Technically, ACOM is the academic division of SAMC (now known as Southeast Health). ACOM is pretty much working around the clock to get residencies started up there as well as expanding the clinical rotation catalogue. The clinical rotations are why I ended up choosing ACOM over my other acceptances. Two things will get you into a good residency: good board scores and solid clinical experiences during your clinical years. Board scores are 90% dependent on the individual student's effort. Clinical rotations, on the other hand, are mostly dependent on what the school you attend can offer you. ACOM is new, but it's clinical rotations are on another level. We just submitted our ranked list of clinical sites a couple weeks ago. You would think it was a mini-match since we had THIRTY core rotation sites we had to choose from, many of which are in very desirable locations (Birmingham, Huntsville, Mobile, Tallahassee, Panama City, Biloxi, Montgomery, etc.)
A lot of the hate that DO schools get is based around the fact that these schools pop up with makeshift clinical rotations and for not making serious attempts at increasing residency slots available (while simultaneously pumping out 150 graduates every year). Thankfully, ACOM has really taken the bull by the horns and I could tell as much when I interviewed here over two years ago. Bookmark my post and come back to it in 10 years, because I honestly think that ACOM is a sleeper that is going to break out pretty soon. Pretty much all of the gripes that people had when the school first opened are nearly gone (the 60% attendance policy is likely to gone in the next year, and Wolfpack is now optional), while the things the school has been praised for has continued to improve.
I have a few questions. Would you be wiling to answer them? Thanks!
