Built on 45 years of
academic excellence
Connects mental and physical
health to overall well-being
Hundreds of clinical rotation
placements around the U.S.
Write the Next Chapter of Integrated Medicine at IllinoisCOM
The Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) program at The Chicago School's Illinois College of Osteopathic Medicine is a rigorous exploration of medicine that produces exceptional physicians who possess the technical and practical skills needed to provide truly comprehensive, patient-centered care in areas across medicine.
Our program places a strong emphasis on patient-centered care and the development of medical decision-making skills required for osteopathic physicians, including preventive medicine, social determinants of wellness, osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM), and much more.
DO Program 
Preceptors
Curriculum at IllinoisCOM
Mind and Body Medicine
The link between mental and physical health cannot be ignored.
Through our DO degree program in Chicago, Illinois, you will learn side by side with future psychologists and behavioral health professionals. Including shared patient-based experiences and cocurricular opportunities, this interprofessional approach integrates traditional osteopathic medicine with advanced skills in mental health that have far-reaching benefits to your career in medicine and the patients you will serve.
Underpinning this endeavor is the Mind and Medicine course series developed in collaboration with our Psychology program faculty. Mind and Medicine courses focus on the integration of mental and physical health, addressing such topics as:
- Behavioral influences on chronic illnesses
- Mental health screening and assessment in primary care settings
- Strategies for managing complex cases involving psychosocial factors
- Prioritization of student well-being, with a focus on mental health, resilience, and personal wellness
Further emphasis is placed on this important connection during clinical rotations, where IllinoisCOM students are required to complete at least two rotations focused on mental and behavioral health.
Modern Medicine Competencies
Our DO program curriculum is designed from the ground up to align with updated medical school competencies established by the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM), Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), and Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), ensuring students develop into well-rounded professionals trained to the most up-to-date competencies developed for medical education.
Medical Preparation and Training
Licensure Exams
IllinoisCOM’s DO program is designed specifically to prepare students for success on their licensure examinations, namely the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination of the United States (COMLEX-USA). The curriculum at IllinoisCOM has been developed to integrate content, assessments and experiences designed to support students toward licensure success.
While osteopathic students are not required to pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE), many students may choose to sit for these exams. Our curriculum and resources support their efforts in successful completion of the USMLE licensure exams.
Graduate Medical Education
Quality Graduate Medical Education (GME) opportunities are essential to our graduates’ continuing osteopathic medical education. To support their continued learning, IllinoisCOM has established partnerships with hospitals, community organizations, and other healthcare institutions around the nation to strengthen existing and develop new residency programs for our students.
Clinical Rotations
With The Chicago School’s robust network of educational and professional partnerships, IllinoisCOM osteopathic medicine students have access to hundreds of clinical rotation opportunities in major metropolitan areas around the country, including Chicago, Southern California, North Texas, and the Washington, D.C. Metro Area.
Clinical Rotation Opportunities* in:
Chicago
Metro ARea
Dallas
Metro Area
Southern
California
Washington, d.c.
metro area
* Clinical rotation opportunities per region may vary.
Osteopathic Medicine Career Opportunities
In the United States, Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs) are licensed and privileged to practice medicine and surgery in all 50 states. They are the only other degree in the U.S., besides a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree, to possess this distinction.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 4% annual growth in physician employment by 2033, with particularly strong demand in rural and underserved urban areas. By 2030, DOs are projected to represent more than 20% of all U.S. physicians.
The integration of mental health expertise in our curriculum addresses another critical shortage area, making IllinoisCOM graduates even more competitive in the job market.
Additional DO Program Information
Student Health
Healthy communities begin with healthy physicians. IllinoisCOM provides ample support services so our osteopathic medicine students can focus on growing personally, academically, and professionally while avoiding burnout during the intense experience of attending medical school.
Resources include counseling and mental health support through the Office of Counseling Services, personal financial aid advisors, career counseling with the Office of Graduate Medical Education and Residency Advising, tutoring and dedicated IllinoisCOM Learning Specialists from the Office of Student Writing and Learning, and much more.
Accreditation
Illinois College of Osteopathic Medicine’s DO program has been granted pre-accreditation status from the American Osteopathic Association’s Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA). Visit our accreditation page to read the full statement regarding IllinoisCOM’s accreditation status.
Financing Your Education
The Chicago School is dedicated to keeping our academic programs accessible to anyone, regardless of financial status. In addition to the scholarships that may be available, our Financial Aid Department will provide you with information to determine what financial arrangements are right for you.
Tuition and Fees
Find out more about the cost of an IllinoisCOM education at our tuition and fees page.
Program Handbook
Our Program Handbook contains course offerings, policies, procedures, and other important information about our institution and programs.
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