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2. Communication: Candidates and students must be able to communicate with patients and colleagues.
They should be able to hear, with or without a reasonable accommodation. Candidates and students must
be able to read English.
3. Motor: Candidates and students should have sufficient motor functions that enable them to execute
movements, with or without reasonable accommodation, which are reasonably required to provide
general care and emergency treatment of patients (i.e., palpation, auscultation, percussion, and other
diagnostic and therapeutic modalities). Examples of emergency treatment reasonably required of
osteopathic physicians include: cardiopulmonary resuscitation, administration of intravenous
medication, the application of pressure to stop bleeding, the opening of obstructed airways, the suturing
of simple wounds, and the performance of simple obstetrical maneuvers and osteopathic manipulation.
These actions require coordination of both gross and fine muscular movements, equilibrium and
functional use of the senses of touch and vision.
4. Intellectual, Conceptual, Integrative, and Quantitative Abilities: Students must demonstrate problem-
solving skills, which involve intellectual, conceptual, integrative and quantitative abilities. These
abilities include measurement, calculation, reasoning, analysis, and synthesis. Problem solving, the
critical intellectual skill demanded of a osteopathic physician, requires all of these intellectual abilities.
In addition, candidates and students should be able to comprehend three-dimensional relationships and
understand the spatial relationships of structures.
5. Behavioral and Social Attributes: Candidates and students must possess the emotional health required
for full utilization of the intellectual abilities, the exercise of good judgement, the prompt completion of
all responsibilities attendant to the assessment and care of patients, and the development of mature,
sensitive, and effective relationships with patients. Candidates and students must be able to tolerate
physically taxing workloads, adapt to changing environments, display flexibility, and learn to function in
the face of uncertainties inherent in the clinical problems of many patients. Compassion, integrity,
concern for others, interpersonal skills, interest, and motivation are all personal qualities to be assessed
during the admissions and educational processes.
The Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program, along with all other programs at Western University of
Health Sciences, shares a commitment to develop creative ways of opening the DO curriculum to
competitive, qualified individuals with disabilities. In doing so, however, the DO Degree Program must
maintain the integrity of its curriculum and preserve those elements deemed essential to educating
candidates to become effective osteopathic physicians.
ADMISSIONS POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
Western University/COMP accepts applications from all qualified candidates. More applications are
received from qualified candidates than can be admitted. While grades and Medical College Admission
Test (MCAT) scores are important in selecting candidates for admission and may suggest future academic
success, the Admissions Committee recognizes that these statistics, by themselves, do not guarantee later
success as a physician. Therefore, non-academic criteria are also important in making the selection. Western
University/COMP seeks a diverse and balanced student population and considers factors such as a well-
rounded background, work experiences, letters of recommendation, interest in and knowledge of
osteopathic medicine, and professional promise. To ascertain these factors, an on-campus interview is
required before acceptance is given. The College may exercise its discretion to rely upon additional
considerations. Western University/COMP is committed to admitting competitive, qualified individuals
with disabilities.
Early Admission Decision Program
Western University of Health Sciences/College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific is pleased to
offer an Early Admission Decision Program. Qualified applicants may take advantage of the Early
Admission Decision Program if they apply only to Western University/COMP and submit their application
to AACOMAS prior to June 15.
Highly qualified candidates who have a strong preference for Western University/COMP are eligible for
an early admission decision. Candidates must have a minimum science GPA of 3.30, a minimum overall
GPA of 3.30, and a minimum average MCAT score of 9. All prerequisite coursework must be completed at
the time of application. The AACOMAS application must be filed prior to June 15. The Western