Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine
About
History
In 2005, after years of organizing efforts to achieve this goal, Alabama Medical Education Consortium (AMEC) was created, a 501(c) organization to help increase the production of these Physicians across the state through the Osteopathic Medical Education System. AMEC conducted a feasibility study that showed that more than 60% of Osteopathic Medical Students preferred the primary profession, compared to 20% of Allopathic Medical Students. Over the next five years, AMEC has developed a comprehensive Osteopathic teaching network in Alabama to provide medical students with third and fourth-year training and created a Physician Pipeline to attract Alabama students to enroll in out-of-state osteopathic colleges. The educational network is continuing to expand and now includes more than 1400 doctors located at 31 core teaching sites and several educational sites in communities throughout Alabama, Northwest Florida, and Southeast Mississippi. Upon thorough study and examination, AMEC and the Houston County Health Care Authority, the Southeast Alabama Medical Center (SAMC) operator, agreed that it would be possible for the State to establish its College of Osteopathic Medicine to remedy the state’s shortage of primary care Physicians. In May 2010, the Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine (ACOM), a private, non-profit organization, was established. In December 2011, ACOM received its Private School Licensing from the Alabama Department of Post-Secondary Education and, on 1 July 2012, provisional accreditation with the capacity to recruit students from the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation. In December 2011, ACOM received its Private School Licensing from the Alabama Department of Post-Secondary Education and, on 1 July 2012, provisional accreditation with the capacity to recruit students from the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation.Mission
The Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine will provide quality, learner-centered osteopathic education, science, and service while supporting graduate medical education with a focus on patient-centered, team-based primary care to serve the medically underserved areas of Alabama, the Tri-State region, and the country.Vision
To make Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine renowned regionally and nationally for having a substantial effect on the workforce needs of doctors and for having access to professional medical services.Accreditations
ACOM is approved by the Department of Public Education of Alabama and fully accredited by the AOA Osteopathic College Accreditation Commission, which is the only accrediting body for predoctoral osteopathic medical education. On 6 April 2017, ACOM received full COCA accreditation.Admission
All applicants must apply online through the centralized application service operated by the American Association of Osteopathic Medicine Application Services Colleges (AACOMAS). The primary application is checked and distributed by AACOMAS to the student-designated osteopathic colleges. The application service AACOMAS is available in early May and applications will be published to ACOM in mid-June. The Admissions Committee reviews all confirmed applications and will be asked to submit a supplementary application with supporting materials for students who meet our admissions criteria. ACOM must obtain supplementary applications and all relevant documentation before April 15, to be considered. Early submission is strongly recommended, however, because interviews begin in early August.- Fill up and apply the primary requirement (AACOMAS). Requirements are reviewed for minimum academic requirements. Selected applicants may receive an e-mail with a connection to complete an additional online (secondary) application.
- Complete the Supplementary Form and pay the non-refundable Additional Processing Fee of $50. ACOM does accept the AACOMAS fee waiver for approved applicants
- Submit as part of the Supplemental Application two essays required.
- Send Recommendation Letters (evaluations) required. You can send such letters or upload to Interfolio, or forward to the ACOM Admissions Office as part of the AACOMAS application process.
- Applicants will receive updates via email as they pass through the different application stages. Applicants will also be told if paperwork is lacking and/or incomplete.
- Casper Application: Applicants who have submitted an invitation to complete the Supplemental Invitation have the option of taking the CASPer examination online. Casper is an online test that assesses the non-cognitive skills and interpersonal characteristics that the university believes are important for the program’s successful students and graduates. And also complements the other resources for evaluating applicants.
Recommendation Letters
- Applicants must send a doctor’s letter of recommendation (LOR). Letters will include details of the applicant’s behavior near a patient and their capacity to function in a medical setting. It can represent shadowing, volunteering, or the experience of working.
- Applicants may send one pre-med letter from the counselor or committee, which includes the names and divisions of the committee members. If there is no letter from an advisory or commission, then two academic letters from the faculty of science must be submitted. Both letters require a signature.
- College science professors who have instructed the applicant in the appropriate science courses or suggested top-level science courses must write the science letters. These letters will be on the letterhead with the signature line academic credentials. Letters should include the title of the course the professor taught in as well.
- Non-traditional students who have been out of college for more than 2 years and who have not taken any recent preconditions or other classes must send a letter from their immediate supervisor/employer and the medical report required.
- Letters that do not count against completion of the admission file include letters from family members, parents, family friends, coaches, personal trainers, veterinarians, dentists, family physicians, or podiatrists.
Important Deadlines
| May 4 | AACOMAS Application Portal Opens |
| June 15 | AACOMAS Applications are Available to ACOM |
| August | ACOM Begins Applicant Interviews |
| December 14 | First Seat Deposit Deadline |
| March 1 | AACOMAS Application Deadline |
| April 15 | Supplemental Application and Supporting Documents Deadline |
Selection
The ACOM Admissions Committee will be responsible for reviewing and evaluating completed AACOMAS and supplemental applications with the materials required for support. Academic and non-academic achievements are the main requirements for ranking applicants.- Academic tests include scores, grades, and grade point averages for the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT).
