Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine

ICOM is dedicated to training high-quality osteopathic physicians prepared to care for people in the Mountain West region and beyond with an emphasis on rural, underserved areas. ICOM was conceived and established to attract a well-qualified faculty and student body, as well as to have the technical and other resources necessary to effectively train physicians for 21st Century medicine.

Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine strives to be the nation's leader in training caring and expert osteopathic physicians. Interested in learning what makes ICOM different? Here are a few facts to get you started.

  • 780+ Preceptor Faculty
  • 163 Affiliations with Hospitals/Health Systems
  • 100% Apple-Based Campus
  • 162 Students per Class

Our duty as an institution is to populate underserved areas with physicians. I grew up in what today is an underserved community, and have felt that we needed more physicians in Idaho, and ICOM is providing that service.

— Dr. Brian Martin, ICOM Associate Professor of Pathology

About

For students interested in pursuing research, I would say test the waters, like I did. Especially if you don't know what you want or what you're looking for, take every opportunity — anything that can get you involved.

— Thomas Auen, Class of 2022

Admissions

Research is really important. Maybe people haven’t had the greatest introduction to it, but it can be really worthwhile with the right mentor and with a project that you’re passionate about.

— Kate Buhrke, Class of 2022

Research Lab

Academic medicine dares you to do better, learn more, and to provide the best evidence-based care for your patients. I enjoy new perspectives from medical students, and how it challenges me to examine why I do the things I do.

— Dr. Jessica Ziebarth, ICOM Assistant Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Curriculum

I’ve really never worked with a more dedicated, open-minded, and hard-working group of faculty and staff. The anatomy team works hard to make sure our student-doctors are receiving the best anatomy education possible.

— Dr. Blaine Maley, ICOM Chair of Anatomy

Anatomy Lab

I was drawn to ICOM as I could continue to work towards a career I enjoy, while living in the state which I have called home for the past 25 years. The friendliness of the professors and staff when I first stepped foot on campus made ICOM the right choice for me.

— James Wendell, Class of 2022

Employees

The training I’m receiving at ICOM, coupled with the advanced technology found around campus, are giving me the tools to become the doctor I want to become.

— Sarah Placek, Class of 2022

Clinical Simulations
Portrait of Kiefer Starks, ICOM Class of 2022

At ICOM, I’m learning about treatment that goes beyond the symptoms. At the same time, Idaho has a need for physicians, and I’m looking forward to making a difference in the Mountain West region.

— Kiefer Starks, Class of 2022

Mission

As an Idaho native, ICOM instills a deep sense of pride and excitement. I am able to pursue my passion for learning and practicing medicine near my family and friends, in a community that is truly my home.

— Erica Latorre, Class of 2022

Admissions

ICOM’s medical education is a four-year program to achieve the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree. The first two years, known as the preclinical years, are spent on campus. The final two years, referred to as the clinical years, take place in various clinics and hospitals, where students receive hands-on training

The faculty members at ICOM are passionate about medical education and are dedicated to the success of our students. With a balance of both biomedical and clinical faculty members, ICOM students will feel supported throughout their medical school journey.

The majority of ICOM graduates continue their medical training in one of the primary care specialties, which include family medicine, internal medicine, and pediatrics. In ICOM’s Class of 2023, 51 alumni entered a family medicine residency after graduation.  

ICOM is training the next generation of osteopathic physicians and healthcare leaders, with added emphasis on serving rural and underserved regions. 

Events, News & Research

ISU Health Experience Night at ICOM

10/15/24 at 07:00 PM

As part of the ISU Meridian Health Experience Night, ICOM will open it’s doors to guests from 7:00 PM MT until 8:30 PM MT, where…

Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine

ICOM’s Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) program is a four-year program. Students spend the first two years of instruction on campus and the last two years of instruction integrated into a community hospital and/or health system, working directly with physician instructors and patients. Learn more about ICOM’s DO program here.

Osteopathic Medical School

According to the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM), there are currently 42 accredited colleges of osteopathic medicine in the U.S. These colleges deliver instruction at 67 teaching locations in 36 states. ICOM is the first and only osteopathic medical school in Idaho.

Osteopathic Medical Students

There are more than 38,000 osteopathic medical students in the U.S., according to AACOM. In fact, osteopathic medical students make up approximately 25% of all medical students in the U.S.

Osteopathic Medical Profession: The osteopathic medical profession is fast-growing. According to a 2023 report from the American Osteopathic Association (AOA), the total number of osteopathic physicians in the U.S. has reached nearly 149,000 — a 30% increase over the past five years.

Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine: Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine, also known as Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment, is a form of treatment used by Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs). This treatment is a therapeutic application of touch. Learn more about OMM and OMT here.

American Osteopathic Association: The American Osteopathic Association represents the nearly 200,000 osteopathic medical students and osteopathic physicians in the U.S.

Practice medicine: Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs) practice the full spectrum of medicine. DOs and Doctors of Medicine (MDs) are both fully trained and licensed doctors who can practice medicine in all 50 states and pursue all medical specialties.