Welcome

The Northwest Osteopathic Medical Foundation is now accepting applications for medical tuition scholarships for the 2010-2011 academic year. For details, please visit their website at nwosteo.org.

In response to the need for physicians in the northwest, we created the Northwest Track; a program for 30 qualified students who are residents of or graduates from colleges in six states: Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington or Wyoming. Northwest track osteopathic medical students complete their first two years of study at our main campus in Pomona, CA. Their third and fourth year clinical rotations take place in affiliated hospitals in Oregon and Washington (excluding elective clerkship experiences which can be taken anywhere). Read a newspaper article about this unique opportunity.

Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) perform surgery, deliver babies, and prescribe medicine in hospitals and medical centers around the country. Whether they are family doctors or specialists, DOs use all the tools of modern medicine and more. 

What distinguishes DOs? A whole-person approach that emphasizes the body's interconnectedness, the ability to diagnose and treat using their hands (OMM) (hover over for a definition of OMM) and treating each patient as an individual, not a set of symptoms. Read more about the history of osteopathic medicine.

During your four years at the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific (COMP), you will develop expertise in diagnosis and learn the problem-solving skills you need to treat and care for the whole patient through:

• basic science
• in-depth study of 10 human organ systems using basic and clinical sciences
• 20 rotations comprised of the major medical disciplines and electives

Watch a Video on the NorthWest Track (15 min) 

Why choose WesternU? We have a nationally recognized program and offer you:

• a record of consistently high first-time pass rates for COMLEX board exams.
• early and extensive clinical training that develops professional and communication skills. 
• a reputation for well trained graduates who receive multiple high-paying job offers.
• a private health professions-focused institution that fosters interprofessional learning. 
• state-of-the-art classrooms and research facilities.
• faculty who care deeply about students and are committed to their success.
• long humanistic tradition of treating patients as people first; treating students with respect; and fostering camaraderie among students.
• outstanding student support services including tutoring and disability resources. 
• diverse student body and rich array of student club and volunteer opportunities.
• Southern California location with tremendous clinical training opportunities as well as access to
  major cultural and recreational resources.
• a chance to join well-respected WesternU-COMP alumni, who enjoy a lifelong connection with the University.

The training you receive at WesternU will prepare you well for the postdoctoral training years of your choice, with an emphasis on clinical care. We will help you build the foundation you need for a rewarding career as a physician caring for patients and their families.

For more information, please join us for an information session,
complete the information request form or contact us.

Meet some of our DO students, faculty and alumni and read their candid thoughts about their experiences at WesternU. Move your mouse over each picture to read more about that individual or read profiles of numerous students, faculty and alumni.

Blake Busey DO, Class of 2011, North West Track	Clinton E. Adams, DO, MPA, FAAFP Dean, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Professor of Family Medicine & Retired Rear Admiral, United States Navy	William Fraser, DO DO, Class of 1989
“The thing about medical school is that it's all about repetition. No single concept so far has been truly difficult to understand, but there are a lot of facts and concepts to know. This means that after I get home, I usually quickly run through my notes for the quick recall and then go for a run, hike, or exercise session. Everyone needs to relax from time to time. When I get back from my exercises, I usually look through the books." “My days revolve around the class schedule. Depending on the day's work load, I may get up early to preview for a few hours before class, then go to class, study while eating lunch, finish classes in the afternoon, and then go home" Why WesternU: We start with the interview process. Not only are we looking for people who exhibit our values of care and compassion, we also treat students with caring and compassion from the moment they begin the admission process. Courses Taught: Issues in Professionalism Physical Diagnosis Clinical Skills Research Interests: Medical Education E-mail me Career impact: WesternU stressed acquiring the ability to think, assess, evaluate, and plan. Medicine is very easy from the standpoint of learning facts and memorizing lists of information. The practice of medicine is very different and emphasizes thinking. Best thing about WesternU: I was challenged to think for myself, rather than just regurgitate facts on an exam. This was especially helpful during clinical rotations.