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Joint Medical Program
Pitzer College & Western University of Health Sciences
Joint Medical Program | Curriculum | For More Information
About Pitzer College
Pitzer College is an independent residential liberal arts and sciences college of about 950 students. Pitzer was founded in 1963 as the sixth member of the Claremont Colleges. The total enrollment of all the colleges is about 6,000 students.
Pitzer’s emphasis on interdisciplinary learning, intercultural understanding and social responsibility distinguishes us from most other colleges in the United States. We encourage students to explore how different academic fields intersect and draw on each others’ wisdom and ideas; we enable students to see issues and events from cultural perspectives different from their own; and we show students how to transform knowledge into action as they strive to make the world a better place to live for themselves and future generations. Pitzer’s curriculum prepares students for the distinctive approach to the patient that characterizes osteopathic medical education.
About Western University of Health Sciences
Founded in 1977, Western University of Health Sciences/College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific is dedicated to preparing people-centered health care professionals and leads the national in the percentage of physician graduate careers in primary care medicine. Located about five miles from Pitzer College, the campus of Western University of Health Sciences has all the attributes of a modern academic health center including laboratories, medical library, nearby clinic, classrooms and lecture halls.
About the Linkage Program
About Osteopathic Medicine
Osteopathic medicine is the fastest growing segment of the healthcare field in the United States. Today, there are 47,000 osteopathic physicians in this country. Doctors of osteopathic medicine (D.O.s), like M.D.s, are fully trained and licensed to practice the full scope of medicine in all 50 states. In addition to activities shared with their allopathic colleagues, D.O.s add to their practice a “whole person” approach to medicine,
by focusing on preventive health care as well as the healing power of touch.
Osteopathic medicine is based on the philosophy that all body systems are interrelated and dependent upon one another for good health. It provides
all the benefits of modern medicine including surgery, prescription of drugs, and the
use of technology to diagnose and evaluate illness. In addition, it provides the additional benefit
of hands-on diagnosis and treatment through a therapeutic system known as osteopathic manipulative medicine. With
the addition of osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) osteopathic physicians use their hands to aid in diagnosing and treating injury and illness. |
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This linkage program normally consists of three years of full-time studies at Pitzer College and four years at Western University. Each student will have two faculty advisors—one from each institution. At Pitzer, each student will meet the College’s educational objectives and all the premedical requirements prior to beginning their studies at Western University. Pitzer students study the natural sciences at the Keck Science Center, a first-rate facility with a faculty committed to under-graduate education. The Keck Science Center is shared by Pitzer, Claremont McKenna and Scripps Colleges.
Admission
This joint program is a demanding one. As undergraduates, students will be involved in rigorous courses in the natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, and weekly internships at local clinics after their first semester. In addition, students will spend one summer in study and volunteer work in an underserved area in the United States or abroad. Candidates should have a strong academic record that demonstrates competence in science and a record of community service that indicates their commitment to work in patient-centered primary care.
Applicants must complete the Common Application and submit a two-to-three page essay addressing the following questions:
- Why are you interested in osteopathic medicine?
- Why does this program appeal to you?
- Why do you believe you are qualified for this program? In answering this last question, you should indicate how you have demonstrated your commitment to community service.
The Office of Admission is located in Pitzer Hall,
just south of the Gold Student Center.
Phone: 909-621-8129
Fax: 909-621-8770
email: admission@pitzer.edu
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