University of Pikeville Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine

Region: Kentucky Country: USA

Dean's Welcome

Welcome to the University of Pikeville-Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine (UP-KYCOM). At KYCOM, our mission is clear. We focus on producing the highest quality osteopathic physicians, to practice primary care in the rural and underserved areas of Kentucky and Appalachia. While this does not mean that all of our graduates will enter primary care specialties, it does mean that our curriculum is designed to emphasize primary care education. It means that we will teach you how to take care of patients. That is what the osteopathic profession has always done best, and we take great pride in our osteopathic heritage. Our graduates are well prepared to provide the highest quality of care to their patients and the communities in which they serve.

Our dedicated faculty brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the classroom. An open door policy and small class size builds relationships, provides the encouragement and support students need to succeed, and models the osteopathic philosophy of caring for the whole person.

At KYCOM, we care about students. We want to make sure that our students will not have to make financially driven decisions about what type of diagnostic equipment to buy, which required books they can or cannot afford, or what sort of computer to choose. We provide all these things - and more - so the emphasis is on learning. Our students also have a strong history of community service, of which we are very supportive.

We are proud of the success we have demonstrated in producing the highest quality osteopathic physicians, many of whom have returned to practice in Kentucky and Appalachia, helping us to keep the promise made by our founders to the people and communities of our region. Our success has not gone unnoticed. KYCOM has earned high marks in rural medicine ranking 12th among all medical schools in the nation, both D.O. and M.D., in the U.S. News & World Report's 2013 edition of Best Graduate Schools.

Rising in the rankings, KYCOM also moved from its fifth-place standing to second in the percentage of graduates who enter primary care. Just last year, a U.S. News & World Report publication ranked KYCOM fourth in affordability among the 10 least expensive private medical schools in the nation. It is gratifying to be recognized and ranked by our peers for excellence in rural medicine and our contribution to alleviation of the shortage of primary care physicians in rural areas.

Thank you for your interest in the University of Pikeville Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine. As you explore your options for medical education, I hope you will find that our school is right for you. We look forward to meeting you!

Applying to University of Pikeville-Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine

KYCOM Advantage
The vision of KYCOM's founding dean was that our students enter on a level playing field, where those who are admitted with few financial resources have the same educational opportunities as those with greater resources. In order to achieve this goal, KYCOM provides all of its students an OPP table, white coat and scrub suit, diagnostic equipment (stethoscope, ophthalmoscope, etc.), use of a laptop computer, an iPad, and all required textbooks. Membership dues on behalf of all students are also paid to the Student Osteopathic Medical Association (SOMA) and the Kentucky Osteopathic Medical Association (KOMA).

Exam fees for the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners COMLEX-USA Level 1 and Level 2-CE board exams are paid by KYCOM for first attempts only. In addition, the KYCOM Advantage also includes a COMLEX-USA Level 1 examination preparation program.

Application Information
The University of Pikeville-Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine seeks to recruit students who will help KYCOM fulfill its mission of providing men and women with an osteopathic medical education that emphasizes primary care, encourages research, promotes lifelong scholarly activity, and produces graduates who are committed to serving the health care needs of communities in rural Kentucky and other Appalachian regions. KYCOM is a private institution that encourages applications from qualified students who are interested in pursuing a career in osteopathic medicine.

Notice of Nondiscrimination
KYCOM complies with the policy of the University of Pikeville that no student shall be excluded from participating in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination in any program sponsored by this educational institution because of age, gender, race, color, creed, religion, handicap, sexual orientation, or national origin.

History
A group of influential businessmen and public officials began to investigate the possibility of establishing a medical school in Eastern Kentucky in the early 1990s. The supporters believed that creation of an osteopathic medical school was the best way to help alleviate the shortage of primary care physicians in rural Eastern Kentucky. Support of the development of an osteopathic medical school for this region arose from the fact that osteopathic physicians tend to stay in rural areas and in family practice. KYCOM enrolled its first students in 1997.

KYCOM Mission - Keeping the Promise
A 2010 analysis of KYCOM graduate practice data by the National Center for the Analysis of Healthcare found the following:

62 % practice in Appalachia
32 % practice in KY
44 % practice in Underserved Areas
38 % practice in Rural Areas
41 % within 120 miles of KYCOM

Nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report survey

in rural medicine,
in percent of graduates entering primary care specialties,
and as one of most affordable private U.S. medical schools

National student leadership awards

Dr. Sonbol Shahid-Salles, Class of 2010, Recipient of 2010 Student D.O. of the Year Award from Association of American Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM). Dr. Shahid-Salles is currently a resident in emergency medicine.
Dr. Cindy Sue DeMastes, Class of 2011, Recipient of 2010 Presidential Memorial Leadership Award from American Osteopathic Association (AOA). Dr. DeMastes is a pediatrics resident.
Sarah Gibson McConnell, Class of 2014, National Vice-President of the Student Association of the American College of Osteopathic Family Practitioners (March 2012 - March 2013). In addition, student Doctor McConnell was president of the KYCOM chapter from March 2011 - March 2012 and lead the KYCOM chapter to win the national A.T. Still Award for integrating OMT into the chapter.

Accreditation
KYCOM is part of the University of Pikeville, which was established in 1889 as a small Presbyterian college located in Pikeville, Ky. The University of Pikeville is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, and professional (D.O.) degrees. Any questions about the accreditation of the University of Pikeville may be directed to the Commission on Colleges at 404.679.4500 or to 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097.

Additionally, inquiries may be made to the University of Pikeville at 606.218.5250 or to 147 Sycamore Street, Pikeville, Kentucky 41501. Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine has been granted accreditation by the American Osteopathic Association's Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA). This body is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as the accrediting agency for colleges educating osteopathic physicians and surgeons.