Baptist University College of Osteopathic Medicine: A Comprehensive Overview
Baptist University College of Osteopathic Medicine (BUCOM) is a private medical school of Baptist Health Sciences University. At Baptist University, students acquire the skills and knowledge they need to learn, grow and succeed with a rewarding career in health care. The learning environment extends beyond the classroom to include experiences found in real-world health care settings throughout the Mid-South.
Foundation and Mission
BUCOM was founded in 2023 and launched in 2024. The Baptist Health Sciences University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine (BUCOM) is part of a 115-year history of education and health care in the Mid-South area. BUCOM aims to train future physicians and scientists who are committed to improving the health of the diverse populations in the Mid-South Region of Tennessee, Arkansas, and Mississippi with special emphasis on primary care in urban, underserved, and rural areas. With its launch in 2024, BUCOM provides an exemplary model of education that prepares physicians who integrate the art and science of healing with their faith, calling, and pursuit of excellence.
Osteopathic Medicine Approach
Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine, or DOs, bring a unique, patient-centered approach to every specialty across the full spectrum of medicine. DOs are trained to listen and partner with their patients to restore health and stay well. They treat the whole person, incorporating the latest science and technology with other treatment options, including biomechanical, pharmaceutical and surgical remedies, while leveraging the interrelated systems of the body. Throughout their four-year curriculum, DOs receive the broad training and exposure that prepares them to practice in a range of medical specialties, including primary care, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, emergency medicine, psychiatry and surgery. Nine Baptist Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine (BUCOM) students served as medical volunteers during the 40th anniversary celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day at the National Civil Rights Museum on Monday, Jan.
Clinical Partnership
Baptist Memorial Health Care (BMHC) is the clinical partner for BUCOM students and provides learning opportunities across their comprehensive network of 22 hospitals, cancer care network, fitness and rehabilitation centers, urgent care clinics, imaging centers, ambulatory services, and a large and diverse physician network.
Campus and Facilities
Baptist Health Sciences University of Osteopathic Medicine (BUCOM) is an urban campus with a multi-facility footprint of approximately 400,000 square feet spanning 21 acres located in the heart of the Memphis Medical District. In addition to the initial dedicated 97,000 square feet, BHSU has many other spaces on campus that can be utilized by the college of osteopathic medicine and its students. These spaces include on-site housing, fitness facilities and gymnasium, 900-space parking and a 240 seat auditorium. Two additional buildings on campus accommodate approximately 7,500 sq. ft.
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Location and Lifestyle
Memphis and the surrounding cities and communities provide a variety of lifestyle and living options to suit most any individual preferences.
Student Life
BUCOM is dedicated to offering a robust student life program that offers students the opportunity to engage in medical and non-medical focused clubs and interest groups. The goal is to be student-centered in a variety of diversity and wellness programming that focuses on the whole person - keeping in line with a holistic approach to admissions and student success.
Curriculum Overview
The curriculum at BUCOM is designed to provide a comprehensive and integrated medical education. The pre-clinical coursework is structured over the first two years (OMS-I and OMS-II) and focuses on foundational sciences, osteopathic principles, and clinical skills.
Pre-Clinical Coursework
The pre-clinical curriculum integrates active learning modalities with standardized patient interactions, simulation experiences, and interprofessional education, plastinated models, and virtual imaging technology. Hands-on training in clinical skills, biomedical sciences, and osteopathic manipulative medicine is taught by a diversely trained and experienced faculty with a focus on longitudinal research, nutrition, and exercise as medicine.
OMS-I Coursework
Fall Semester
- Integrated Sciences I
- Anatomy I
- Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine I
- Principles of Clinical Medicine I
- Physician Core Competencies I
- Research Principles I
- Special Topics I
Spring Semester
- Integrated Sciences II
- Anatomy II
- Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine II
- Principles of Clinical Medicine II
- Physician Core Competencies II
- Research Principles II
- Special Topics II
- Organ Systems I
- Neurological Science
- CV & Respiratory System
- GI System
OMS-II Coursework
Fall Semester
- Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine III
- Principles of Clinical Medicine III
- Physician Core Competencies III
- Research Principles III
- Special Topics III
- Organ Systems II
- Renal
- Reproductive
- Endocrine
- Hematology
Spring Semester
- Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine IV
- Principles of Clinical Medicine IV
- Physician Core Competencies IV
- Research Principles IV
- Special Topics IV
- Organ Systems III
- Rheumatology/Dermatology
- Behavioral
- Systems Integration
Special Topics Courses
Special Topics courses introduce unique yet vital complementary health care topics for students throughout their medical education. Highlighted in these courses are the topics of nutrition and exercise as medicine and BUCOM’s longitudinal ultrasound track.
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Admissions
BUCOM reviews completed applications on a continuous basis as they are made available by AACOMAS. A completed application includes a verified AACOMAS application with a MCAT score. Supplemental applications are offered to those who have demonstrated the best opportunity for success and are mission aligned. After review of the completed file and supplemental application, applicants are offered the opportunity to interview with BUCOM faculty. Applicants should submit the primary application once all required materials including, but not limited to, the AACOMAS primary application, letters of recommendation, and MCAT scores that are available. BUCOM evaluates applicants on academic success, noncognitive traits, as well as experiences outside the classroom.
Admission Requirements
- Required with Lab: 4 semester hours of an additional upper-level science course.
- Physician letter required?
- Virtual Shadowing Options?
- Accepts online coursework to fulfill prerequisite requirements?
- Accepts prerequisite coursework pass/fail grades?
- Will your institution waive MCAT exam requirements?
- Accepts online lab coursework? Online lab coursework is reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
- International Students Accepted?
- Supplemental Application Required?
Osteopathic Medical College (COM) applicants may be asked to submit necessary matriculation documents, including a deposit, according to the following AACOMAS traffic guideline schedule:
- Those accepted prior to November 15 to have until December 14.
- Those accepted between November 15 and January 14 to have 30 days.
- Those accepted between January 15 and April 30 to have 14 days.
- Those accepted on or after May 1 may be asked by the accepting COM for an immediate deposit.
- Avg. Cum.
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