CHICAGO, May 7, 2024
/PRNewswire/ -- The Chicago School announced that its new
proposed Illinois College of
Osteopathic Medicine (IllinoisCOM) has been granted Candidate
Status from the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation
(COCA) – a significant milestone for the institution.
Since its founding in 1979, The Chicago School has provided a
practical and solutions-oriented education, preparing culturally
competent graduates with the skills to improve the health of
individuals, organizations, and communities. Building on its
commitment to advance the connection between mental and physical
health, The Chicago School's proposed IllinoisCOM will cultivate a
pipeline of uniquely qualified physicians to provide integrated,
individualized care.
"The U.S. faces a severe and growing shortage of highly
qualified and empathetic physicians, and without training more
physicians, existing gaps in equitable health care access could
worsen in our communities," said The Chicago School President
Michele Nealon, Psy.D. "With the
proposed Illinois College of
Osteopathic Medicine, The Chicago School stands ready to be part of
the solution—supporting a steady stream of osteopathic physicians
who can provide comprehensive, integrated care across the
nation."
The proposed IllinoisCOM will integrate mental health education
throughout its curriculum and training, supporting comprehensive
wellness for both patients and future physicians. The college's
innovative approach to learning will also harness artificial
intelligence and other emerging technologies to improve training
for the next generation of doctors, providing them with significant
hands-on experience before they interact with patients.
The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) predicts a
national shortage of 37,800 to 124,000 physicians by 2034, and
Illinois is expected to need an
additional 1,063 primary-care physicians by 2030. Through
partnerships with community hospitals and healthcare organizations
throughout the country, the proposed IllinoisCOM seeks to help
alleviate the physician shortage and fill gaps in community care by
setting up clinical rotations for students in high-need areas.
The proposed IllinoisCOM Founding Dean John Lucas, DO,
emphasizes the university's mission to partner with community
leaders and fill a critical need in providing care to underserved
communities across the country. "Medicine is changing rapidly," he
said. "Our goal is to prepare physicians to meet patients where
they are, partner with them in a care plan, and become the kinds of
doctors who make a real difference every day."
In the coming months, the proposed IllinoisCOM will move forward
with construction of its state-of-the-art facility located at 400
S. Jefferson Street in Chicago's West Loop while simultaneously
working to establish partnerships with community leaders and
organizations. In the next 12 years, the proposed medical school is
expected to generate $1 billion in
total economic impact.
The Chicago School is the founding member of The Community
Solution Education System, an integrated, nonprofit system of
colleges and universities that work collaboratively to advance
student success and community impact across the country.
About The Chicago School
For 45 years, The Chicago
School has been a leading nonprofit university dedicated to
training professionals for careers that improve the health of
individuals, organizations, and communities. By combining
education, innovation, community, and impact, The Chicago School
approach provides students a practical and solutions-oriented
education in an array of academic programs across psychology,
health, business, counseling, and behavioral sciences. With more
than 6,000 students and locations in Chicago, Dallas, Southern
California, and Washington,
D.C., the university's extensive network of community
partnerships provides applicable training and networking
opportunities.
The Chicago School is accredited by the WASC Senior College and
University Commission. To learn more, visit
www.thechicagoschool.edu. The Chicago School is a proud member of
The Community Solution Education System, an integrated nonprofit
system of colleges and universities working together to advance
student success and community impact.
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SOURCE The Chicago School