CHICAGO, Oct., 30, 2024 – The Chicago School’s proposed Illinois College of Osteopathic Medicine (IllinoisCOM) has joined a pilot program offered by the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) to support its progress through the accreditation process.
As part of the program, AACOM will provide the proposed IllinoisCOM access to its comprehensive resources, information and subject matter experts, while the college will evaluate AACOM’s existing services, identify new needs, and collaborate on planning.
“Joining this collaborative pilot program is another milestone in our plan to launch a new world-class college of osteopathic medicine in Chicago, which will fill a critical need in providing care to underserved communities across the country,” said Dr. Michele Nealon, president of The Chicago School. “Access to AACOM’s critical resources and expertise will be valuable to the proposed IllinoisCOM as it prepares to welcome student doctors and enhance the future healthcare workforce in Illinois and beyond.”
Building on The Chicago School’s commitment to advance the connection between mental and physical health, the proposed IllinoisCOM will integrate mental health education throughout its curriculum and training, supporting comprehensive wellness for both patients and future physicians. The college’s innovative approach to learning will also harness artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies to improve training for the next generation of doctors, providing them with significant hands-on experience before they interact with patients.
“We are excited to collaborate with AACOM in shaping the future of osteopathic medical education through this new pilot program,” said John Lucas, DO, Founding Dean and Chief Academic Officer at the proposed IllinoisCOM. “This partnership will undoubtedly help the proposed IllinoisCOM advance our mission to train compassionate, highly skilled physicians.”
In addition to the proposed IllinoisCOM, The University of Northern Colorado College of Osteopathic Medicine (UNC COM) will participate in the AACOM pilot, which will enable both institutions to begin testing the services immediately.
“AACOM is committed to ensuring that all colleges of osteopathic medicine achieving candidate status with the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA) have the tools and support necessary to successfully educate the next generation of DOs,” said Robert A. Cain, DO, AACOM president and CEO. “We are especially grateful to the proposed IllinoisCOM and UNC COM for their collaboration in helping us expand and refine these essential services for developing COMs.”
The Chicago School is a proud member of The Community Solution Education System, the nation’s only fully integrated private, nonprofit higher education system. The proposed IllinoisCOM will be The Community Solution’s second college of osteopathic medicine, a reflection of its focus on preparing professionals who will go on to enhance community well-being, with a particular focus on the interconnectedness of physical and mental health.
“An important strength of The Community Solution Education System is the powerful, collaborative relationships we’ve established over the years throughout the higher education sector,” said Michael Horowitz, chancellor of The Community Solution Education System. “This partnership is another example of that, and a model that will benefit countless COMs to come.”
About The Chicago School
For 45 years, The Chicago School has been a leading nonprofit university dedicated to training professionals for careers that improve the health of individuals, organizations, and communities. By combining education, innovation, community, and impact, The Chicago School approach provides students a practical and solutions-oriented education in an array of academic programs across psychology, health, business, counseling, and behavioral sciences. With more than 6,000 students and locations in Chicago, Dallas, Southern California, and Washington, D.C., the university’s extensive network of community partnerships provides applicable training and networking opportunities.
The Chicago School is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission. To learn more, visit www.thechicagoschool.edu. The Chicago School is a proud member of The Community Solution, the nation’s only fully integrated private, nonprofit higher education system.
About The Community Solution Education System
The Community Solution Education System is an integrated, nonprofit system of colleges and universities that work collaboratively to advance institutional sustainability, student success, and community impact. Founded in 2009 as TCS Education System, The Community Solution has grown to encompass six distinct communities — The Chicago School, Pacific Oaks College & Children’s School, The Colleges of Law, Saybrook University, Kansas Health Science Center – Kansas College of Osteopathic Medicine, and University of Western States. The Community Solution utilizes strategic partnerships to foster economies of scale, academic innovation, risk mitigation, and resourceful business solutions to maximize students’ educational experiences. To learn more, visit www.tcsedsystem.edu.