Proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine

The Nation's First Jesuit College of Osteopathic Medicine

college of osteopathic medicine rendering

 “Xavier's mission is deeply tied to our culture of care, making our campus a perfect fit for a College of Osteopathic Medicine. This college will sit squarely at the intersection of community need, Xavier’s established academic strengths and a remarkable Jesuit Catholic mission that emphasizes service that is rooted in justice and love. We will soon welcome aspiring doctors with servants’ hearts, instilling in them the knowledge, skills and values that will empower them to make a true difference through their profession.”

-President Colleen Hanycz, PhD

Read a Q&A With Dr. Steven Halm, Founding Dean of the College of Osteopathic Medicine

Quick Facts

College of Medicine Naming Opportunities 

The Proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine Naming Opportunities offer a spectrum of avenues for individuals and organizations to leave a lasting legacy within our institution.

College of Medicine Announcements

Plans to establish the nation’s first Jesuit College of Osteopathic Medicine address a critical future need to train more primary care doctors while bolstering Xavier’s status as a leader in mission-driven, health sciences education.

Proposed College of Medicine Site Plan

The rendering above shows a concept for a medical and sciences complex to house the College of Osteopathic Medicine. The design and location shown in the rendering are for speculative purposes only and have not been finalized. Updates will be shared with the community as they are finalized.

Media/Press Inquiries

Contact David Hamilton, Public Relations and Communications Specialist, Office of Marketing and Communications, at hamiltond@xavier.edu.

Frequently Asked Questions: Osteopathic Medicine

What is osteopathic medicine?

Osteopathic medicine is a branch of healthcare that takes a comprehensive and holistic approach to patient care. Osteopathic physicians, also known as Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs), undergo rigorous medical training that encompasses both traditional medical education and additional coursework in osteopathic principles and practices. They are trained to view the patient as a whole, considering not only physical symptoms but also the impact of emotional, social and environmental factors on health.

Osteopathic medicine promotes preventive care, wellness and the body's self-healing mechanisms, recognizing the importance of a balanced musculoskeletal system for overall well-being. With a focus on patient-centered care, osteopathic medicine aims to foster a strong doctor-patient relationship and provide compassionate, individualized, and comprehensive healthcare services.

Learn more about osteopathic medicine on the American Osteopathic Association's website.

What is the difference between allopathic schools and colleges of osteopathic medicine?

Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine:

Allopathic Medical Schools:

Find more information about colleges of osteopathic medicine on the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine website.

What is an example of osteopathic medicine?

An osteopathic physician might approach the treatment of a patient with a sinus infection.

An osteopathic physician, trained in the principles of osteopathic medicine, would approach the patient's condition by considering not only the physical symptoms but also the underlying factors contributing to the condition. The physician would perform a thorough assessment of the patient's head, facial structures, neck, upper back, and the lymphatic system taking into account any imbalances, restrictions, or misalignments that may be affecting the area of the head, neck, upper chest and surrounding structures. Using osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), the physician would employ gentle hands-on techniques, soft tissue mobilization and myofascial release, to address and improve lymphatic drainage to promote optimal immune system function.

Additionally, the osteopathic physician would collaborate with the patient to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that may include exercise, lifestyle modifications, spiritual growth and other interventions to support the body's natural healing abilities and improve overall well-being.

How does osteopathic medicine align with Jesuit values?

Osteopathic medicine aligns harmoniously with the Jesuit education tradition, encompassing the values of intellectual rigor, ethical reasoning and holistic care. Jesuit institutions strive to cultivate well-rounded individuals who demonstrate compassion and a commitment to the greater good.

Osteopathic medicine, with its emphasis on treating the whole person and recognizing the interconnectedness of body, mind and spirit, embraces this holistic approach. By promoting a comprehensive understanding of health and integrating scientific knowledge with a deep appreciation for the human person, osteopathic physicians trained within the Jesuit education tradition embody the Jesuit ideal of cura personalis, or care for the whole person, in their medical practice. They combine their expert medical skills with a genuine concern for the well-being of patients, nurturing their physical, emotional, and spiritual health.