- Personal characteristics include the applicant’s ability and desire to meet the college’s dedication to Alabama and the region’s primary care and underserved needs, personal experiences with patient populations, physician shadowing, community/volunteer service, leadership positions, and recipient honors.
Facilities
Financial Aid
As a student attending the College of Osteopathic Medicine in Alabama, you are making an invaluable investment in your future. The Financial Aid Office is dedicated to your success and is ready to direct you through the funding process of your education. University aims to provide each student with the resources and information required to develop a sound strategy to meet the expenses related to your education. Remember the College’s doors are always open whenever you need assistance.Scholarships
- ACOFP Auxiliary Scholarship Programs
- ACOM Fellows Program
- Air Force, Air National Guard, and Air Force Reserve Tuition Assistance
- Alabama Area Health Education Centers
- Alabama Board of Medical Scholarship Awards
- Alabama Osteopathic Medical Association (ALOMA)
- Alliance Grassroots Physicians of Tomorrow Scholarship – AMA
- AMA Underrepresented in Medicine Scholarship
- AMASA Medical Student Scholarship
- American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians Awards
- American Indian Graduate Center
- American Medical Association
- American Medical Women’s Association
- American Osteopathic Foundation
- AMVETS (American Veterans)
- AOA Presidential Memorial Leadership Award
- Armed Forces Financial Assistance Programs – Air Force
- Armed Forces Financial Assistance Programs – Army
- Armed Forces Financial Assistance Programs – Navy
- Armed Forces Health Profession Scholarship
- Association of Black Women Physicians Rebecca Lee Crumpler, MD Scholarship
- Baptist Medical Dental Fellowship Students & Residents Grant
- Blue Cross Blue Shield/ProAssurance Scholarship Program
- Burnett Osteopathic Student Researcher Award
- Casey Family Services Alumni Scholarship
- Christian Medical & Dental Associations
- College Board’s Scholarship Search
- Council of Osteopathic Student Government Presidents
- Credit Sesame Financial Literacy Scholarship
- Rose M. Green Thomas Academic Medicine Scholarship Award
- Earnest Scholarship
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- Fisher House Scholarship Search
- Fleet Reserve Association Scholarships
- Frame My Future Scholarship
- Frank and Louise Groff Foundation
- Fresno-Madera Medical Society
- Gamma Mu Foundation Scholarships Program
- Gilberto and Lennetta Pesquera Medical School Scholarships
- Howard G. Lapsley Memorial Scholarship Fund for Medical Education
- Intermountain Vein Center Scholarship
- Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia
- Jewish Vocational Services of Chicago Scholarships
- Kansas Osteopathic Medical Service Scholarship
- Karen J. Nichols, DO LEAD Scholar Award
- Kenneth and Bessie Ladeau Trust
- Ladies Auxiliary of the Fleet Reserve Association
- Larry A. Mullins, DHA, Scholarship
- Leap Clixx Annual Marketing Scholarship
- Look Twice, Save A Life Scholarship
- Maine Osteopathic Association Scholarship Program
- Massachusetts Medical Society Scholarships
- McLaren Bay Region Medical Student Grant Program
- Mensa Foundation College Scholarship Program
- MetroWest Health Foundation Scholarship
- com Scholarship Search
- Motyka Dannin Osteopathic Educational Foundation
- National Health Service Corps
- National Medical Association Emerging Scholars Awards
- National Medical Fellowships
- National Medical Fellowships Anarcha, Betsy and Lucy Memorial Scholarship Award
- National Medical Fellowships Gerber Scholarship in Pediatrics Program
- National Medical Fellowships Josiah Macy Jr. Foundation Scholarship
- National Medical Fellowships Mary Ball Carrera Scholarship
- National Medical Fellowships National Alumni Council Scholarship
- National Medical Fellowships Primary Care Leadership Program
- National Military Family Association’s Joanne Holbrook Patton Military Spouse Scholarship Program
- New Jersey Osteopathic Education Foundation
- Northwest Osteopathic Medical Foundation Scholarship
- OppU Achievers Scholarship
- Osteopathic Foundation of West Michigan
- Osteopathic Medical Foundation of Michiana – Forgivable Loan Program
- E.O. Scholar Award
- Pat Tillman Foundation Scholarship
- Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medical Association Foundation
- Prairie State Scholarship
- Public Health Scholarships
- Rural Access to Anesthesia Care Scholarship
- Ruth G. White Scholarship Fund – California P.E.O.
