Estimated read time: 5-6 minutes
Utah is facing a pressing need for more physicians, and Provo's Noorda College of Osteopathic Medicine (Noorda-COM) is stepping up to meet this challenge. As the state's newest and soon-to-be largest medical school, Noorda-COM is committed to making a significant impact on medical education and healthcare in Utah.
From major milestones to cutting-edge facilities and a student-focused curriculum, Noorda-COM is at the forefront of addressing the doctor shortage. Here's how Utah's soon-to-be largest medical school is working to keep more medical students in the state and prepare them to meet local healthcare needs.
A big milestone
This year is a major moment for Noorda-COM. They recently welcomed their fourth class of 170 students and will soon celebrate their first graduating class.
"We now have nearly 600 students enrolled at Noorda-COM and are actively recruiting for our next class of students. Our medical students are not just taking coursework here on campus, but they are out in the community working alongside community physicians treating Utah patients," said Lynsey Drew, DO, Noorda-COM dean.
"Our students continue to work hard and embrace Noorda-COM's transformative and innovative teaching model. They are excelling in their studies I am confident they will go on to provide medical health services to people from all walks of life."
Now in its fourth year, Noorda-COM's commitment to retaining talented students in Utah and preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals remains stronger than ever.
Holistic training for better care
No one likes being treated as "just another patient" — which is why Noorda-COM takes a holistic approach to health care.
"Holistic medicine is a form of healing that considers the whole person – body, mind, spirit, and emotions – in the quest for optimal health and wellness," Hedy Marks writes for WebMD.
Simply put, Noorda-COM believes in treating the whole person, not just their symptoms. Their unique curriculum mixes osteopathic principles with the latest medical practices. Students learn to look at healthcare from a broad perspective, taking into account both physical health and emotional well-being.
Making a community impact
Noorda-COM isn't just focused on teaching their students; they're also dedicated to making a tangible impact on the community. This commitment is evident in their recent partnership with the Provo City School District, the Provo Open, and Mayor Michelle Kaufusi to launch "Kaufusi's Keikis," a health outreach program aimed at improving the health of Provo's young students.
The program offers opt-in free, annual health screenings for elementary-aged children, with a special focus on supporting low-income and under-resourced communities. These screenings are conducted by Noorda-COM student doctors, with supervision from experienced faculty physicians. The next round of screening events will take place in late September and early October.
Unlike basic assessments offered by some schools, Kaufusi's Keikis provides comprehensive evaluations, including vital signs, cardiopulmonary and gastrointestinal exams, HEENT (head, ears, eyes, nose, oral, throat) examinations, musculoskeletal condition checks, neurological tests and vision assessments. The initiative not only benefits the health of Provo's children but also gives Noorda-COM students valuable hands-on experience, setting the stage for a healthier future for the community.
Leading in medical education
As Utah's soon-to-be largest medical school, Noorda-COM stands out with its impressive size and facilities. They offer state-of-the-art equipment, advanced simulation labs and a cutting-edge curriculum designed to create skilled, compassionate doctors. In 2023, they enrolled 27 students from Brigham Young University, more than any other school in the state, highlighting their role in keeping top talent in Utah.
Noorda-COM also has nearly 18% of its student population made up of underrepresented minority groups and a large number of first-generation college students. The medical school also boasts a significant number of students participating in the military's Health Professions Scholarship Program.
Addressing the doctor shortage
The reality is that Utah is in urgent need of more doctors. With a recent Becker's Hospital Review ranking the state at No. 49 for primary care provider availability, Noorda College of Osteopathic Medicine (Noorda-COM) is stepping up to help. They're focused on equipping students with the skills to become not just capable and confident doctors, but also compassionate ones.
Noorda-COM isn't just aiming to fill the gap in physician numbers; they're dedicated to preparing future doctors to tackle the healthcare challenges their communities face with skill and commitment.
Helping to shape the future of healthcare
As Noorda-COM grows and evolves, they're focused on solving Utah's healthcare challenges and improving patient care. Their dedication to holistic training, community service and keeping students in-state is key to their mission of creating a healthier future for all Utahns.
To learn more about Noorda-COM and their programs, visit noordacom.org call 385-378-5201.
Interested in attending? Apply now!
If you've ever felt called to the medical field, there's never been a better — or more urgent — time to dive in. Join the next generation of osteopathic physicians and enjoy a student-centric curriculum at Noorda-COM's brand-new, high-tech campus. Attend an admissions event, read up on the curriculum, or learn more about the admissions process today!
About Noorda-COM:
Located in Provo, Utah, Noorda College of Osteopathic Medicine (Noorda-COM) offers an innovative approach to medical education. Through its blend of small group learning, advanced laboratory and research opportunities, and overarching focus on student wellness, Noorda-COM is molding the next generation of competent, confident, and compassionate osteopathic physicians. (Noorda-COM is a private, proprietary institution. An independent governing Board of Trustees oversees Noorda-COM. The Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation granted Noorda-COM Pre-Accreditation status in December 2020.)
