To address Colorado’s critical and growing physician shortage, UNC is establishing a new College of Osteopathic Medicine. Made possible by the investments of donors and unprecedented financial support from the State of Colorado through HB24-1231, this bold initiative will directly address the challenges of access to healthcare for all of Colorado’s populations, create new career paths for students seeking to make a difference, and actively benefit our communities and state for generations to come.

The proposed osteopathic medical college will play a crucial role in providing physicians to Colorado communities that need them the most. The state’s two existing medical colleges can’t graduate enough physicians annually to fill the increasing gaps in health care the state faces.

Osteopathic medical program graduates receive Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degrees upon the completion of four years of academic study, residency training and national licensing exams. All these requirements are consistent with the rigor of a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree, yet according to the American Medical Association, D.O.s have a higher propensity to practice primary care and practice in rural areas. Both address important health care needs for the region given that according to the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration, less than 35% of Coloradans’ needs for physicians are currently being met.

Projected to boost Colorado’s economy by $1.4 billion over the next 20 years and generate $84 million in taxpayer benefits, according to a recent economic impact study by Lightcast, UNC is continuing to support communities across the state. To be part of the change Colorado needs, invest in a future where everyone has access to highly skilled health care professionals.