Marian University’s Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) program has had proven success in preparing students for their residency and future careers. Our Tom and Julie Wood College of Osteopathic Medicine is an accredited institution conveniently located in Indianapolis. Based on our Franciscan values, our DO program emphasizes education based on improving the health of mind, body, and spirit.
The Marian University Tom and Julie Wood College of Osteopathic Medicine (MU-WCOM) offers state-of-the-art classrooms, laboratories, study areas, and a cutting-edge simulation center. The Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) program's curriculum is designed to progressively develop the seven core competencies outlined by the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners (NBOME). MU-WCOM's integrated, patient-centered curriculum prepares future physicians for successful careers across all areas of medicine. With a strong clinical foundation, DO courses provide hands-on experience that directly translates to professional practice.
A variety of innovative teaching methods—including lectures, laboratories, case-based seminars, podcasts, team-based learning, and early clinical exposure—offer students a unique opportunity to master the core principles of osteopathic medicine.
Students are referred to as Osteopathic Medical Students (OMS) during their progression through the program (OMS-1, OMS-2, OMS-3, and OMS-4). Upon graduation, they are equipped with the knowledge and skills to excel in an evolving healthcare environment where adaptability and patient-centered care are paramount.
Professional Identity Formation (or PIF) is a longitudinal curriculum that is delivered across all four years of the medical school experience at MU-WCOM.
MU-WCOM offers a uniquely integrated and team-based approach to the medical training curriculum by integrating didactic and clinical competencies, offering inter-professional education with nursing students, including a clinical basis to biomedical science courses, and providing you with clinical experiences in your first and second years of medical school.
Courses are taught by our experienced faculty. Biomedical and clinical faculty will help you obtain the knowledge needed to successfully treat the root cause of a disease, but also show the compassion and patient-centered approaches central to osteopathic medicine. They will also help you attain the foundation to be highly successful during your clinical rotations in years three and four.
To support your learning, our dedicated faculty will guide you through an in-depth exploration of the systems and structures of the human body in our state-of-the-art anatomy lab. You will develop a deeper understanding of the relationship between structure and function, refine your hands-on treatment skills in our osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) lab, and practice essential examination techniques in our advanced simulation and examination rooms.
During the third year, students transition from classroom-based learning to clinical training, where they spend more time in direct patient care settings.
The third-year curriculum is made up of ten months of clinical rotations, with nine months of rotations and one month of an elective rotation/vacation. Each student completes two one-month rotations in Family Medicine, Surgery, and Internal Medicine; and one one-month rotation in Psychiatry, Pediatrics, and Obstetrics/Gynecology, and an elective month in a clinical specialty of their choice or vacation.
The third and fourth years are involved in clinical clerkships, where students work closely with physicians or preceptors in various medical specialties. This immersive experience allows students to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world healthcare settings under preceptor supervision. Students also dedicate time to studying for exams, such as end-of-rotation Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Achievement Tests (COMATs) and Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX) Level 2-CE.
During the third year, students also start exploring and finalizing their desired medical specialties. This involves working with faculty or physicians to obtain letters of recommendation and preparing residency applications.
The fourth-year curriculum is made up of ten months of clinical rotations that include a sub-internship, selective, and elective rotations that align with students' career goals and desired specialty.
In compliance with the U.S. Department of Education regulation 34 CFR 668.43 (a) (5) (v) MU-WCOM, accredited by the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA), acknowledges:
Any student planning to relocate to another state after completion of the program can seek guidance from Trinity Marshall, Assistant Registrar, for documentation of the DO degree or the Sr Advisor to the Sr Vice President of Health Professions, Elizabeth Petsche, JD, to determine whether the curriculum meets the educational requirements for licensure/certification in that state.
Marian University’s Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree features a proven track record of student success with state-of-the-art facilities. Interested in learning more?
MU-WCOM is dedicated to the promotion of a learning environment that is conducive to the ongoing development of professional behaviors in students, faculty, staff, and administration and is one in which all individuals exhibit mutual respect. This includes facilitating the exposure of learners to aspects of quality and safety, cultural competence, and interprofessional collaborative practice.
Our learning environment is consistent with the Catholic Mission of Marian University and based upon the four Franciscan Values given to us by the Sisters of Saint Francis: Dignity of the Individual, Reconciliation, Responsible Stewardship, and Peace and Justice. In addition, the curriculum of MU-WCOM is based upon the articulated expectations and requirements of professional organizations, national licensure boards, and accrediting bodies. The faculty of MU-WCOM is committed to meeting these expectations and requirements while striving to not promote or endorse any personal view, opinion, or belief. Our guiding principles and practice can be found here.
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