ORLANDO (Diya TV) — Officials gathered on Sunday, March 10th, to commemorate the grand opening of the Orlando College of Osteopathic Medicine (OCOM), marking a significant milestone in Central Florida’s healthcare landscape.
Led by philanthropists Drs. Kiran and Pallavi Patel, OCOM emerged from their vision to address the region’s shortage of physicians and residency programs. With a commitment to fostering compassionate and skilled physicians, the institution aims to make a lasting impact on community health and well-being.
The state-of-the-art facility, located in Winter Garden’s Horizon West neighborhood, spans three stories and 144,000 square feet, boasting modernist-style architecture designed by BakerBarrios, a renowned Nashville-based firm. Equipped with cutting-edge amenities including an Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine Lab, Virtual Anatomy Lab, Research Lab, and Simulation Lab, OCOM provides an ideal environment for medical education and innovation.
Dr. Robert T. Hasty, DO, FACOI, FACP, Dean & Chief Academic Officer of OCOM, expressed confidence in the school’s ability to train future healthcare leaders. “OCOM will have an impact on the Central Florida community, our nation, and our global community,” he affirmed, underscoring the institution’s commitment to excellence in medical education.
Inaugural classes, scheduled to commence on August 5, 2024, will welcome 97 students eager to embark on their journey towards becoming proficient osteopathic physicians. These students will benefit from OCOM’s strategic partnerships with over 26 hospitals and healthcare systems, as well as collaborations with the Kiran Patel Institute for Graduate Medical Education, facilitating residency positions across Florida.
Dr. Daniel J. Newhaller, DO, President of OCOM’s Board of Trustees, emphasized the institution’s transformative potential, stating, “OCOM will shape the future of healthcare in Central Florida for generations to come.” With a focus on nurturing a culture of compassion and expertise, OCOM aims to produce healthcare professionals who are equipped to address the evolving needs of diverse communities.
In addition to its educational endeavors, OCOM is poised to contribute significantly to the local economy, with projections estimating a $1.7 billion economic impact by 2045. The school’s commitment to excellence extends beyond its curriculum, with plans to create 1,000 new residency positions over the next decade in partnership with the Dr. Kiran C. Patel Institute for Graduate Medical Education.
