Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine (ACOM), founded in 2010 and opened to its inaugural class in 2013, is a private osteopathic medical school located in Dothan, Alabama, serving the rural and underserved communities of the Southeast. ACOM was established to address the physician shortage across rural Alabama and the surrounding region, with a particular focus on primary care. The school operates in partnership with Southeast Health and provides students direct exposure to a high-volume regional health system.
What makes it different
Applications via AACOMAS. ACOM's tight integration with Southeast Health gives students early access to clinical environments in a high-need region. As a newer school, ACOM emphasizes its founding mission of rural Alabama physician workforce development, and students rotate through community health centers and rural hospitals across the state.
Course & teaching
Integrated curriculum. 4-year DO curriculum with OMM integrated throughout all four years. Years 1–2 focus on biomedical foundations and clinical skills with embedded osteopathic principles; Years 3–4 consist of core and elective clinical rotations at Southeast Health and affiliated community sites across Alabama.
Research strengths
Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) has notable research strength in Rural health, Primary care access, Osteopathic manipulative medicine, Chronic disease management.
Interview
Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) interviews via Traditional one-on-one or panel interview with faculty and/or student. ACOM typically conducts traditional faculty interviews at its Dothan, Alabama campus, lasting approximately 30–45 minutes per session. Interviews assess motivation for osteopathic medicine, understanding of OMM/OMT principles, and commitment to underserved rural communities in the Southeast. Post-interview, candidates can expect a rolling decision timeline of 4–8 weeks. The interview day includes campus tours and interaction with current students.
Intake
Approximately 200–210 students per year.
At a glance
Founded in 2010, based in Dothan, AL. Programmes offered: Primary Care, Family Medicine, Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine, Rural Health, Internal Medicine.
