World Report. In the 2025 Best Graduate Schools of Medicine category, Carey’s College of Osteopathic Medicine earned these top-10 distinctions:
- No. 7 for highest percentage of graduates serving in rural areas
- No. 3 for highest percentage of graduates practicing in primary care
- No. 4 for highest percentage of graduates practicing in areas with shortages of health professionals
The program also received an overall ranking that places it among the most prestigious medical schools in the country for primary care education. The new rankings, released in April, include medical schools awarding both Doctor of Medicine and DO Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degrees.
“The consistency of our U.S. News & World Report rankings reflects our commitment to training student doctors to live out our mission of caring for the under-served in our communities,” said Dr. Italo Subbarao, dean of the College of Osteopathic Medicine. “With the opening of our new Institute of Primary Care later this year, we will multiply the training opportunities not only for our students, but for residency programs, physicians, and other health care professionals in the region. This new facility will impact our state for generations.”
William Carey’s College of Osteopathic Medicine continues to focus on its mission to serve Mississippians by training physicians to meet the state’s various needs. University President Dr. Ben Burnett contends that the school’s consistent rankings are proof that the school has been successful in making a difference in the Magnolia State’s neediest areas.
“U.S. News & World Report’s high rankings over the years affirm that the goal of our College of Osteopathic Medicine, to serve the under-served, is nationally recognized to be of primary importance,” Burnett said. “I’m proud of Dr. Subbarao’s passion and commitment as he keeps the mission of the COM at the forefront of his leadership. And as a life-long Mississippian, I share his dedication to serving rural areas of our state.”
Since opening in 2010, the College of Osteopathic Medicine has graduated over 1,200 physicians, with more than 70% going on to practice in primary care specialties.
