Throughout its history, the College of Osteopathic Medicine (COM) has maintained a tradition of dynamic growth and academic excellence. Students follow a four-year curriculum that prepares them to become osteopathic physicians through an integrated program of lectures, laboratories and other experiential learning opportunities, as well as clinical experiences in the on-campus clinic, affiliate hospitals, and ambulatory care facilities. With a rich history, the college continues to focus on the future by developing outstanding osteopathic physicians to provide health care to the people of Iowa and the nation. To achieve these goals, the educational program will continue to emphasize a comprehensive approach to patients and their health problems. Although the importance of primary care trained osteopathic physicians in the specialties of family medicine, internal medicine and pediatrics is a basic tenet of the osteopathic medical philosophy, our students also explore and pursue careers in other specialties, such as emergency medicine, surgery, obstetrics/ gynecology, and anesthesiology.  

College of Osteopathic Medicine

Mission

To improve lives in our global community by educating diverse groups of highly competent and compassionate osteopathic physicians, health educators, researchers and scholars.

Vision

• The College of Osteopathic Medicine will be a leader in innovative medical education by meeting the highest standards of achievement and integrity. 

• The College of Osteopathic Medicine will encourage community engagement and foster the development of students into professionals committed to excellence, life-long learning, and service to others in our local, national, and global communities.

• The College of Osteopathic Medicine will cultivate distinctive educators and students who discover, disseminate, and apply new knowledge.

• The College of Osteopathic Medicine will cultivate and maintain a community of belonging where diverse voices are represented, encouraged, and valued.  

• The College of Osteopathic Medicine will conduct research and scholarship that advances knowledge to solve local and global problems impacting healthcare, osteopathic medicine, science, and education.  

• The College of Osteopathic Medicine will foster the creation and development of graduate medical education environments to advance the training of osteopathic physicians and grow the osteopathic profession. 

AOA Code of Ethics

The College of Osteopathic Medicine adheres to the AOA Code of Ethics which has been designed to guide its member physicians in their professional lives. The complete code may be accessed here.