Mission Statement

Mission Statements 

The mission of the Debusk College of Osteopathic Medicine (DCOM):

To prepare healthcare professionals, including practitioners, researchers and educators, who are committed to serving the Appalachian region and beyond with the premise that the cornerstone of meaningful existence is service to humanity.

The mission of the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) Program at LMU-DCOM:

To prepare outstanding osteopathic physicians who are committed to the premise that the cornerstone of meaningful existence is service to humanity.

The DO PROGRAM mission is achieved by:

• Graduating Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine;
• Providing a values-based learning community as the context for teaching, research, and service;
• Serving the health and wellness needs of people within both the Appalachian region and beyond;
• Focusing on enhanced access to comprehensive health care for underserved communities;
• Investing in quality academic programs supported by superior faculty and technology;
• Embracing compassionate, patient-centered care that values public service and leadership as an enduring commitment to professionalism and the highest ethical standards;
• Facilitating the growth, development, and maintenance of graduate medical education.
  

DO Program Mission revised 05/07/25 by LMU-DCOM - approval at Dean's Council Meeting

LMU-DCOM (DO Program) Strategic Plan 2026-2031

Approved 10/27/25 by the LMU-DCOM Strategic Planning and Compliance Committee
Approved 11/11/25 by the LMU-DCOM Dean's Council 

Previous Year's Plan

LMU-DCOM (DO Program) Strategic Plan 2025-2030

Goals

Goal #1: The DO program maintains a written mission and strategic plan, ensures full accreditation from AOA-COCA and other accrediting bodies, and operates with integrity through documented adherence to fair and effective policies, processes, and practices, supported by ongoing planning, assessment, and a governance structure defined by written bylaws.

Goal #2: The DO Program will have leadership and senior administrative staff with the knowledge, skills, time, and support necessary to achieve the goals of the osteopathic medical education program and to ensure the functional integration of all programmatic components.

Goal 3: The DO Program has sufficient financial resources readily available to meet the needs of the COM and to achieve the COM mission, consistent with its projected and authorized class size.

Goal 4: The DO program has sufficient physical facilities, equipment, and resources readily available and accessible to faculty, staff, students, alumni and the community for clinical, instructional, research and technological functions at all campuses to achieve its mission.

Goal #5: The DO program provides a professional, respectful, non-discriminatory, culturally sensitive and intellectually stimulating academic and clinical environment.

Goal #6: The DO Program develops, implements, and continuously evaluates a high-quality curriculum that ensures student achievement of program objectives and osteopathic core competencies across all campuses with stakeholder participation.

Goal #7: The DO Program maintains a highly qualified faculty who uphold safety and excellence in teaching, supervision, and evaluation. and ensures a fair, comprehensive system of student assessment.

Goal #8: The DO Program fosters a strong culture of research and scholarly activity by supporting faculty, research infrastructure and engaging students in research throughout all four years of osteopathic medical education.

Goal #9: DO Program establishes clear, mission-driven admissions policies and provides comprehensive resources that promote health, wellness, and equitable support for all students, faculty, and staff.

Goal #10: The DO program ensures that its curriculum provides content of sufficient breadth and depth to prepare students for entry into graduate medical education and subsequent medical practice, while supporting the
development and maintenance of community-based GME programs and preparing students to be competitive for placement into these programs.

Goal #11: The DO program assesses programmatic and individual student outcomes, including attainment of osteopathic core competencies and skills to ensure GME readiness, using data to continuously improve all aspects ofthe COM to meet its mission.

Approved 10/27/25 by the LMU-DCOM Strategic Planning and Compliance Committee
Approved 11/11/25 by the LMU-DCOM Dean's Council