Career pathway for physicians
New affiliation agreement provides opportunity for aspiring physicians
9:57 a.m., Dec. 10, 2014--A new affiliation agreement between the University of Delaware and Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) provides a clear career pathway for high achieving individuals with a non-science-related background who want to become osteopathic physicians.
Under the agreement, students admitted to UD's Premedical Post-Baccalaureate Undergraduate Certificate Program (PMPB) who meet the necessary requirements will be considered to have provisional acceptance to PCOM.
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"We are pleased to strengthen our relationship with Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine with this new affiliation, which is an important step in addressing the growing demand for quality healthcare," said Nancy Brickhouse, deputy provost for academic affairs at UD. "For students in our post-baccalaureate program, this partnership will help assure them a positive outcome for their hard work.”
"PCOM is pleased to work in conjunction with the University of Delaware on this new affiliation, in order to offer students from a range of disciplines the opportunity to take advantage of our College’s unique osteopathic tradition and culture, and to train physicians and practitioners who are able to address the changing face of health care in this country,” said Kenneth Veit, provost, senior vice president for academic affairs and dean at PCOM.
UD's Premedical Post-Baccalaureate Undergraduate Certificate Program is designed for career changers who have completed a bachelor's degree in a non-science-related field and now want to fulfill the requirements for admission to medical school or other health profession programs.
Under the new affiliation agreement, students in UD's PMPB program will be eligible to apply for admission to PCOM. Candidates must have demonstrated academic credentials, motivation and personal qualities that give evidence of their suitability for a career in medicine and success in medical school.
The application process includes a personal interview and verification of credentials, and final acceptance is contingent on the student maintaining an academic record at UD that demonstrates academic honesty and that is free of Code of Conduct violations.
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine will provide at least five placements in its entering classes each academic year for qualified students in the UD program.
About Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Founded in 1899, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) has trained over 15,000 highly competent, caring physicians, health practitioners and behavioral scientists who practice a “whole person” approach, treating people, not just symptoms. PCOM offers the doctor of osteopathic medicine, doctor of pharmacy and doctor of psychology degrees and graduate programs in mental health counseling, school psychology, physician assistant studies, forensic medicine, organizational development and leadership, and biomedical sciences. PCOM students learn the importance of health promotion, education and service to the community and, through PCOM’s Healthcare Centers, provide care to the medically underserved populations in inner city and rural locations.
About PMPB
UD's Premedical Post-Baccalaureate Undergraduate Certificate Program requires up to 44 undergraduate credit hours, depending on the student's undergraduate background and transcript, which may include courses in biological sciences, chemistry and biochemistry, physics, sociology, mathematics, philosophy and psychology. In addition to regular coursework, students in the PMPB program receive extensive individualized advisement, faculty mentoring, opportunities for medical practica, career guidance and specialized preparation and training. For more information, visit www.udel.edu/premed/.
Photo by Lane McLaughlin