Liberty U

[Eremba]

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AACOMAS just released the official statement that liberty is now a new member college and will be accepting students for fall 2014.



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 22, 2013
Contact:Lindsey Jurd
Editor and Communications Associate
301-968-4152
[email protected]
AACOM Welcomes New Member College


The leadership and Board of Deans of the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) are pleased to welcome the Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine (LUCOM) as the association’s newest member college.

LUCOM will be housed in Liberty University’s planned Center for Medical and Health Sciences in Lynchburg, VA. With Founding Dean Ronnie B. Martin, DO, RPh, at the helm, the college will open its doors to its inaugural class of students in fall 2014. LUCOM is now available as an option for prospective students applying through AACOM’s centralized application service (AACOMAS) for fall 2014 entry into osteopathic medical school.

With the addition of LUCOM to AACOM’s membership, the United States is now home to 30 colleges of osteopathic medicine (COMs), with 38 locations in 28 states. Currently, more than 20 percent of the nation’s medical students are training to be osteopathic physicians (DOs).

"AACOM is proud to welcome the Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine to its membership. The expansion of osteopathic medical education in this country, particularly over the past decade, is truly astounding. With COM graduate numbers growing each year, osteopathic medicine is playing an increasingly important role in the nation’s health care workforce, ensuring that the physicians graduating from our schools are well-equipped to handle the current and future health care needs of the American public and capable of providing exceptional leadership in the evolving landscape of the United States health care system,” said Stephen C. Shannon, DO, MPH, AACOM President and CEO.

About AACOM

The American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) represents the nation’s 30 colleges of osteopathic medicine at 38 locations in 28 states. Today, more than 21,000 students are enrolled in osteopathic medical schools. One in five U.S. medical students is training to become an osteopathic physician.

AACOM was founded in 1898 to support and assist the nation's osteopathic medical schools, and to serve as a unifying voice for osteopathic medical education. AACOM’s mission is to promote excellence in osteopathic medical education, in research and in service, and to foster innovation and quality among osteopathic medical colleges to improve the health of the American public.

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American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine
5550 Friendship Boulevard, Suite 310, Chevy Chase, MD 20815-7231
P 301.968.4100 -- F 301.968.4101
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[Drrrrrr. Celty]

May god have mercy on us all....

 

[Jazzy G]

For how much uproar there is, they seem to have their act together for a new school. Not saying it is for everybody- but doesn't seem THAT bad.

 

[edgerock24]

For how much uproar there is, they seem to have their act together for a new school. Not saying it is for everybody- but doesn't seem THAT bad.

Yep. No matter what people think about LU, they will receive tons of applicants. And it would be a smarter choice to go here instead of settling for a Carib. school, if a student has a choice between the two.

 

[TriagePreMed]

What a disgrace.

 

[NontradCA]

Yep. No matter what people think about LU, they will receive tons of applicants.

Lol. You act like you're an investor. The school is out to make money, and you're just affirming that they'll do so as if that's some sort of accomplishment premeds should care about. And I'm not so sure it'd be better to go to LU over Caribbean, especially with what has gone on with the AOA and ACGME lately. I'd be wary of attending any unestablished school.

 

[touchpause13]

Here is the thing. In my mind there are 2 ways this could go. 1 it could be the total disgrace we all are worried about and then get shut down/lose its accreditation or 2 they could clean up their act and not have anything to do with jesus in their classes.

 

[kelminak]

Can someone explain to me what all the hatred is about? I know literally nothing about LU 🙂

 

[Jazzy G]

Can someone explain to me what all the hatred is about? I know literally nothing about LU 🙂

It's all associated with the undergrad program, and a strong emphasis on some very far right religious views and teachings.

 

[touchpause13]

It's all associated with the undergrad program, and a strong emphasis on some very far right religious views and teachings.

Extremist might b a better word. Young eatth creationism

 

[CooIBreeze]

Can someone explain to me what all the hatred is about? I know literally nothing about LU 🙂

Because Liberty is literally a church with accreditation.

 

[bionerd89]

I hope students that attend the school will not be influenced by all their religious theories....we don't need anymore crazy DO that make all other DO look bad...I'm surprised AOA is not worried how much this school and the DO they produce might affect the DO reputation.

 

[touchpause13]

I doubt people would go there if they werent already drinking the kool aid

 

[bionerd89]

I doubt people would go there if they werent already drinking the kool aid

I just hope the less informed pre-meds will do their research before accepting..

 

[Eremba]

i just hope the less informed pre-meds will do their research before accepting..

this!!

 

[Jumpstartmy5HT]

I honestly don't understand why this school is so controversial. I mean, Loma Linda exists, and they have lifestyle agreements that they want their students to sign. They don't exclusively accept students who share their religious worldviews.

