Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine

Touro-college-harlem

Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine (TouroCOM) is a private medical school located in New York, United States. It is part of the Touro College and University System and is dedicated to training osteopathic physicians. The college emphasizes primary care and aims to address the shortage of healthcare professionals in underserved areas. TouroCOM offers a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree and has campuses in Harlem and Middletown, New York.

History

Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine was established to address the critical need for physicians, particularly in primary care, within underserved communities and to increase the number of underrepresented minorities in medicine. The Harlem campus welcomed its first class in 2007, making it the first osteopathic medical school in the New York City metropolitan area. The Middletown campus was later opened to further expand the college's mission and reach.

Programs

TouroCOM provides a four-year curriculum leading to the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree. The program is divided into two phases: the preclinical years (years 1 and 2), which focus on basic sciences and the introduction to clinical medicine, and the clinical years (years 3 and 4), which involve rotations in various medical specialties at affiliated hospitals, clinics, and healthcare facilities.

Dual Degree Programs

In addition to the DO program, TouroCOM offers opportunities for students to enroll in dual degree programs, such as the DO/Master of Public Health (MPH) and DO/Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies (MS), providing a broader education that can be applied to public health, research, and leadership roles in healthcare.

Admissions

Admission to Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine is competitive, with applicants evaluated on academic performance, Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) scores, healthcare experience, community service, and commitment to the osteopathic profession and its principles. The college seeks candidates who demonstrate a strong desire to serve in underserved areas and who align with the school's mission.

Campus Facilities

The Harlem campus is located in the heart of New York City, providing students with access to a diverse patient population. The Middletown campus, situated in a more suburban setting, offers a different, yet complementary, clinical experience. Both campuses feature state-of-the-art facilities, including simulation labs, anatomy labs, and libraries, to support student learning and research.

Community Engagement

TouroCOM is committed to community service and public health, with students and faculty involved in various outreach programs, health fairs, and educational workshops in underserved communities. These initiatives not only provide essential services but also offer students practical experience in community health.

Accreditation

Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine is accredited by the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA), ensuring that it meets or exceeds the standards for educational quality in the training of osteopathic physicians.

Notable Alumni

TouroCOM alumni have gone on to successful careers in all areas of medicine, with many serving in primary care roles in underserved regions. Alumni are known for their commitment to the osteopathic philosophy, community service, and leadership in healthcare.