VCOM Faculty Handbook

study and after losing his own children to meningitis, he developed a new approach and theory of medicine which he called osteopathy. He based his new approach to health care on the concepts of body unity, the body’s inherent ability to heal itself given all the optimum conditions, and on the proper alignment and function of the musculoskeletal system. Over the years, with the advancement of the use of antibiotics, surgical techniques, and the recognition of the immune system, the practice of both allopathic medicine (M.D.) and osteopathic medicine (D.O.) have evolved. Today, Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs) serve the public with full medical practice rights utilizing all of the modern practices science has to offer in medical and surgical care while incorporating the concept of treating the whole person, utilizing hands-on examination (palpation) in physical diagnosis, pharmacologic treatments, surgical practices, and musculoskeletal manipulation as an important additional therapeutic tool in alleviating pain, and treating illness or injury pain. Accreditation and State Licensure American Osteopathic Association Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation VCOM is fully accredited by the American Osteopathic Association Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA), the nationally recognized accrediting body for osteopathic medical colleges. VCOM currently holds the status of Accreditation. VCOM’s next Comprehensive Site Visit will occur in April 2025. AOA Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA) 142 E. Ontario Street, Chicago, IL 60611-2864 Phone: (888) 626-9262 Email: predoc@osteopathic.org The COCA is the only accrediting agency for predoctoral osteopathic medical education and is recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE). State Council of Higher Education for Virginia The VCOM-Virginia campus was originally certified by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia to offer an educational program that leads to the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree on January 23, 2002. In accordance with §23.1-219 (D) of the Code of Virginia, institutions are not required to obtain another certification from the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) if they: 1. Were formed, chartered, or established in the Commonwealth of Virginia, or chartered by an Act of Congress; 2. Have maintained its main campus continuously in the Commonwealth of Virginia for at least 20 years under their current ownership; 3. Were continuously approved or authorized to confer or grant degrees academic or professional degrees by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, by the Virginia Board of Education or by an Act of the General Assembly during those 20 years; and 4. Are fully accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by and has met the criterial for Title IV eligibility of the U.S. Department of Education. As VCOM was originally certified to operate in Virginia on January 23, 2002, and meets the criteria listed above, the institution is exempt from certification by SCHEV effective February 14, 2022. VCOM continues to be authorized to confer degrees in the Commonwealth of Virginia but does not require additional certification (authorization) by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia.

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