 

[TriagePreMed]

It's all associated with the undergrad program, and a strong emphasis on some very far right religious views and teachings.

Not its undergrad. Their entire science department including any graduate level science degrees. They focus on far-right young earth creationism and even go as far as having an exhibit of people and dinosaurs living alongside.

 

[pattr]

I honestly don't understand why this school is so controversial. I mean, Loma Linda exists, and they have lifestyle agreements that they want their students to sign. They don't exclusively accept students who share their religious worldviews.

I agree with you. 👍

 

[Major]

Most of you are too young to know this but a school called Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma did the same thing as LU is doing now back in the 70's. Very similar schools in evangelical teachings and such but ORU, I believe established a MD school.

The med school offered free tuition to its med students if they committed several years in community medicine in the Caribbean and other countries.

The school lasted some time but due to bad financial decisions at the head of the University, the med school shut down in the late 1980's.

I have a family member that did their residency at Vanderbilt alongside an ORU Medical graduate. He was top of the program apparently. Lol

So anyways, not that I agree w/ the teachings of evangelical schools in the science dept., but lets hold off judgement until we see some data come out of the school then decide whether or not to go after it. LoL

 

[edgerock24]

I honestly don't understand why this school is so controversial. I mean, Loma Linda exists, and they have lifestyle agreements that they want their students to sign. They don't exclusively accept students who share their religious worldviews.

Agree. People just like to complain and be negative. Its easier to criticize than to do anything else. Graduates from this school will receive a DO degree. The medical school will not be teaching young earth creationism (it has to adhere to a proper approved curriculum to maintain its accreditation). I'm not saying LU is the best school in the world, but at least you won't be graduating as an IMG.

 

[GypsyHummus]

I honestly don't understand why this school is so controversial. I mean, Loma Linda exists, and they have lifestyle agreements that they want their students to sign. They don't exclusively accept students who share their religious worldviews.

100% agree. People are way too fussy on this forum.

And for people heralding that their stats will be super low, look at Marian University. 3.6 GPA and 26 MCAT averages. You can be a Christen University and still have awesome academics. Look at Notre Dame.

 

[cyaneidae]

And for people heralding that their stats will be super low, look at Marian University. 3.6 GPA and 26 MCAT averages. You can be a Christian University and still have awesome academics. Look at Notre Dame.

Thissssss. Although both of those schools aren't as extreme on religion as Liberty, from my understanding. For example, it's not like Notre Dame is teaching creationism as a science (you may get people who believe in creationism, but no professor will teach it as true whether the class is evolution or theology).

I went to a deeply religious university as a biology major and didn't feel like the religious aspects negatively affected my science learning/education at all. The science program at said university was super-strong, in fact. However, my school was not as extreme as LU in terms of religion, so...

 

[ZezKaiEll]

Unfortunately, Liberty's reputation is far worse than the schools it is being compared to.

 

[kami333]

Thissssss. Although both of those schools aren't as extreme on religion as Liberty, from my understanding. For example, it's not like Notre Dame is teaching creationism as a science (you may get people who believe in creationism, but no professor will teach it as true whether the class is evolution or theology).

I went to a deeply religious university as a biology major and didn't feel like the religious aspects negatively affected my science learning/education at all. The science program at said university was super-strong, in fact. However, my school was not as extreme as LU in terms of religion, so...

It's not just Creationism, it's Young Earth Creationism.

As in the the Earth is literally 6000 years old.

 

[cyaneidae]

It's not just Creationism, it's Young Earth Creationism.

As in the the Earth is literally 6000 years old.

Oh yikes. :/ I would be interested to see an overview of LU's med curriculum and if that's in there somewhere.

 

[UMU1030]

I would have a personal problem applying to this school not because of the religious stance of the undergrad program, but because the school's start up funding came from the Virginia Tobacco Commission. Talk about starting a school with dirty money. Can't get much more hypocritical considering the public health hazards associated with tobacco smoking.

 

[Temperature101]

Not its undergrad. Their entire science department including any graduate level science degrees. They focus on far-right young earth creationism and even go as far as having an exhibit of people and dinosaurs living alongside.

Do they really do that?

 

[touchpause13]

Do they really do that?

They have a whole museum dude

 

[deleted480308]

I'm applying this cycle.....the more seats the merrier as far as I'm concerned

 

[GypsyHummus]

I would have a personal problem applying to this school not because of the religious stance of the undergrad program, but because the school's start up funding came from the Virginia Tobacco Commission. Talk about starting a school with dirty money. Can't get much more hypocritical considering the public health hazards associated with tobacco smoking.

This is what bothers me the most. Who cares if they believe that humans and dinosaurs lived together. Dude, that would be kinda sweet, who wouldn't want to ride a velociraptor to work.

 

[darklabel]

I'm applying this cycle.....the more seats the merrier as far as I'm concerned

Come match time, you be singing a different tune with the rapid increase of medical seats.

But thats an issue that extends farther than just LU's opening.

 

[Eremba]

This is what bothers me the most. Who cares if they believe that humans and dinosaurs lived together. Dude, that would be kinda sweet, who wouldn't want to ride a velociraptor to work.

Haha love this.

 

[user3]

Come match time, you be singing a different tune with the rapid increase of medical seats.

But thats an issue that extends farther than just LU's opening.

yea... unfortunately this will hurt all DO students, from schools like MSU and LUCOM alike.

 

[darklabel]

yea... unfortunately this will hurt all DO students, from schools like MSU and LUCOM alike.

Yeah, as selfish as it is I was really hoping they would accept applications next year so I wouldn't have to compete with ~160 new students in the match and I highly doubt LU is bringing anything worthwhile when it comes to residencies.

 

[deleted480308]

Come match time, you be singing a different tune with the rapid increase of medical seats.
.

Getting in to med school erases my subpar grades from 10yrs ago that are weighing me down now. I earned my prereq grades and my mcat while working a fulltime job to compete against people who weren't. Once I'm in it's all a clean slate and I don't have to work a job. If i'm not hindered by having to work, I will absolutely be crushing it. And if as a US grad I can't earn an FM spot, I don't deserve one

 

[pattr]

I would have a personal problem applying to this school not because of the religious stance of the undergrad program, but because the school's start up funding came from the Virginia Tobacco Commission. Talk about starting a school with dirty money. Can't get much more hypocritical considering the public health hazards associated with tobacco smoking.

This is what bothers me the most. Who cares if they believe that humans and dinosaurs lived together. Dude, that would be kinda sweet, who wouldn't want to ride a velociraptor to work.

This has been discussed before: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=879248

Try doing a little research instead of just having a knee-jerk reaction--the Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission is a commission founded to distribute money that the state recieved in a $206 billion settlement with the four largest tobacco companies to pay for treatment of tobacco-related disease. AFAIK, the tobacco industry has no say in how the money is spent.

The question of whether Liberty University should have a medical school is another question entirely.

[Edit]: Sorry, I just saw that someone had to point out the distinction between tobacco companies and tobacco commission. The tobacco commission was formed as a result of an enormous settlement as stated. They also provide a lot of scholarship money for the dependents (even down to great grandchildren) of tobacco farmers. The commission IS NOT influenced by tobacco companies... it's just money that was set aside into trust to fund betterment of the Appalachian region.

 

[UMU1030]

This has been discussed before: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=879248

Thanks for this. I was indeed uninformed.

 

[csx]

May god have mercy on us all....

Whats the big fuss? Who cares if they believe in that stuff...as long as you get the education you need....or am I missing something??

This is what bothers me the most. Who cares if they believe that humans and dinosaurs lived together. Dude, that would be kinda sweet, who wouldn't want to ride a velociraptor to work.

this.

Come match time, you be singing a different tune with the rapid increase of medical seats.

But thats an issue that extends farther than just LU's opening.

To clarify, your concerned about increased competitiveness from additional students or that LU students won't match?

 

[verynice]

Yayyy! I am very excite! 😀

 

[darklabel]

To clarify, your concerned about increased competitiveness from additional students or that LU students won't match?

Both. Selfishly, I'd prefer less people gunnin what I'm currently interested in.

Unselfishly, the idea of LU or any DO students having to worry about the possibility of not matching is scary (assuming you did well/at least average). Also, down the road a rapid inc. of schools without regard is a recipe for disaster.

Remember that nursing shortage? My friend, who graduated from a failry decent state school is having trouble finding work (even if it is in a big city) so I take with a grain a salt that our "physician shortage" is as bad as they make it seem...

 

[FuzzyMemory]

As much as I'd like to increase my chances of making into a med school next year, I can't see myself applying to this school simply because of this statement on their webpage:

"Each applicant’s personal values should be compatible with the Christian mission and environment of Liberty University."

Which I find to be vaguely defined and raises a slew of questions regarding whether students with a christian faith would be preferred above all others. Also, they're the only school that recommends students to take additional courses in theology, among others which I am concerned would be used to judge the quality of their applicants while having nothing to do with the practice of osteopathic medicine.

 

[darklabel]

Looks like you'll still need Biochem Lab or Cell Bio lab

http://www.liberty.edu/lucom/index.cfm?PID=27880

And right now they're going for an avg of 3.4sci, 3.5 cum and 25MCAT. I think thats reasonable.

