Dual and parallel postdoctoral training programs: implications for the osteopathic medical profession

Graduates of osteopathic medical schools have several options when considering postdoctoral training programs. In addition to traditional programs approved by the American Osteopathic Association or those accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, students can train in programs accredited by both institutions (ie, dual programs) or osteopathic programs that occur side-by-side with allopathic programs (ie, parallel programs). In the present article, we report on the availability and growth of these two training options and describe their benefits and drawbacks for trainees as well as for the osteopathic medical profession as a whole.