OCOM, AdventHealth University partner to develop physicians

The soon-to-open Orlando College of Osteopathic Medicine has partnered with AdventHealth University to help further develop physicians.

OCOM, which is being built in Horizon West at 7011 Kiran Patel Drive, Winter Garden, is expected to open August 2024.

AdventHealth University, established in 1992, offers dozens of healthcare degrees and certificates, including two pre-med tracks: a bachelor’s degree in health sciences and a bachelor’s degree in biomedical sciences.

The new collaboration will provide a multitude of benefits, including allowing AdventHealth University students and alumni in one of the two degree programs to be guaranteed interviews for admission into OCOM.

In addition, OCOM students will rotate through various specialties at AdventHealth hospitals beginning in 2026. Several AdventHealth physicians serve as OCOM faculty.

“We are thrilled to partner with the Orlando College of Osteopathic Medicine,” C. Josef Ghosn, president and CEO of AdventHealth University, said. “This partnership creates valuable pathways for our graduates to grow and succeed in the field of medicine.”

The first class at OCOM will feature 90 students. At full enrollment, the school plans to have 180 students.

Robert Hasty, founding dean and chief academic officer of OCOM, said the school is going to change healthcare for the region for generations to come.

"With an innovative medical school curriculum meticulously crafted by our esteemed faculty, our institution stands at the forefront of modern medical education," Hasty said. "The educational journey that awaits our future medical students promises to be transformative. They will enter from esteemed schools like AdventHealth University and emerge as highly proficient and caring physicians, expected to fulfill the physician shortage within the Central Florida community.”

Prospective OCOM students are able to apply by clicking here.