As a current OMS1 at MU-COM I would like to specifically address the Catholic aspect of the university and how it impacts the medical school itself. Currently on the website, the mission statement of the COM states:
"The Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine
is a Catholic medical institution built on the inspired vision and values of our Franciscan heritage, and dedicated to preparing osteopathic physicians who are committed to the complete healing of individuals’ bodies, minds, and spirits. This institution is committed to serving the people of Indiana and to developing osteopathic physicians through research, service, and teaching."
http://www.marian.edu/osteopathic-medical-school/about/mission
The addition of these 5 very important words seems to have occurred in the time between when I was accepted to the COM and when I looked at it recently after we were given a 90 minute lecture specifically on Catholic medical ethics that was a part of our curriculum for the Introduction to Clinical Medicine course, was required for us to attend and we have confirmed with the course directors is testable material. There are other options for us to learn about non-Christian and non-Catholic Christian medical ethics but these are not a part of the curriculum, attendance is not required and we will not be tested on the material.
When I applied and was ultimately accepted at MU-COM, it was emphasized by faculty and admissions staff that Marian is a Catholic university with a medical school built on the Franciscan heritage, NOT a Catholic medical school. It is unclear right now when or how this change came about but there is quite a lot of dissent within the first year class after this lecture about whether or not we currently attend a Catholic medical school even though we were assured that it was not a Catholic medical school. I would not have enrolled at MU-COM if I knew this was a Catholic medical school. My personal religious affiliation is irrelevant because Catholic or not, I want to be able to learn all aspects of the medical profession and how to become a competent physician without restrictions imposed by Catholic doctrine. Examples of some topics covered in the recent Clinical Medicine lecture included:
The Church's view on pregnancy resulting from sexual assault.
The Church's view on assisted reproduction (IVF).
The Church's view on contraception.
The Church's view on euthanasia.
The Church's view on abortion.
The Church's view on organ transplantation.
The Church's view on the procreative nature of sexual intercourse.
While I believe there is strength in being familiar with ethics as they relate to religious beliefs, the material was not presented in a way that would be useful to us as physicians; rather, it was essentially a listing of the Church's belief on XYZ and that these are not permissible treatment options (according to the Church for patients who are Catholic).
Needless to say, the current first year class has started to look into the issue of whether or not we are attending a Catholic medical school. I am not yet sure how this would impact our rotations but two of our biggest local affiliations are St. Vincent's and St. Francis. In theory, that fact alone could impact what we would learn or experience during a rotation, especially during an OBGYN rotation.
I am happy to answer any further questions you have related to this issue and will keep you updated on any new information that we hear from inside of the COM.
Also I hate that I'm just going to answer your question with regards to homosexuality/LGBTQ acceptance here at the COM so briefly but THANKFULLY I can very simply say that yes, you are MORE THAN WELCOME at this institution. Our student body has some stand alone issues but I am proud and happy to report that I have not heard of any discrimination against our LGBTQ students or faculty. Equal rights and love for all! <3
, but don't lose hope. Can't let one rejection get you down. Many others didn't even make it to the interviews. Be thankful for the opportunity and use this as a learning experience. If you are truly moved by the rejection, then use that emotion towards your next interview. I believe in you!
