Although most U.S. states have medical schools, some only have one or two options for those pursuing a career in medicine. This can make admissions more competitive, especially for applicants from outside the state. This is the case in Maine, which has one medical school: the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine (UNE COM), a D.O.-granting medical school. This article reviews the main features of this medical school.
University of New England
The University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine (UNE COM) was founded in 1978 by the New England Osteopathic Foundation. UNE COM is Maine’s only medical school and the only osteopathic medical school in New England.
UNE COM is nationally recognized for leadership in primary care, rural medicine, osteopathic medicine, and geriatric health care. UNE reports that it is one of the top D.O. programs for COMLEX-USA performance, and current UNE outcome data show strong residency placement rates.
UNE COM reports that more than 60% of its graduates practice in primary care disciplines, including family medicine, general internal medicine, and pediatrics. It also reports a top-five ranking for mean scores on COMLEX-USA Levels 1 and 2. COMLEX-USA is the national licensure examination series for osteopathic medical students and graduates.
The main difference between physicians with an M.D. degree and those with a D.O. degree is the osteopathic emphasis on whole-person, patient-centered care. D.O.s and M.D.s are both fully licensed physicians, and D.O.s can practice in all medical specialties. Osteopathic medical education also includes training in osteopathic principles and practices, including osteopathic manipulative medicine.
The D.O. curriculum at this medical school follows these principles. The first two years are pre-clerkship years that build foundational biomedical and medical knowledge and clinical skills. Students learn through small-group, team-based, simulation, anatomy, clinical skills, and osteopathic manipulative medicine experiences.
During the third year, students complete core rotations, including internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, family medicine, and psychiatry. In the fourth year, students complete selective rotations in internal medicine, surgery, osteopathic manipulative medicine, and emergency medicine. Elective rotations may be completed in the third or fourth year with approval, and international electives may be scheduled for elective credit only.
For students interested in anatomy-focused graduate study, UNE COM also offers an M.S. in Clinical Anatomy. This is a two-year, 41- to 44-credit program taught within UNE COM, with pathways in teaching, research, and medical school preparation. The program prepares students for careers in medical education, research, or further medical and graduate study.
UNE is a private university, and UNE COM accepts applicants from outside Maine as well as international applicants. Admissions are handled through the AACOMAS online platform. International applicants, or applicants with foreign coursework, must also submit a WES or ECE credential evaluation and proof of English language proficiency if English is not their first language.
UNE COM is recommended for students who want to pursue medicine through an osteopathic, whole-person approach. The school’s new Portland facility increased enrollment to 200 medical students per class, so applicants should prepare carefully and submit all required and supporting documents that can strengthen their application.
We hope this has helped you in your search for the best medical school in the U.S. Read more insightful articles on our Study in the U.S. Guide. If you are interested, you can also check Available Courses for International Students!
