Preparing for the Campbell University Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine interview

Gaining a competitive edge during your interview at Campbell University Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine involves being well-versed in the unique healthcare needs of North Carolina, as well as being informed about both regional and national medical trends, policies, and societal health challenges. 

This resource offers comprehensive guidance to support thoughtful and impactful responses, highlighting your dedication to the field of medicine and your future role within diverse communities.

1. The CUSOM Interview: Structure, Themes, and What They’re Really Assessing

CUSOM uses a blend of traditional one-on-one interviews and scenario-based discussions, emphasizing alignment with osteopathic philosophy. 

Key details:

• Format:

  • Panel Interviews: Typically 2-3 interviewers (faculty, community physicians, or students) focusing on behavioral and ethical questions.

  • Scenario Stations: Role-playing exercises testing teamwork and problem-solving (e.g., “How would you address vaccine hesitancy in a rural clinic?”).

• Themes:

  • Holistic Care: Expect questions about osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) and integrating mind-body-spirit approaches.

  • Rural Health Innovation: CUSOM trains 70% of its graduates to work in underserved areas; prepare to discuss initiatives like mobile clinics in counties like Harnett (where Campbell is based).

  • Community Resilience: Stories of overcoming adversity resonate deeply (e.g., “Describe a time you advocated for a marginalized patient”).

Insider Tip: CUSOM values the “show, don’t tell” approach (bemoacademicconsulting.com). Use vivid anecdotes to illustrate your commitment to osteopathic principles.

2. North Carolina’s Healthcare Policy: Where Southern Grit Meets Systemic Gaps

1. Medicaid Expansion (2023)

After a decade-long battle, NC expanded Medicaid in December 2023, covering 600,000+ low-income adults. This is critical for rural regions like Robeson County (33% poverty rate), where CUSOM’s Rural Health Initiative partners with local clinics to train students in telehealth and preventive care.

2. Rural Hospital Crisis

11 rural hospitals have closed since 2005. CUSOM addresses this through its AHEC Scholars Program, placing students in counties like Halifax, where ER wait times exceed 4 hours due to staffing shortages.

3. Opioid Settlement Reinvestment

NC is allocating $1.5B from opioid lawsuits to fund harm reduction (e.g., naloxone vending machines in Fayetteville) and recovery housing. CUSOM’s Addiction Medicine Track trains DOs to lead medication-assisted treatment in regions like Wilkes County, where overdose deaths rose 40% in 2023.

Tip: Mention CUSOM’s Center for Community Wellness when proposing policy solutions.

3. Current Events & Social Issues: The NC Lens

Local Flashpoints

• Maternal Mortality: Black women in NC die postpartum at 2.5x the rate of white women. CUSOM’s Birth Justice Collaborative trains students in culturally competent prenatal care for marginalized communities.

• Mental Health in Schools: Post-SAFE Child Act (2023), CUSOM students volunteer in Cumberland County schools, where 1 in 3 teens report anxiety.

• Environmental Health: Duplin County’s 2 million hogs generate waste linked to asthma spikes. CUSOM’s Public Health Club advocates for policies reducing lagoon pollution.

National Issues with NC Stakes

• Abortion Access: NC’s 12-week ban (2023) increased ER visits for miscarriage complications. Discuss how DOs can provide trauma-informed care in restrictive settings.

• Immigrant Health: 8% of NC residents are immigrants. Highlight CUSOM’s Medical Spanish Elective, crucial for serving farmworkers in Sampson County, where 30% lack insurance.

Tip: Reference CUSOM’s Global Health Outreach trips to Latin America to showcase cross-cultural competence.

4. The 5 Questions Campbell University Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine is most likely to ask during your medical school interview

1. “Why osteopathic medicine over allopathic? How does OMT align with your view of patient care?”

2. “Describe a time you creatively solved a problem. How would this skill help in a resource-limited clinic?”

3. “Our mission focuses on rural health. Which NC county would you prioritize for a mobile clinic, and why?”

4. “A patient refuses opioids for chronic pain, citing addiction fears. Propose an osteopathic alternative.”

5. “How would you address implicit bias in a team dismissing a Black patient’s pain complaints?”