UAlbany and Touro College of Medicine Collaborate to Develop the Next Generation of Physicians

ALBANY, NY – The University at Albany and Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine-Middletown (TouroCOM-Middletown) are launching a program that will provide select UAlbany students with the opportunity to be assured admission to the medical school two years earlier than the standard application year.

Osteopathic medicine is a distinct form of medicine that emphasizes illness prevention and a “whole-person” approach to treatment and care. According to the American Osteopathic Association, DOs receive particular training in the musculoskeletal system in addition to learning the "latest advances in medical technology, offering patients the most comprehensive care available in medicine today." Osteopathic physicians can choose any specialty, prescribe drugs, perform surgeries, and practice medicine anywhere in the U.S.

Under the agreement, highly competitive pre-medical students who come to UAlbany as freshmen can apply to TouroCOM-Middletown in the fall of their sophomore year and will be notified of acceptance by May of the same academic year. Accepted students will be given the opportunity to make a reciprocal, binding commitment and in return, TouroCOM-Middletown will reserve a place for the student in the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) class scheduled to matriculate two years from the date of their acceptance into the program.

"One of the many reasons we are thrilled to partner with TouroCOM-Middletown is that Osteopathic Medicine is known to be incredibly effective at graduating students who pursue careers in primary and preventative care," says Laura Schweitzer, vice president for Health Sciences at UAlbany. "There is a tremendous shortage of these types of community-oriented doctors in New York State, and as such we look forward to a partnership that will not only serve a critical need in NYS, but will also provide yet another option to our talented pre-medical students."

"Agreements such as this demonstrate TouroCOM's commitment to training physicians who will live and practice in the Middletown and Hudson Valley area," says Kenneth J. Steier, D.O., executive dean of TouroCOM NY. "These areas have a significant need for physicians, especially in primary care."

The program, which is site-specific and applies only to the Middletown campus of Touro, does not enable students to begin medical school early but rather allows them to be guaranteed placement two years earlier than is the standard practice.

In addition to maintaining a high level of academic achievement, the students who gain acceptance and commit to attending TouroCOM-Middletown will be required to meet regularly with their UAlbany advisor and representatives from TouroCOM-Middletown. In addition, the student must obtain one hundred hours of paid or volunteer exposure to the healthcare field and complete all medical school requirements, including the MCAT examination.

UAlbany's affiliation with TouroCOM-Middletown joins the list of other early assurance programs offered to students.

For more information about the TouroCOM-Middletown program including eligibility requirements, click here.

About the University at Albany
A comprehensive public research university, the University at Albany-SUNY offers more than 120 undergraduate majors and minors and 125 master’s, doctoral, and graduate certificate programs.  UAlbany is a leader among all New York State colleges and universities in such diverse fields as atmospheric and environmental sciences, business, criminal justice, emergency preparedness, engineering and applied sciences, informatics, public administration, social welfare, and sociology taught by an extensive roster of faculty experts. It also offers expanded academic and research opportunities for students through an affiliation with Albany Law School. With a curriculum enhanced by 600 study-abroad opportunities, UAlbany launches great careers.

About TouroCOM
The Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine is committed to training osteopathic physicians, with a particular emphasis on practicing medicine in underserved communities, and to increasing the number of underrepresented minorities in medicine. TouroCOM values and supports public service, research, graduate medical education, and osteopathic clinical service in the community that will strive to improve health outcomes.

About the Touro College and University System
Touro is a system of nonprofit institutions of higher and professional education. Touro College was chartered in 1970 primarily to enrich the Jewish heritage, and to serve the larger American and global community. Approximately 19,200 students are currently enrolled in its various schools and divisions. Touro College has 30 campuses and locations in New York, California, Nevada, Berlin, Jerusalem, and Moscow. New York Medical College; Touro University California and Touro University Nevada; Touro University Worldwide and its Touro College Los Angeles division; as well as Hebrew Theological College in Skokie, IL, are separately accredited institutions within the Touro College and University System

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