Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine/Southeast Health Campuses

The Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine (ACOM) at the Dothan Campus offers a comprehensive Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) program designed to train physicians who emphasize holistic patient care, preventive medicine, and musculoskeletal health. The curriculum spans four years, integrating foundational biomedical sciences with clinical training.

• First-Year Courses: Students begin with core biomedical sciences including Gross Anatomy, Histology, Biochemistry, Physiology, Microbiology, Immunology, and Pharmacology. These courses provide a strong foundation in human biology and disease processes, with a focus on osteopathic principles like the body's self-healing mechanisms.
• Second-Year Courses: Building on the first year, the curriculum advances to Pathology, Behavioral Medicine, Evidence-Based Medicine, and integrated systems-based courses such as Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Gastrointestinal, Renal, Endocrine, Reproductive, and Neurological Systems. Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) is woven throughout, teaching hands-on techniques to diagnose and treat somatic dysfunctions.
• Third-Year Clinical Rotations: Transitioning to clinical practice, students engage in core rotations in Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, Obstetrics/Gynecology, Psychiatry, and Emergency Medicine. These 40-week rotations occur in affiliated hospitals and clinics, including Southeast Health, providing real-world experience under supervision.
• Fourth-Year Electives and Rotations: The final year includes advanced electives in subspecialties like Dermatology, Radiology, Anesthesiology, and elective rotations in rural or underserved areas to fulfill ACOM's mission of addressing healthcare disparities in Alabama and the Southeast. Students also complete sub-internships and prepare for residency through COMLEX board preparation.

Throughout the program, interprofessional education collaborates with nursing and pharmacy students, emphasizing teamwork. ACOM's curriculum incorporates problem-based learning, simulations, and community outreach, fostering compassionate, patient-centered physicians. Research opportunities in osteopathic medicine and public health are available, with electives in global health and research methodologies. The program totals over 300 credit hours, culminating in the DO degree and eligibility for residency matching via the AOA or ACGME pathways. This rigorous training equips graduates to practice primary care or specialize, with a commitment to serving rural and medically underserved populations.