Idaho medical college wins pre-accreditation

The proposed Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine (ICOM) has been awarded pre-accreditation status by the American Osteopathic Association’s Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation. The pre-accreditation is a critical step towards full accreditation. It required submission of a feasibility study, an onsite inspection, a public comment period, and multiple in-person testimonials to the accreditation committee. ICOM was also required to deposit more than $37 million in escrow and operating reserves. “This is a monumental day for Idaho’s first medical school,” said Dr. Robert Hasty, ICOM founding dean and chief academic officer. “ICOM will be a game changer and make an incredible impact on the health of the region for generations to come. Idaho will be proud of their first medical school.” The mission of the college is to train osteopathic physicians prepared for caring for persons in Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming. “The process of securing pre-accreditation is rigorous and challenging and certainly represents a major milestone in our efforts to date,” said Tracy Farnsworth, ICOM President. “We are absolutely committed to opening Idaho’s first college of medicine.” A ceremonial groundbreaking is scheduled May 17.