A.T. Still University
Encyclopedia
A.T. Still University is the world's first osteopathic
medical school. Founded in 1892 by Dr. Andrew Taylor Still
, the school is based in Kirksville, Missouri
, and has other campuses in Arizona. ATSU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
.
Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (KCOM), as the original osteopathic model, has continued to distribute graduates at top levels to the rural and underserved areas of the nation in most need of physicians. KCOM graduates train in a wide range of rural and urban locations. The School of Osteopathic Medicine Arizona (SOMA) is a new medical education model linking osteopathic training to the nation's Community Health Centers
. KCOM and SOMA both have over 20% of graduates who are fluent in Spanish. ATSU graduates match up to the populations in most need of health care in student birth to admission life experiences, training location, and career choice.
A unique partnership exists between A.T. Still and the National Association of Community Health Centers. In response to needs for primary care, the Physician Assistant training program was integrated into the initial Arizona campus plans. The Dental School implemented a unique model integrating state of the art training with patient care needs in Community Health Centers (CHC). The School of Osteopathic Medicine Arizona works in partnership with eleven sites to integrate medical education with preparation for the most complex health care careers. A Hometown program exists to offer an opportunity for medical students previously connected to CHCs to gain admission. Specific tracks also focus on Native American
health professional workforce.
Osteopathy
Osteopathy and osteopathic medicine are often used interchangeably for the philosophy and system of alternative medical practice first proposed by A. T. Still MD, DO in 1874....
medical school. Founded in 1892 by Dr. Andrew Taylor Still
Andrew Taylor Still
Andrew Taylor Still is considered the father of osteopathy and osteopathic medicine. He was also a physician & surgeon, author, inventor and Kansas territorial & state legislator. He was one of the founders of Baker University, the oldest 4-year college in the state of Kansas, and was the founder...
, the school is based in Kirksville, Missouri
Kirksville, Missouri
Kirksville is the county seat of Adair County, Missouri, United States. It is located in Benton Township. The population was 17,505 at the 2010 census. Kirksville also anchors a micropolitan area that comprises Adair and Schuyler counties. The city is perhaps best known as the location of Truman...
, and has other campuses in Arizona. ATSU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
The North Central Association of Colleges and Schools , also known as the North Central Association, is a membership organization, consisting of colleges, universities, and schools in 19 U.S. states, that is engaged in educational accreditation...
.
History
Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine founded in 1892 (originally named American School of Osteopathy); Arizona School of Health Sciences founded in 1995; School of Health Management founded in 1999; Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health founded in 2003; School of Osteopathic Medicine Arizona founded in 2006. The ASDOH clinic opened in 2005.Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (KCOM), as the original osteopathic model, has continued to distribute graduates at top levels to the rural and underserved areas of the nation in most need of physicians. KCOM graduates train in a wide range of rural and urban locations. The School of Osteopathic Medicine Arizona (SOMA) is a new medical education model linking osteopathic training to the nation's Community Health Centers
Community health centers in the United States
A Community health center in the United States is a Community health center in the United States.Community Health Centers are unique in that at least 51 percent of all Governing Board Members must be patients at the CHC. Access to care is improved by decreasing the cost of care with a sliding fee...
. KCOM and SOMA both have over 20% of graduates who are fluent in Spanish. ATSU graduates match up to the populations in most need of health care in student birth to admission life experiences, training location, and career choice.
A unique partnership exists between A.T. Still and the National Association of Community Health Centers. In response to needs for primary care, the Physician Assistant training program was integrated into the initial Arizona campus plans. The Dental School implemented a unique model integrating state of the art training with patient care needs in Community Health Centers (CHC). The School of Osteopathic Medicine Arizona works in partnership with eleven sites to integrate medical education with preparation for the most complex health care careers. A Hometown program exists to offer an opportunity for medical students previously connected to CHCs to gain admission. Specific tracks also focus on Native American
Native Americans in the United States
Native Americans in the United States are the indigenous peoples in North America within the boundaries of the present-day continental United States, parts of Alaska, and the island state of Hawaii. They are composed of numerous, distinct tribes, states, and ethnic groups, many of which survive as...
health professional workforce.
Mission
With providing the worlds first osteopathic principles to medicine, A.T. Still University states:
"Consistent with the University’s heritage as the founding school of osteopathic medicine, the mission of A.T. Still University is to educate students to become competent healthcare professionals who continuously develop and demonstrate compassion, integrity, and ability, while advancing osteopathic principles and philosophy. The institution is committed to scholarly inquiry that anticipates and addresses society’s healthcare needs. The University encourages its constituencies to become leaders in improving community health and wellness with a comprehensive appreciation of the interaction of body, mind, and spirit."
Campus
A.T. Still University comprises two osteopathic medical schools, a school of dentistry and oral health, a school of health sciences, and a school of health management. A second school of dentistry and oral health is scheduled to open in 2013.- Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine - The Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine deals exclusively with training Osteopathic doctors. The KCOM curriculum includes four years of study. The first two years focus on the basic and clinical sciences including osteopathic theory and methods, in an academic setting at the Kirksville campus. The third and fourth year clinical rotation experience is completed at sites in one of the rotation regions. These regions include Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Utah. The campus features a human patient simulation lab, study rooms for standardized patient encounters, classrooms, and labs. It also houses the Gutensohn Clinic, the Still National Osteopathic Museum, the A.T. Still Memorial Library, the Northeast Missouri Area Health Education Center, and the A.T. Still Research Institute.
- School of Osteopathic Medicine in ArizonaA.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine in ArizonaThe A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona deals exclusively with training physicians. Established in 2007 and located in Mesa Arizona, the university is intended to serve the community by training medical school students devoted to the community. As a campus of the...
- The School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona deals exclusively with training Osteopathic doctors. The campus operates in a portion of an existing 100000 square feet (9,290.3 m²) building on the 22 acres (8.9 ha) campus of A.T. Still University in Mesa. The Campus is the anchor of the Arizona Health & Technology Park, a 132 acres (53.4 ha) education, healthcare, and technology triangle owned by ATSU and Vanguard Health Systems. The master plan for the new park includes hospitals, long-term care facilities, professional offices, and product development research facilities.
- School of Health Management - The School of Health Management was founded in 1999 on the Kirksville Campus. This school trains individuals in health education, public health, and the business side of healthcare.
- Arizona School of Health Sciences - Arizona School of Health Sciences was founded in 1995, and was the first school to occupy ATSU’s second campus in Mesa, ArizonaMesa, ArizonaAccording to the 2010 Census, the racial composition of Mesa was as follows:* White: 77.1% * Hispanic or Latino : 26.54%* Black or African American: 3.5%* Two or more races: 3.4%* Native American: 2.4%...
. The school deals with health sciences ranging from audiology, physical therapy, and PA studies.
- Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health - The Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health, Arizona's first dental school, was added to the Mesa Campus in 2003. This school deals with training in the dental medicine sciences.
- Missouri School of Dentistry and Oral Health - It was announced on February 17, 2011 that a branch campus of the Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health will be added to the Kirksville A.T. Still campus. However at an October 2011 meeting the A.T. Still University Board of Directors voted to instead operate the new Kirksville dental school as a separate entity. Construction of a two-story, 61,000 square foot building adjacent to the A.T.S.U. Kirksville campus will begin in Spring 2012, with an initial class of forty to fifty students expected to begin classes in the fall of 2013.
See also
- List of dental schools in the United States
- List of medical schools in the United States
- Osteopathic medicine in the United States