About UNE COM

The University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine is a recognized leader in osteopathic medical education. Our mission statement, philosophy, core values and vision provide a focus for students, faculty, administration and all the interactions within and between these populations. The curriculum, and the candidates selected to join the community in the full execution of the curriculum, are continually guided by these key ideas. 

Origin

In 1972, a group of New England osteopathic physicians met informally to discuss their concern about the aging population of osteopathic physicians in the New England area and the difficulty of New England students in securing admission to osteopathic colleges. Osteopathic physicians comprised the majority of physicians available in numerous rural and urban areas. Failure to replace them would cause not only a marked loss to the profession but, more importantly, to the patients who had come to depend on osteopathic medical care. The group discussed ways of dealing with this problem and moved to establish an osteopathic college in New England.

The New England Foundation for Osteopathic Medicine (NEFOM) was incorporated in 1973 in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Since its inception, the purpose of this nonprofit tax-exempt organization was "to operate and maintain a foundation for the promotion of osteopathic medical education, osteopathic medical research, and the improvement of health care in osteopathic medical hospitals and related institutions."

These goals were established as a response to the needs recognized by the profession, which later became documented in studies supported by the Bureau of Health Manpower of the then U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare. The establishment of NEFOM, as well as the planning for the creation of a college of osteopathic medicine, was based on regionalism: the development of one osteopathic medical school to serve the six New England states was looked upon as an efficient and economical use of the region's resources.

The University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine opened its doors in the fall of 1978 with an entering class of 36 students. This momentous achievement was largely due to the financial support and hard work of individual osteopathic physicians, their state societies, the region's osteopathic hospitals, and grateful patients. Following four years of continued efforts and financial support from the profession and its friends, the College graduated its first class in June of 1982.

Accreditation

The College of Osteopathic Medicine receives accreditation from the American Osteopathic Association Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation, the only national accrediting agency for predoctoral osteopathic medical education in the U.S.

Complaints Regarding Non-Compliance with Accreditation Standards

If you believe that the UNE COM does not comply with a standard of accreditation, you have the right to file a complaint.

Non-Discrimination Statement

The University of New England does not discriminate in admissions or access to, or treatment in, its programs and activities on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, color, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, veteran status, or disabling conditions in violation of federal or state civil rights laws of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

Diversity Policy

The University of New England values a broad and diverse culture and is committed to offering a rich living, learning, and working environment. In both policy and action, we welcome the human differences that compose a varied society.