Indiana University of Pennsylvania has cleared another hurdle in establishing an osteopathic medicine college.
IUP announced Thursday that its doctor of osteopathic medicine degree program was approved by Christopher Fiorentino, chancellor of the Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education. It’s part of the process for any state system university to add an academic program to its offerings.
“This action continues our strong momentum to move forward in our work to open the first college of osteopathic medicine at a public university in Pennsylvania, reflecting our commitment to address the critical shortage of physicians — especially in rural communities — while creating a national model for rural healthcare,” said IUP President Michael Driscoll.
Outside funding for the proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine totals around $54 million, university officials say, with donations coming from individuals, foundations and agencies.
IUP’s College of Osteopathic Medicine would be the fourth in the state.
The proposed college is in “candidate status” from the American Osteopathic Association’s Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation. The distinction recognizes that IUP completed required planning and has resources necessary to apply for pre-accreditation status within two years.
Once IUP receives pre-accreditation status, it will be allowed to begin recruiting students. IUP anticipates admitting the first class of students for the proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine next year.
The program is designed to offer “medical education with a rural focus and with an emphasis on evidence-based, inspiring, compassion-focused, holistic, community-centered, affordable education,” said Dr. Miko Rose, founding dean of the College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Students studying for a doctor of osteopathic medicine degree complete four years of osteopathic medicine school with an emphasis on preventive medicine and comprehensive patient care.
The Association of American Medical Colleges reports a shortage of up to 86,000 U.S. physicians by 2036.
IUP projects that, once fully operational, the College of Osteopathic Medicine will generate almost $50 million in annual economic impact for the state. If 60% of proposed graduates remain in Pennsylvania, the annual economic impact is estimated at $1.3 billion.