At Still University School Of Osteopathic Medicine In Arizona
At Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona (ATSU-SOMA) is a leading medical school that is committed to training future physicians to become leaders in the healthcare industry. The school is located in Mesa, Arizona, and was established in 2007 with the goal of addressing the shortage of primary care physicians in the United States. The school follows an innovative curriculum that emphasizes hands-on learning, community service, and patient-centered care.
History of ATSU-SOMA
ATSU-SOMA is a branch of A.T. Still University, which was founded in 1892 by Dr. Andrew Taylor Still, who is considered the father of osteopathic medicine. Dr. Still believed in a holistic approach to healthcare that focused on the body's ability to heal itself. He also believed in treating the whole person, not just the symptoms of a disease. The principles of osteopathic medicine that Dr. Still established over a century ago continue to guide the curriculum at ATSU-SOMA today.
The idea for ATSU-SOMA was born out of a need for more primary care physicians in the United States. In 2005, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation published a report that highlighted the shortage of primary care physicians in the country. The report recommended increasing the number of medical schools that focused on primary care, and ATSU-SOMA was established in response to this recommendation.
The Curriculum
The curriculum at ATSU-SOMA is designed to prepare students to become primary care physicians who are equipped to meet the healthcare needs of underserved communities. The curriculum is divided into two phases: the pre-clinical phase and the clinical phase.
The pre-clinical phase focuses on the basic sciences, including anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning and small group discussions. Students also participate in community service projects during this phase to develop their communication and leadership skills.
The clinical phase begins in the second year and focuses on clinical skills, patient care, and the application of the basic sciences to clinical practice. Students have the opportunity to work with patients in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and community health centers. The clinical phase also includes rotations in different specialties, such as internal medicine, pediatrics, and obstetrics and gynecology.
Admissions Requirements
Admission to ATSU-SOMA is highly competitive. The school looks for applicants who have a strong academic record, a commitment to community service, and a passion for primary care. The admissions committee also considers the applicant's personal qualities, such as empathy, compassion, and a desire to help others.
The following are the admissions requirements for ATSU-SOMA:
- A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
- A minimum GPA of 3.0
- A minimum MCAT score of 500
- Letters of recommendation from professors, healthcare professionals, or community leaders
- A personal statement that explains the applicant's motivation for pursuing a career in medicine
Student Life
ATSU-SOMA has a vibrant student community that is committed to making a difference in the world. Students participate in a variety of extracurricular activities, including student government, community service projects, and social events. The school also has several student organizations that focus on different specialties, such as the Internal Medicine Club and the Pediatrics Club.
ATSU-SOMA also provides students with opportunities for research and scholarship. The school has a research department that supports faculty and student research projects. Students can also participate in summer research programs and present their findings at national conferences.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of ATSU-SOMA are well-equipped to pursue careers in primary care medicine. The school's emphasis on community service and patient-centered care prepares students to work with underserved populations and to address the healthcare needs of their communities.
Graduates of ATSU-SOMA have a high rate of success in securing residencies in primary care specialties, such as family medicine, internal medicine, and pediatrics. They also have the option to pursue fellowships in specialties such as cardiology, gastroenterology, and oncology.
Conclusion
ATSU-SOMA is a leading medical school that is committed to training future physicians to become leaders in the healthcare industry. The school's emphasis on primary care, community service, and patient-centered care prepares students to address the healthcare needs of underserved populations. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning and small group discussions, and students have the opportunity to work with patients in a variety of settings. Graduates of ATSU-SOMA are well-equipped to pursue careers in primary care medicine and to make a difference in the world.
