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

The Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine should be known 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. Such letters can be sent, uploaded to Interfolio, or forwarded 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 should be signed.
• 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 pediatrists.

Important Deadlines

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
• On-site professional management team
• 24-hour emergency maintenance
• Wireless Internet available in the clubhouse

Handy Tips for Good Performance in Medical College

Don’t Take Stress

The first line of protection against stress would be to lower the stress symptoms. Examples of symptom management techniques include taking a walk, doing yoga, meditating and “venting” about your stress. These are designed to relieve more severe stress symptoms. When your symptoms are somewhat relieved you will be able to identify the source of stress. Time pressures, the transition to university life, employment, leaving home, independent living, relationships, and job, education, and personal life balance can all add to your stress. Understanding where your stress originates will help you concentrate your stress management where it matters most. Taking time off head-on to deal with the source of stress will make a big difference in your day-to-day stress experience. Once you have overcome the ordeal of mental stress you will be able to study with a relaxed mind and perform well.

Thoroughly Go Through the Marking Scheme and Syllabus

Find out exactly what the instructor is looking for by doing a detailed reading of the marks scheme for each of the subjects and noticing what kind of things are being given extra points (and whether points are being deducted for anything). Looking at the syllabus should also give you an indication of the broad range of topics you may be asked on so that when you turn over the question paper, nothing comes as a surprise! If you are seeing an area you think needs work at this point, ask a teacher for advice.

Dr. Najeeb’s Lectures

University life is another universe. Students before joining a college or university are super excited for the new experience. But after a short while, students tend to get exhausted and fed up because a whole lot of new concepts are being taught. Times the instructor can make them understand well but at times students are left in the grey area of confusion. At Medical College students have no assistance other than that of teachers and seniors. Students with good connections can ask for help but introverts or students with smaller social circles suffer. Those students need not worry because Dr. Najeeb’s Lectures are there to solve the issue. Dr. Najeeb’s Lectures are the world’s most popular medical Lectures, covering all the topics of Gross Anatomy, Neuro-anatomy, Embryology, Histology, Physiology, Biochemistry, Genetics, Pharmacology, Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology. They are video lectures that cover almost all the topics in the current medical curriculum of most medical colleges. They contain visualization of what you study in your books. The hand-drawn illustrations in these lectures make it very easy to grasp the concepts. Furthermore, one can get lifetime access to these lectures and even download the app to avail them anytime, anywhere.

Adjust Your Mindset

Do not approach the test with a negative attitude. There’s nothing worse than thinking “I’m going to fail,” “it’s going to be awful” or “I’m not ready for that.” Thoughts like these may become a self-fulfilling prophecy, so try filling your mind with positive thoughts instead. You would be shocked at the power of positive thinking in an examination setting, and you will find that it improves your confidence and helps you to cope with the questions easily, no matter how difficult they may be. Say “I can do this” to yourself, and see the exam as an academic challenge and an opportunity to demonstrate how much you have learned at school or university during your years.

Read Every Question with Concentration

Read the whole question paper very carefully before you start the test, then read it again. Before you make your final selection of questions to answer, you must understand exactly what is being asked about you. Choose the questions in which you think you can score the most points, and note that these may not always be the ones that seem to be on the topics you know best. Questions can be worded slightly differently from what you might expect, which could lead to an initial panic when you think you don’t know what to write about. You will almost certainly find that once you read it over again, you have the experience to be able to effectively address it. You would almost definitely find that if you read it again you have the information to be able to effectively tackle it.

Good luck!