Examine the Curriculum

100% of WesternU's 2008 College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific graduates
passed the COMLEX level II board exams! (with 98% passing on the first attempt)

Emphasizing academic excellence, compassion, and comprehensive patient care, the four-year Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) curriculum is divided into three phases into which key osteopathic principles and techniques are interwoven. Throughout COMP's curriculum, you will learn the problem-solving skills that will enable you to effectively care for the whole patient using state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment modalities.

As you click on each semester, corresponding course details will appear in the box below.

For more detail review the course catalog

• Phase I (Semester 1): The first phase of the curriculum lays the basic science foundation and teaches the key osteopathic principles that you will need to commence to phase II of the curriculum.
• Phase II (Semesters 2-4): The second phase incorporates basic and clinical sciences into the in-depth study of 10 human organ systems. This approach emphasizes the relevance of basic science to clinical practice. Osteopathic Principles and Manipulative Medicine (OMM) continue as the foundation of this study.
• Phase III (Semesters 5-8): During the third phase, you will complete 20 rotations comprised of the major medical disciplines and electives which provide you with the opportunity to further develop your medical knowledge and clinical skills.

You also will have the opportunity to work side-by-side with faculty on various research projects. For example, Courtney Martin, DO 2011, started her own research project for Parental Attitudes towards the HPV vaccinations. Learn about research at WesternU.

Early Clinical Experience
During both phase I and II, you will receive early clinical exposure through courses including Osteopathic Principles and Practices, Essentials of Clinical Medicine, Physician and Society, and Service Learning. Our students also refine their clinical skills by working with standardized patients in our Clinical Skills Lab and through participation in WesternU's service-oriented clubs and organizations. By the end of your second year, you will be well prepared to commence your third and fourth year rotations.

Learn Alongside Students in the Other Health Professions
WesternU's interprofessional curriculum will provide a forum for you to collaborate and learn from students in eight other health-care programs. When launched in 2009, this curriculum will provide an opportunity for early networking with other health professionals and ultimately prepare you to better serve patients through interprofessional collaboration and referrals.

Academic Support
Dedicated clinical and basic science faculty, with many years of teaching experience, are committed to working closely with you to help you succeed in our rigorous academic program. Each student has a faculty advisor who serves as a mentor throughout a student's academic career by providing advice, referral, letters of recommendation, and other support as needed.

Additionally, you can draw on the expertise of the Learning Enhancement & Academic Development Office (LEAD). LEAD staff arrange for individual and group peer-tutoring sessions, one-on-one stress relief sessions, and workshops on topics such as time management, test-taking skills, and learning styles.

Support for COMLEX board exam preparation is also provided though both the College faculty and the LEAD office.

Outstanding Facilities
Western University is a thriving academic health center spread out over 22 acres in Pomona, CA. The main campus currently includes 15 major buildings and construction has begun on two new building projects totaling an investment of more than $100 million.  These buildings will be shared by students in osteopathic medicine, optometry, dentistry, and podiatric medicine. The design fosters interprofessional education and patient care.

Health Education Center (HEC)	Patient Care Center (PCC)
four-story, 180,000 square feet wireless equipped  eight auditoriums research labs and faculty offices more than 50 small-group meeting rooms pre-clinical space that mirrors clinical space	three-story, 68,500 square feet Interprofessional Diagnostic Suite with three large examination rooms designed for a collaborative health care team adaptive equipment for the treatment of people with disabilities

In addition, a new seven-story, 600-space parking structure is being built to serve the new buildings.
Join us for an information session where you can tour the facilities, chat with faculty and students,
and learn more about WesternU's DO curriculum and admission requirements.