AACOM Launches Pilot Program to Support Developing Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine
Published October 31, 2024
News Press Release
Two proposed colleges partner in shaping comprehensive support package
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Bethesda, MD) – The American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) proudly announces the launch of a pilot program designed to support developing colleges of osteopathic medicine (COMs) as they prepare to become AACOM members. The proposed IllinoisCOM at The Chicago School and the University of Northern Colorado College of Osteopathic Medicine (UNC COM) have been invited by AACOM to participate in the development phase of these potential services and will have the opportunity to begin testing out the services immediately.
“As the leading advocate for osteopathic medical education, AACOM is committed to providing all colleges of osteopathic medicine that have achieved candidate status with the American Osteopathic Association Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA) with the tools and support they need to educate the next generation of DOs,” said Robert A. Cain, DO, AACOM president and CEO. “We are grateful to IllinoisCOM and UNC COM for their collaboration in developing and refining these services.”
IllinoisCOM and UNC COM will assist AACOM during planning meetings over the next twelve months to:
- Evaluate Existing Services: Review and test AACOM’s current offerings and explore how these resources can be tailored for developing COMs
- Identify New Needs: Pinpoint additional resources and services not currently available that would benefit new COMs, and help AACOM iterate these potential tools
- Collaborate on Packaging of Services: Participate in planning sessions over the next year to finalize the support package of services
The finalized service package aims to provide access to information and subject matter expert networks at AACOM that can be useful to new COMs in completing remaining accreditation requirements and progressing to pre-accreditation status with permission to recruit. To be eligible, developing COMs must have achieved candidate status with COCA, which demonstrates their potential to reach pre-accreditation status (where they can admit students, collect tuition, begin offering instruction and qualify for full AACOM membership).
“I know from my prior experience as a dean and in other roles at colleges of osteopathic medicine what a benefit AACOM resources can be, so having access to AACOM data and services as a founding dean leading a new school is a tremendous opportunity,” said Beth Longenecker, DO, founding dean of UNC COM. “The ability to participate in this pilot program has already provided invaluable information for us as we work to create an exceptional new college of osteopathic medicine at the University of Northern Colorado.”
“We are excited to collaborate with AACOM in shaping the future of osteopathic medical education through this new pilot program,” said John Lucas, DO, founding dean and chief academic officer at the proposed IllinoisCOM at The Chicago School. “This partnership will not only help IllinoisCOM advance our mission to train compassionate, highly skilled physicians but also provide us with invaluable resources to ensure our success as we work toward full accreditation. The ability to leverage AACOM’s expertise during these early stages will be crucial in shaping an institution capable of making a lasting impact on healthcare in Illinois and beyond.”
About AACOM:
Founded in 1898, the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) is the leading voice for the education and training of physicians who practice osteopathic medicine in settings across the medical spectrum—from primary care to the full range of medical specialties. We support our member colleges of osteopathic medicine in their efforts to attract and train individuals who are fueled by a desire to make a difference in our healthcare system by treating the whole person and building a future emphasizing health and wellness for all people. Today, more than 36,000 future physicians—25 percent of all U.S. medical students—are being educated at one of our 42 accredited colleges of osteopathic medicine, encompassing 67 teaching locations in 36 states. To learn more about AACOM, please visit our website.
Contacts:
Joseph Shapiro
Director of Media Relations
(240) 938-0746
jshapiro@aacom.org
Christine DeCarlo
Senior Manager of Media and Public Affairs
(202) 603-1026
cdecarlo@aacom.org