 

[pattr]

As much as I'd like to increase my chances of making into a med school next year, I can't see myself applying to this school simply because of this statement on their webpage:

"Each applicant’s personal values should be compatible with the Christian mission and environment of Liberty University."

Which I find to be vaguely defined and raises a slew of questions regarding whether students with a christian faith would be preferred above all others. Also, they're the only school that recommends students to take additional courses in theology, among others which I am concerned would be used to judge the quality of their applicants while having nothing to do with the practice of osteopathic medicine.

Again, this is no different than Loma Linda, which also requires its medical students to take classes in Religion during the first two years of school (http://www.llu.edu/assets/medicine/education/curriculum/Curriculum-Content-Freshman-Year.pdf):

The School of Medicine is owned and operated by the Seventh-day Adventist Church; therefore, preference for admission is given to members of the Church. However, it is a firm policy of the Admissions Committee to admit each year a number of non Seventh-day Adventist applicants who have demonstrated a commitment to Christian principles and are best suited to meet the educational goals of the School. No candidate is accepted on the basis of religious affiliation alone.

(http://www.llu.edu/medicine/admissions/selection-factors.page?)

If you don't want to apply based on principle that's fine and totally your decision... but other people will.

 

[Postictal Raiden]

With this new addition, how many DO graduate will we have in 2018?

 

[NurWollen]

I thought some people might find this interesting, from the new LUCOM page of the CIB:

Liberty University does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, sex, gender, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin, age or disability in the recruiting and selection of students for admission.

LUCOM seeks to recruit and admit students from Virginia and the surrounding regions who are committed to serving the rural and medically underserved areas of the state and region. All qualified applicants are considered for admis- sion. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or hold a Permanent Resident Visa.
Admission to LUCOM is competitive, selective and designed to advance LUCOM’s mission and vision. Any undergraduate major is acceptable as long as prerequisites are completed and taken for credit at an accredited college or university.

Here's the link: http://www.aacom.org/about/colleges/Documents/2014 CIB Supplement-Liberty.pdf

 

[touchpause13]

I thought some people might find this interesting, from the new LUCOM page of the CIB:



Here's the link: http://www.aacom.org/about/colleges/Documents/2014 CIB Supplement-Liberty.pdf

I call bull****. Cusom doesnt even cover sexual orientation

 

[fzwarrior]

Both. Selfishly, I'd prefer less people gunnin what I'm currently interested in.

Unselfishly, the idea of LU or any DO students having to worry about the possibility of not matching is scary (assuming you did well/at least average). Also, down the road a rapid inc. of schools without regard is a recipe for disaster.

Remember that nursing shortage? My friend, who graduated from a failry decent state school is having trouble finding work (even if it is in a big city) so I take with a grain a salt that our "physician shortage" is as bad as they make it seem...[/QUOTE=darklabel;14386009]

Not only nurses but pharmacists, optometrists and lawyers too. All these fields were predicted to be in short supply and now jobs are getting scary hard to find. Lawyers probably have it the worse. Just google "lawyer oversupply" for some interesting reads. In Michigan there are now 7 medical schools, 6 MD and 1 DO! Central Michigan just opened a new MD school which is scheduled to open this year.

 

[deleted480308]

I call bull****. Cusom doesnt even cover sexual orientation

Yeah, as probably one of the most "old school" protestant religous christians on SDN, I think it's probably fair to say that even if there are some intentional efforts to be "blind" towards lifestyle portions of applications that the religious schools (loma linda, cusom, william carey, liberty, marian?) probably present a slightly higher hurdle for lgbt applicants or active athiest/muslim/hindu applicants.

 

[deleted480308]

Not only nurses but pharmacists, optometrists and lawyers too. All these fields were predicted to be in short supply and now jobs are getting scary hard to find. Lawyers probably have it the worse. Just google "lawyer oversupply" for some interesting reads. In Michigan there are now 7 medical schools, 6 MD and 1 DO! Central Michigan just opened a new MD school which is scheduled to open this year.

I thought about law school a few years ago when I decided I needed a change and googled that....found out avg law salary post graduation is on par with public school teachers an they work more hours with no pension......bump that

 

[touchpause13]

Yeah, as probably one of the most "old school" protestant religous christians on SDN, I think it's probably fair to say that even if there are some intentional efforts to be "blind" towards lifestyle portions of applications that the religious schools (loma linda, cusom, william carey, liberty, marian?) probably present a slightly higher hurdle for lgbt applicants or active athiest/muslim/hindu applicants.

I think marian is more liberal. And yah I'm really screwed as an lgbt atheist 🙁