A.T. Still University

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A.T. Still University (ATSU) is a private medical school with its main campus located in Kirksville, Missouri. It is recognized as the world's first osteopathic medical school, having been established in 1892 by Andrew Taylor Still, who is considered the father of osteopathy and osteopathic medicine. ATSU is renowned for its commitment to preparing future healthcare professionals through a comprehensive, hands-on approach to medical education that emphasizes the integration of the body's systems and the promotion of the body's innate ability to heal itself.

History

A.T. Still University was founded on October 12, 1892, as the American School of Osteopathy in Kirksville, Missouri, by Dr. Andrew Taylor Still. Dr. Still was a physician and surgeon who had become disillusioned with the effectiveness of 19th-century traditional medicine. He developed a new philosophy of medicine based on the principles of anatomy and physiology, emphasizing the importance of the musculoskeletal system in health and disease. The school's name was later changed to Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine and, eventually, to A.T. Still University to honor its founder and reflect its expansion into a comprehensive health sciences university.

Campuses

A.T. Still University operates two main campuses: the original campus in Kirksville, Missouri, and a second campus in Mesa, Arizona, known as the A.T. Still University of Health Sciences. The Kirksville campus is home to the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (KCOM), the first osteopathic medical school in the world. The Mesa campus houses the School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona (SOMA), as well as programs in dentistry, health management, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and physician assistant studies.

Academic Programs

ATSU offers a variety of healthcare-related academic programs across its two campuses. These include Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO), Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD), Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences, Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), Master of Science in Occupational Therapy, and Doctor of Health Sciences (DHSc), among others. The university is committed to providing its students with a holistic and integrated approach to healthcare education, focusing on primary care and community health.

Accreditation

A.T. Still University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Additionally, its medical and healthcare programs are accredited by various specialized accrediting bodies, ensuring that the university meets the highest standards of healthcare education.

Philosophy and Mission

The philosophy of A.T. Still University is deeply rooted in the principles of osteopathic medicine as established by its founder. The university's mission is to educate students to become competent healthcare professionals who can apply whole-person healthcare principles to diagnose and treat patients. ATSU emphasizes the importance of preventive medicine, the body's ability to heal itself, and the interrelatedness of the body's systems.

Notable Alumni

Over the years, A.T. Still University has produced a significant number of graduates who have made notable contributions to the field of healthcare. These include leaders in osteopathic medicine, healthcare policy, clinical practice, and medical education.

Conclusion

A.T. Still University continues to be a leader in osteopathic medical education, with a strong emphasis on producing healthcare professionals who are equipped to address the complex health needs of communities around the world. Through its innovative programs, hands-on training, and commitment to the osteopathic philosophy, ATSU is at the forefront of transforming healthcare education and practice.