RISOPS Student Interview & Recommendation Program for UNECOM
The Rhode Island Society of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons (RISOPS) is committed to supporting Rhode Island students on their path to becoming osteopathic physicians.
Each fall, the Rhode Island Society of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons (RISOPS) offers a unique opportunity for Rhode Island students applying to medical school the chance to interview for a possible recommendation to the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine (UNECOM). This program is part of RISOPS' ongoing commitment to supporting the next generation of osteopathic physicians from Rhode Island. Selected applicants will be invited to interview with the RISOPS Student Recruitment & Placement Committee. Following the interviews, the Committee may choose to recommend qualified candidates to UNECOM for further consideration.
Who Can Apply?
You are eligible if you:
- Are a Rhode Island resident or have significant ties to the state (for example, you grew up in Rhode Island or graduated from a RI high school), and
- Are applying to UNECOM through AACOMAS in the current admissions cycle.
Key Dates
📅 August 17: Application deadline
📅 By September 1: Applicants notified of interview invitations
📅 Saturday in September: Interviews held
📅 Within one week after interviews: RISOPS submits recommendations to UNECOM
What You’ll Need to Submit
All materials must be received by August 17. Please include:
College transcripts
MCAT scores
Copy of your AACOMAS application
Two (2) letters of recommendation
One must be from an undergraduate professor
The other may be from a physician, supervising clinician, or employer
Personal statement (you may use the AACOMAS statement)
Proof of Rhode Island residency or ties to the state
The Interview Process
When: Third Saturday in September (in-person in Rhode Island; virtual options may be available).
Format: Each applicant meets with at least two committee members.
What to Expect: A structured interview with consistent questions about your academic preparation, motivation for osteopathic medicine, commitment to Rhode Island, and alignment with the osteopathic philosophy.
Following interviews, the committee deliberates and may submit a written recommendation directly to UNECOM. Please note: a recommendation is not guaranteed.
Confidentiality
All application materials and interviews are treated with the strictest confidentiality. Recommendations are submitted directly to UNECOM; applicants will be notified of the outcome but will not receive a copy of the committee’s letter.
How to Apply
Submit your complete application packet to:
Rhode Island Society of Osteopathic Physicians & Surgeons (RISOPS)
138 Alter Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147
📞 Phone: (610) 390-3853
📧 Email: Stephanie@RISOPS.org