45
Motor
: Candidates and students should have sufficient motor functions to enable them to execute
movements (with or without reasonable accommodations) 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.
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 an 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.
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 prior to action on an application. 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 COMP 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 ACOMAS 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
University/COMP supplementary application and all supporting documents must be filed prior to August 1.
Interviews and decisions are granted August through September. If you apply as an Early Admission
Decision candidate, you must apply only to Western University/COMP. For further information, and to
request an Early Admission Decision Program application form, contact the Admissions Office at (909)
469-5335, or write to: