Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine (RVUCOM) is an osteopathic medicine school located in Parker, Colorado near Denver. The school is currently in the process of admitting its first class of medical students who will begin classes in the Fall of 2008.

[edit] For-profit status

The accredidation of RVUCOM generated some controversy before the school held its first class. Like all osteopathic medical schools, RVUCOM is accredited by a board of the American Osteopathic Association (AOA). Unlike the other 28 osteopathic and 126 allopathic medical colleges in the U.S., RVUCOM is organized as a for-profit corporation.[1] Critics claimed the AOA's approval of a for-profit school "erodes creditability" of osteopathic medical schools, especially in comparison to their allopathic counterparts. [2] The Liaison Committee on Medical Education, which accredits the M.D.-granting (allopathic) U.S. medical schools, has banned for-profit schools.[3] School officials insist the for-profit status of the school will not compromise the integrity of its educational mission.[4] AOA president Peter Ajluni responded, "there are many socially minded for-profit companies that contribute time, resources, and profits to their communities" and "for-profit institutions like RVUCOM can further the cause of osteopathic medicine in the United States."[5]

[edit] References

1. ^ Croasdale, Myrle. First for-profit med school nears approval. American Medical News. 1 Oct 2007.
2. ^ Mychaskiw G. COM Accreditation: the Flexner Report revisited. J Am Osteopath Assoc. 2007 Jul;107(7):246-7; 277. PMID: 17682109
3. ^ Mychaskiw G. Future of DO. powerpoint presentation. accessed 7 Nov 2007.
4. ^ Martin RB. RVUCOM: Striving to Meet the Needs of the Osteopathic Medical Profession J Am Osteopath Assoc. 2007 Oct;107(10):426-8. PMID: 17956994
5. ^ Ajluni PB. Nonprofit and For-Profit COMs: Investing in the Future of Osteopathic Medicine. J Am Osteopath Assoc. 2007 Oct;107(10):425-6. PMID: 17956993