The Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine shall offer the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree with the objectives of:
- Providing learners with a firm foundation in the medical sciences necessary for the acquisition of clinical competence;
- Providing learners with a broad exposure to and engagement in clinical practice that will prepare them for postdoctoral training and independent practice in osteopathic medicine;
- Fostering habits of lifelong learning;
- Promoting humanism in health care delivery and community service.
Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine (TCOM) curriculum is a four-year program leading to the degree of Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO). Emphasis is placed on the identification and treatment of illnesses, promotion of health and wellness in patients, and treatment of each patient in the context of the wide variety of factors that influence health.
TCOM’s curriculum is designed to help students integrate the basic and clinical sciences, further develop their ability to diagnose illness, and increase their understanding of the environment within which medicine is practiced. Instruction in the first two years is presented according to organ systems of the body. TCOM uses instruction based on clinical cases. Instructors employ an audience response system to quiz students on their understanding of diagnosis and pathophysiology in clinical cases. The instructional program contains computer-assisted instruction, small-group teaching, state-of-the-art robotic simulators, specialized workshops and simulated clinical experiences.
Evaluation of student performance is based on objective, structured clinical examinations, competency-based assessments, observational techniques and standard written tests.
Within the first two years of medical school, students perform early clinical experiences to help them become familiar with the many facets of community health care and the health problems that will play a role in their lives as health care providers. These assignments provide a gradual transition from classroom to clinical settings.
At the conclusion of the didactic phase of medical education (years 1 and 2), students will continue the clinical phase (years 3 and 4) of their medical education. Year 3 focuses on core rotations, in the following areas: Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine, Psychiatry, and Primary Care. Fourth year core rotations include Emergency Medicine, and Geriatrics. The fourth year provides elective rotations selected by the student to enable a full appreciation for the broad scope of clinical training opportunities available after graduation. Core rotations will be served at one of several clinical affiliates that are located either in Fort Worth or other sites around the State of Texas.