The Valley College of Osteopathic Medicine (Valley COM), located in Phoenix, Arizona, is one of the newest osteopathic medical schools in the United States, holding COCA pre-accreditation status with its inaugural class scheduled to begin in July 2026 (an inaugural class of approximately 90 students). Established to address Arizona's persistent physician shortage and serve the diverse population of the Phoenix metropolitan area, Valley COM trains DO physicians with an emphasis on community health, health equity, and service to underserved populations across the Southwest. The Phoenix setting provides access to highly diverse patient populations and a growing healthcare ecosystem.
What makes it different
AACOMAS application. Valley COM is the newest DO program in Arizona, focused on Phoenix's large, diverse population including the largest Hispanic/Latino metropolitan population in the US outside of California and Texas. Proximity to tribal nations and the Indian Health Service provides unique clinical training opportunities.
Course & teaching
Integrated curriculum. 4-year DO curriculum with OMM integrated throughout. Pre-clinical years in Phoenix; clinical rotations across the Phoenix metropolitan area and Arizona's diverse healthcare settings including tribal health, federally qualified health centers, and regional hospital systems.
Research strengths
Valley COM (DO) has notable research strength in Health equity, Community health, Hispanic and Latino health, Tribal health, Osteopathic manipulative medicine.
Interview
Valley COM (DO) interviews via Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI). Valley COM, as one of the newest osteopathic medical schools in the country, conducts traditional faculty interviews exploring motivation for DO medicine, commitment to Arizona's diverse and underserved communities, and readiness for a newer program. Interviewers assess osteopathic philosophy, interpersonal communication, and understanding of Phoenix's unique population health context including large Hispanic/Latino, Native American, and agricultural worker communities. Interview format details should be confirmed directly with admissions as the program is newly established.
Intake
Inaugural class of approximately 90 students begins July 2026 (planned to grow toward 180 in subsequent years).
At a glance
Founded in 2023, based in Phoenix, AZ. Programmes offered: Primary Care, Community Health, Family Medicine, Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine, Hispanic and Latino Health.
