College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific

Western University College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific logo

Health Education Center at Western University of Health Sciences

Patient Care Center

College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific (COMP) is a prominent medical school located in Pomona, California, United States. It is part of the larger institution known as Western University of Health Sciences (WesternU), which offers a variety of health professions programs. COMP is dedicated to educating osteopathic physicians and is accredited by the American Osteopathic Association's Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation.

History

The College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific was founded in 1977 with the mission to advance the science and art of osteopathic medicine. Its establishment was in response to the growing need for physicians who adopt a holistic approach to healthcare. Since its inception, COMP has grown significantly, both in size and in the scope of its educational programs, contributing to the healthcare workforce with a focus on primary care and community health.

Programs

COMP offers a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) program, which emphasizes a whole-person approach to healthcare, promoting preventive medicine and the body's innate ability to heal itself. The curriculum integrates basic science with clinical medicine and includes significant hands-on experience through clinical rotations.

In addition to the DO program, COMP provides several dual-degree options, including DO/Master of Public Health (DO/MPH), DO/Master of Science in Health Sciences (DO/MSHS), and DO/Master of Business Administration (DO/MBA), allowing students to tailor their education to their career interests.

Campus

The main campus in Pomona features state-of-the-art facilities, including simulation labs, anatomy labs, and a health education center. These facilities support COMP's mission by providing students with the resources they need to excel in their studies and clinical training.

Admissions

Admission to COMP is competitive, with a holistic review process that considers academic achievement, healthcare experience, community service, and a commitment to the osteopathic philosophy. Prospective students must submit their applications through the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service (AACOMAS).

Accreditation

COMP is accredited by the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA), ensuring that it meets or exceeds the standards for osteopathic education. This accreditation is crucial for graduates, as it qualifies them to participate in residency programs and obtain licensure to practice medicine.

Community Engagement

COMP is committed to serving the community through various outreach programs, health fairs, and free clinics. These initiatives not only benefit the community but also provide students with valuable real-world experience in patient care.

Research

Research is a key component of the educational experience at COMP. Students and faculty engage in a wide range of research activities, focusing on areas such as primary care, osteopathic manipulative medicine, and public health. This research contributes to the advancement of medical knowledge and the improvement of patient care.

Alumni

Graduates of COMP go on to successful careers in all areas of medicine, with a strong representation in primary care fields. Alumni are known for their commitment to the osteopathic philosophy, patient-centered care, and community service.