Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine (ICOM) was founded in 2016, and its first class matriculated in August 2018. It is based in Meridian, Idaho, and is the only medical school in the state. ICOM was set up specifically to address Idaho's severe physician shortage, since the state consistently ranks among the lowest for physicians per head of population.
It sits in the Treasure Valley, one of the fastest-growing metro regions in the United States. Its focus is producing primary care physicians for Idaho and the wider rural Intermountain West.
What makes Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) different
Applications via AACOMAS. ICOM is the only medical school — MD or DO — in Idaho, giving it a critical workforce development mission that no other institution shares. Its Meridian location offers access to the rapidly growing Boise metro healthcare ecosystem while maintaining a focus on rural Idaho.
ICOM has active rural training tracks and community health partnerships across the state.
Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) course & teaching
Integrated curriculum. 4-year DO curriculum with OMM integrated throughout all years. Years 1–2 at the Meridian campus; Years 3–4 consist of clinical rotations at affiliated hospitals and rural practices across Idaho, Eastern Oregon, and the broader Intermountain West. Frontier medicine electives available.
Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) research strengths
Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) is strong in these research areas:
- Frontier and rural medicine
- Physician workforce development
- Osteopathic manipulative medicine
- Chronic disease in agricultural communities
How the Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) interview runs
Format: Traditional interview with faculty and students
ICOM conducts its interview day at its Meridian, Idaho campus in the Treasure Valley. The day includes two one-on-one interviews — one with a faculty physician and one with a current student — alongside campus tours and a Q&A with admissions staff.
As the only medical school in Idaho, ICOM interviewers specifically probe commitment to practicing in Idaho and the rural Intermountain West. Applicants should be prepared to discuss Idaho's physician shortage, rural primary care needs, and the unique health challenges of frontier medicine.
Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) intake
Approximately 162 students per year (COCA-approved capacity up to 220; recent classes 162–226).
Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) at a glance
Founded in 2016. Based in Meridian, ID.
Programmes offered:
- Primary Care
- Rural and Frontier Medicine
- Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine
- Family Medicine
- Internal Medicine