Illinois College of Osteopathic Medicine at The Chicago School - IllinoisCOM

At the Illinois College of Osteopathic Medicine at The Chicago School (IllinoisCOM), our curriculum is built on the belief that exceptional physicians must understand the full context of a patient’s life to deliver effective care. Rooted in osteopathic principles and enriched by our university’s deep strengths in behavioral health, our program emphasizes the integration of mental and physical health across every year of training. From the outset, students are immersed in a learning environment that prioritizes cultural humility, social determinants of health, and the development of clinical reasoning grounded in compassion and evidence.

Year 1 and 2 focus on foundational biomedical and clinical sciences, delivered through an integrated systems-based approach. Students also begin the Mind and Medicine course series—developed in collaboration with behavioral health faculty—which explores how mental health, trauma, and psychosocial factors intersect with chronic illness and patient outcomes. Early clinical exposure, interprofessional case studies, and two behavioral health rotations begin laying the groundwork for real-world collaboration and trauma-informed care.

Year 3 and 4 emphasize hands-on clinical training across a range of specialties, including internal medicine, pediatrics, and surgery. Students complete two distinct behavioral health rotations—one traditional psychiatry, and a second focused on collaborative models, addiction medicine, and trauma-informed care. With access to clinical sites in major metropolitan regions such as Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, and Washington D.C., students gain experience with patient populations across settings, preparing them for residency and practice in complex health systems. Electives, research opportunities, and expanded training in OMM and integrative primary care allow students to shape their path while reinforcing our program’s commitment to mental-physical health integration.

Courses below are shown as either Recommended or Required and, when applicable, include the number of semester hours needed.

Applicants to IllinoisCOM at The Chicago School should demonstrate personal resilience, academic readiness, and the potential for growth to succeed in our integrated and rigorous curriculum.

IllinoisCOM follows a rolling admissions process. Once AACOMAS verifies an applicant’s coursework and official MCAT score(s), qualified individuals will be invited to complete a Secondary Application. The Admissions Committee uses a holistic review process—considering academic metrics, lived experiences, and personal qualities—to assess how each applicant aligns with the mission and vision of IllinoisCOM and The Chicago School.

The primary application, secondary application, and letters of recommendation are all evaluated to determine whether an applicant will be invited to a virtual interview.

2025-2026 Academic Year