Orlando College of Osteopathic Medicine (Orlando COM) is one of the newest osteopathic medical schools in the United States, opening its inaugural class in August 2024 in Winter Garden, Florida (the Horizon West area of Orange County) within the greater Orlando healthcare corridor. The school was established to address Florida's growing physician shortage and Central Florida's rapid population growth. As an independent private institution, Orlando COM has a strong community health mission and has built clinical partnerships with Orlando-area health systems.
What makes it different
Applications via AACOMAS. Orlando COM is among the most recently established DO schools in the US, opening its inaugural class of 97 students in August 2024, offering applicants the chance to join an early class in a developing institution. Central Florida's enormous and diverse population base — including large Hispanic and immigrant communities — provides a rich community health training environment. Being a newer school means applicants should carefully research COCA accreditation status and clinical rotation infrastructure.
Course & teaching
Integrated curriculum. 4-year DO curriculum with OMM integrated throughout. As a new school, Orlando COM has developed clinical partnerships with regional health systems in the Orlando area for Years 3–4 rotations. Years 1–2 focus on foundational biomedical sciences with early clinical integration. The school is building its clinical affiliate network and students should review rotation placement processes carefully.
Research strengths
Orlando COM (DO) has notable research strength in Community health, Osteopathic manipulative medicine, Primary care, Health disparities in Florida.
Interview
Orlando COM (DO) interviews via Traditional faculty and student panel interview. Orlando COM conducts traditional interviews at its Winter Garden, Florida campus, typically pairing a faculty/clinician session with a student panel segment, each approximately 30 minutes. The interview day includes a campus orientation, program overview, and financial aid discussion. Questions focus on the applicant's osteopathic philosophy, understanding of Central Florida's healthcare landscape, commitment to community health, and readiness for a newer institution. Applicants should be prepared to articulate why they are drawn to a young, community-focused DO school.
Intake
Approximately 100–130 students per year (newer school, class sizes growing).
At a glance
Founded in 2024, based in Winter Garden, FL. Programmes offered: Primary Care, Community Medicine, Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine, Internal Medicine, Emergency Medicine.