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Polk County doesn’t have enough doctors — but a new partnership between Florida Polytechnic University and Orlando College of Osteopathic Medicine (OCOM) aims to change that.
Why this matters
The two institutions have launched a fast-track program that lets students earn both Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degrees in six years.
Polk has less than half the state average for physicians, dentists and pediatricians.
Florida Poly and OCOM are seeking to bridge the gap by training more students to become DOs.
“With both institutions located in Central Florida, the program will naturally attract area students who are more likely to stay in practice in the region,” said Brad Thiessen, provost and vice president of academic affairs.
Dr. Robert Hasty, chief academic officer and dean at Orlando College of Osteopathic Medicine, speaks during the signing ceremony between OCOM and Florida Polytechnic University to create the 6-Year BS/DO program on Tuesday, July 22. | Courtesy of Florida Polytechnic University
What it takes to get in
Most medical school pathways take eight years. This one takes six.
Students spend two years in STEM coursework at Florida Poly and then start their professional medical training at OCOM.
The program will be limited to 20 students per year. It requires combined SAT scores of 1390 minimum, an ACT score of a minimum of 31, and a GPA score of at least 3.5. The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is not required to enter the program.
Dr. Thiessen notes that, “By providing a focused, accelerated pathway to a medical degree, the program will quickly and sustainably produce physicians ready to serve the community.”
What is osteopathic medicine?
Osteopathic medicine is a distinct branch of medical practice that emphasizes a holistic, “whole-person” approach to healthcare.
Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs) are fully licensed physicians.
The bigger vision
By combining STEM education with direct access to medical training, the university is reimagining how students move from the classroom to clinical care, the program’s organizers say.
“Our graduates can contribute broadly to many areas of the health care industry,” said Thiessen. “We look forward to exploring more ways our STEM curriculum and partnerships can help advance health care regionally, statewide and beyond.”
Insight Polk examines community conditions and solutions in six target areas from UCIndicators.org: economic & employment opportunity, education, housing, food security, transportation & infrastructure, and quality of life.
LkldNow’s Insight Polk independent reporting is made possible by the United Community Indicators Project with funding by GiveWell Community Foundation & United Way of Central Florida. All editorial decisions are made by LkldNow.
Kayla Borg is a Lakeland native and graduate of Western Carolina University, where she earned her degree in English and film production. She began her media career in Atlanta at CNN, quickly rising from production assistant editor to technical director/editor, leading live broadcasts alongside field reporters. Since then, she’s worked in education, instructional design and independent filmmaking.
