Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine

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Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine logo

ACOM Building

Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine (ACOM) is a private, non-profit medical school for osteopathic medicine located in Dothan, Alabama, United States. It is the first osteopathic medical school in the state and aims to address the growing need for primary care physicians in Alabama and the surrounding regions. ACOM is a part of the Southeast Health Medical Center, providing students with access to a comprehensive healthcare system for clinical training.

History

ACOM was established to address the critical shortage of physicians in Alabama and the broader Southeastern United States. Recognizing the specific need for primary care doctors, the college was founded with a mission to educate students in the practice of osteopathic medicine. Osteopathic medicine emphasizes a holistic approach to patient care, focusing on preventive health care and the body's musculoskeletal system as a key element of health.

Academic Programs

ACOM offers a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree program, which is typically a four-year course of study. The curriculum is designed to integrate biomedical sciences with clinical learning from the first year, emphasizing hands-on patient care experiences. The first two years cover basic sciences and pre-clinical training, while the third and fourth years focus on clinical rotations in various medical specialties.

Pre-Clinical Education

The pre-clinical curriculum at ACOM emphasizes a systems-based approach, integrating subjects like anatomy, physiology, pathology, and pharmacology. Students engage in problem-based learning (PBL), which encourages critical thinking and application of knowledge to clinical scenarios.

Clinical Rotations

During the clinical years, ACOM students complete rotations in core medical disciplines such as family medicine, internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, psychiatry, and emergency medicine. These rotations take place in hospitals and clinics within the Southeast Health system and other affiliated healthcare facilities across the region.

Campus

The ACOM campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including simulation labs, an anatomy lab, lecture halls, and a library with extensive medical resources. The campus is designed to support a collaborative and interactive learning environment for students.

Admissions

Admission to ACOM is competitive, with applicants evaluated on academic performance, Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) scores, healthcare experience, and commitment to the osteopathic philosophy of medicine. ACOM seeks candidates who demonstrate a strong desire to serve in primary care and underserved areas.

Accreditation

ACOM is accredited by the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA), the accrediting body for osteopathic medical education in the United States. This accreditation ensures that ACOM meets or exceeds the standards for educational quality and student achievement.

Community Engagement

ACOM is committed to serving the community through various outreach and service programs. Students, faculty, and staff participate in health fairs, free clinics, and educational programs aimed at improving health literacy and access to care in the region.

Conclusion

The Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine plays a crucial role in addressing the physician shortage in Alabama and the Southeast by training competent, compassionate osteopathic physicians prepared to meet the healthcare needs of the community. Through its comprehensive academic programs, state-of-the-art facilities, and commitment to community service, ACOM is at the forefront of medical education and healthcare delivery.