A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona

ATSU-SOMA

ATSU-SOMA-entrance-2012

A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona (ATSU-SOMA) is a private university and graduate medical school specializing in osteopathic medicine. Located in Mesa, Arizona, it is part of A.T. Still University (ATSU), which was founded in 1892 by Andrew Taylor Still, the founder of osteopathy. ATSU-SOMA is dedicated to educating osteopathic physicians with a focus on primary care and community health.

History

A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona was established in 2007 to address the growing need for primary care physicians in the United States, particularly in underserved communities. The school emphasizes a holistic approach to medicine, adhering to the principles of osteopathy that consider the interrelationship between structure and function in the human body and the body's innate ability to heal itself.

Curriculum

The curriculum at ATSU-SOMA is innovative and integrates basic science with clinical experience from the very beginning of the medical education program. The first year of study is conducted at the Mesa campus, where students are immersed in basic sciences and introductory clinical experiences. From the second year onwards, students are placed in Community Health Centers across the country to continue their education in a real-world setting, focusing on primary care and gaining extensive hands-on experience.

Programs

ATSU-SOMA offers a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) program, which is a four-year professional degree program. The school also provides dual degree options, including a DO/Master of Public Health (DO/MPH) program, aimed at students interested in combining their medical education with a focus on public health.

Admissions

Admission to ATSU-SOMA is competitive, with applicants evaluated on a holistic basis that includes academic achievement, Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) scores, healthcare experience, community service, and personal characteristics that align with the mission and values of the school and the osteopathic profession.

Facilities

The Mesa campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including simulation labs, anatomy labs, and classrooms equipped with the latest technology to support interactive learning. The campus is designed to foster a collaborative learning environment that prepares students for the challenges of modern healthcare.

Accreditation

A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona is accredited by the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA), the accrediting body for colleges of osteopathic medicine in the United States.

Community Engagement

Community engagement is a cornerstone of the educational philosophy at ATSU-SOMA. Students are encouraged to participate in community service and health outreach programs, particularly in underserved areas. This commitment to community health is reflected in the school's curriculum and clinical training programs.

Notable Alumni

ATSU-SOMA has produced a number of notable alumni who have made significant contributions to the field of medicine, particularly in primary care, public health, and community medicine.

See Also

• Osteopathic Medicine
• Medical Education
• Primary Care
• Community Health