- Sallie Mae Graduate School Scholarship Search
- Sherry R. Arnstein Minority Student Scholarship
- Side By Side Reviews’ Win-Win-Win Scholarship
- Sierra Sacramento Valley Medical Society Medical Student Scholarship Fund
- Southwest Florida Community Foundation
- Student Osteopathic Medical Association (SOMA)
- The “Save a Life” Scholarship for Students of Healthcare and Education
- The F. John Bargoot, MD Memorial Scholarship
- The Foundation of the Pennsylvania Medical Society Scholarships
- The House Method Commitment to Our Homes Scholarship
Library
The University of Alabama has four libraries namely: Bruno Library, Amelia Gayle Gorgas Library, McLure Library, and Hoole Library.Bruno Library
Established in 1994 on the old site of the Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity (which was literally picked up and moved to make way for the new library), the Bruno Business Building. The building was named in honor of Angelo Bruno (1924-1991), who served as Chairman of the Bruno’s, Inc. Board and donated $4 million to build a business library.Hoole Library
Hoole Special Collections Library is equipped to obtain, conserve, and make available permanent collections of rare and unique research resources for the use of the University of Alabama faculty, graduate, and undergraduate students, as well as others.Amelia Gayle Gorgas Library
Completed in 1939, the Amelia Gayle Gorgas Library is situated on the site of the campus’s first library. During the Civil War, the first university library, known as the Rotunda, was demolished and its remains can be found in front of the building below the semi-circular plaza. Founded in 1939, the current building is named after the postmaster and librarian, Amelia Gayle Gorgas of the University.McLure Library
The McLure Library is one of the most historic buildings in the University. Built-in 1925, for years the building housed the student cafeteria, post office, and supply store. It housed a soda fountain during that time, a favorite place to gather then on campus. After the Second World War, the third floor is being used as a dorm for male students. The Education Library building was remodeled in 1954. It was named in 1975 to honor John Rankin McLure,Labs
OPP Lab
The Osteopathic Theory and Practice (OPP) Laboratory (5,000 square feet) is situated on the second floor, in the east wing. It is fitted with 46 height-adjustable tables and an overhead projection system that shows across the room to 10 TV monitors.Simulation Center
The Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine has a state-of-the-art Simulation Center of Excellence, complete with four simulation bays and high-fidelity manicures that provide a high-risk medical experience in a safe environment. Additionally, the simulation experience is advancing rapidly as one of the most creative modalities of teaching in the medical school setting. At ACOM, simulation is completely incorporated into the system-based curriculum, which offers each student a weekly experience. This educational experience converts didactic knowledge to the highest level of experiential learning.Anatomy Lab
Located on the second floor next to the OPP Lab, the Anatomy Lab is fitted with 20 dissection tables, 11 TV monitors, 4 computer stations and a handheld video test camera used to project images to the monitor. Wet laboratory areas for these basic science activities as well as for dissection, prosecution, and independent study are available. The laboratory has space for up to 20 corpses and 40 corpses for cold storage. For study purposes, the Anatomy Lab is available to students both during class hours and during their free time.Team-based Learning Center
The 11,000-square-foot Team-based Learning Center, in the north wing of the third floor, allows a single teacher to lead multiple small groups in the same classroom simultaneously. The TBL Center is fitted with a digital video wall, incorporated with the tool of ACOM’s Virtual Meeting Room (VMR), providing a link to the 23 core educational sites. There are also 2 drop-down, high-definition projector screens, and wireless microphones for each table in the middle.Student Organizations
In addition to serving as the liaison between the student body and ACOM administration, faculty, and staff, the Student Government Association oversees all student interest organizations and social clubs. The SGA works tirelessly to be the student body’s voice, act as a model government, and promote the growth of leadership at ACOM during its time.Student Organizations and Clubs
- American Medical Student Association (AMSA)
- American Medical Women’s Association (AMWA)
- Anesthesiology Interest Group (AIG)
- Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association (APAMSA)
- Christian Medical Ministry of Alabama (CMMA)
- Creativity Club
- Dermatology Interest Group (DIG)
- Emergency Medicine Interest Group (EMIG)
- Geriatrics Interest Group (GIG)
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Interest Group (GOBIG)
- Global Public Health Advocates (GPHA)
- Gold Humanism in Medicine Interest Group (GHMIG)
- Internal Medicine Interest Group (IMIG)
- Medical Spanish Organization (MSO)
- MedTalks
- Military Interest Group (MIG)
- Neurology & Psychiatry Interest Group (Neuro/Psych)
- Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Interest Group (OSMIG)
- Pediatrics Interest Group
- Student Association of the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians
- Student American Academy of Osteopathy (SAAO)
- Student National Medical Association (SNMA)
- Student Osteopathic Medical Association (SOMA)
- Surgical Interest Group (ACOM-SIG)
- Sigma Sigma Phi
Residence
Summerfield Square student accommodation at Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine (ACOM) is where you’re only at a three-minute walk from the campus. Choose from one- and two-bedroom studio apartments with ample storage all over the spacious floor plans. Every energy-efficient apartment is fitted with modern and convenient amenities including a full-size kitchen and bathroom, private study areas, and a washer and dryer:- Internet
- Cable TV
- Water
- Baseline amount of electricity
- Sewer
- Trash
- Washer and dryer
- Pest control
- The on-site professional management team
- 24-hour emergency maintenance
- Wireless Internet available in the clubhouse
